Discover the key differences between a chef's knife and a santoku knife to choose the right tool for your kitchen. A chef's knife features a curved blade for rocking motions, making it ideal for versatile tasks like slicing, chopping, and mincing. In contrast, the santoku knife has a straight edge, perfect for precise up-and-down chopping of vegetables and boneless meats. With differences in weight, length, and cultural origins, each knife offers unique strengths to suit your cooking style and needs.