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Vogue
Out of Stock
Commercial Santoku Knife | Bistro Chef Knife | 17.9cm Blade | Vogue FS686
£20.64
/ exc vat
£24.77/ inc vat
Out of Stock, but not for long
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- 17.9cm Stainless Steel Blade
- Ergonomic Rounded Handle
- Rockwell Hardness 52°
- Sharpening Versatility
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Product Overview
Introducing a true workhorse for any professional kitchen, the Vogue Bistro Santoku Knife 18cm is designed for chefs who demand precision, comfort, and reliability. This Japanese-style knife isn't just for show; its versatile blade is crafted for the three core kitchen virtues: slicing, dicing, and mincing. It's the perfect all-rounder, ready to tackle everything from finely chopping herbs to preparing vegetables and boneless meats with effortless grace.
Built specifically for the high-octane environment of commercial catering, this knife is a favourite amongst bistro chefs, culinary students, and busy prep cooks. The combination of a razor-sharp stainless steel blade and an ergonomic, comfortable handle means you can power through hours of prep work without fatigue. Its thoughtful, easy-clean design also ensures you can maintain the highest hygiene standards, even during the busiest service.
If you're looking for a dependable, high-performance tool that offers exceptional value, this commercial Santoku knife from Vogue is a cut above the rest. It provides the control of a top-tier blade without the hefty price tag, making it an essential addition to your culinary toolkit. Experience the difference a truly balanced and efficient knife can make to your daily routine.
Key Features and Benefits
- 17.9cm Stainless Steel Blade: Slices, dices, and minces with absolute precision and ease.
- Ergonomic Rounded Handle: Reduces hand strain, keeping you comfortable during long prep sessions.
- Rockwell Hardness 52°: Holds its sharp edge for longer, saving you sharpening time.
- Sharpening Versatility: Maintain the blade easily with your choice of sharpener.
- Easy-Clean Design: Promotes excellent kitchen hygiene with a quick, simple wipe-down.
- Lightweight Construction: Offers fantastic balance and control for quick, effortless cutting.
- Granton-Style Edge: Creates air pockets so wet foods won't stick.
- Durable & Reliable: Built to withstand the daily rigours of a busy kitchen.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Vogue
- SKU: FS686
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Blade Length: 179mm
- Overall Length: 305mm / 12"
- Weight: 0.27kg
- Rockwell Hardness: 52°
- Handle Colour: Black
Expert Review and Insights
The Vogue Santoku is one of those brilliant, no-nonsense pieces of kit every chef should have. It feels incredibly well-balanced in the hand, and the handle offers a secure grip even when you're working at pace. It's not a flashy, specialist blade, but a dependable, everyday hero that delivers consistent results across a massive range of prep tasks. For the price, its performance is genuinely impressive.
Sophie Brooks – Chef Tools View Profile →
- Pro: Superb balance and handle comfort make it a joy to use.
- Con: Requires regular honing with a steel to maintain its peak sharpness.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The team at 'The Northern Quarter Kitchen', a popular eatery in Manchester, needed to equip their new prep station with versatile knives that could handle a demanding, fast-paced service. They chose the Vogue Santoku for its reputation for durability and value.
"This knife is brilliant. It's sharp, holds its edge well through a busy lunch rush, and the handle is really comfortable. It flies through veg prep and makes a real difference to our workflow. It's a proper kitchen essential."
Ben Carter – Sous Chef
The kitchen reported that their overall prep efficiency for core vegetables like onions and peppers increased by nearly 20%.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
First Use & Handling
- Always wash a new knife with warm, soapy water before its first use.
- Get a feel for the balance before you start chopping at speed.
- Use a 'claw' grip with your non-cutting hand to protect your fingertips.
- Always cut on a dedicated, food-safe chopping board – never on countertops or metal surfaces.
Keeping It Sharp & Safe
- Hand-wash only and dry immediately to prevent water spots and potential corrosion.
- Store it safely in a knife block, on a magnetic rack, or in a sheath – never loose in a drawer.
- Regularly hone the blade with a sharpening steel to maintain its edge between sharpenings.
- Get it professionally sharpened or use a whetstone when honing is no longer effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this knife dishwasher safe?
A: We strongly recommend hand-washing only. The harsh detergents and high heat in a dishwasher can damage the blade's edge and the handle over time.
Q: What is the main difference between a Santoku and a standard chef's knife?
A: A Santoku knife typically has a flatter blade profile, ideal for straight-down slicing and dicing. A Western chef's knife has a more curved 'belly', designed for a 'rocking' motion.
Q: Can I use this Vogue santoku kitchen knife for cutting through bones?
A: No, this knife is designed for vegetables, fruits, and boneless meats. Using it on bones or frozen food can chip or damage the fine blade.
Q: How often will I need to sharpen it?
A: This depends on usage. In a busy commercial kitchen, you should hone it with a steel daily before use and expect to sharpen it properly every few weeks or months.
Q: What does 'Rockwell Hardness 52°' mean?
A: It's a measure of the steel's hardness. A rating of 52° provides a good balance between holding a sharp edge for a reasonable time and being easy enough to re-sharpen when needed.
Q: Is the handle grippy even when wet?
A: The ergonomic handle is designed for a secure grip, but as with any tool, you should always exercise caution and ensure your hands are as dry as possible for maximum safety.
Q: What is the best way to store this knife?
A: The best options are a magnetic knife strip, a knife block, or a protective sheath. Avoid leaving it loose in a drawer where it can be damaged or cause injury.
Q: What kind of chopping board should I use?
A: Always use a wooden or plastic chopping board. Cutting on hard surfaces like stone, glass, or metal will quickly dull and damage the blade.
The Vogue Standard: Reliability in Every Slice
Beyond the technical details of steel and sharpness lies the core reason why Vogue is a mainstay in UK kitchens: trust. For chefs and business owners, equipment failure is not an option. The Vogue brand is built on a foundation of providing affordable, dependable tools that can withstand the relentless pace of a professional environment. This bistro santoku chef’s knife is a perfect example of that philosophy. It's not designed to be the most exotic blade in your collection, but the one you reach for day in, day out. This focus on practical durability means less time worrying about your tools and more time focused on creating fantastic food. Investing in a Vogue knife is an investment in consistency, efficiency, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your equipment won't let you down mid-service.
Explore more from VogueHow a Dimpled Blade Makes Chopping Faster
Ever noticed those oval dimples along the side of a Santoku knife blade? They're not just for looks. This is known as a Granton edge, and it's a clever bit of design that makes your prep work smoother and less frustrating. Think of it like a non-stick pan, but for the side of your knife. As you slice through moist or starchy foods like potatoes, cucumber, or cheese, the dimples create tiny air pockets between the blade and the food. This air gap breaks the suction, preventing the slices from sticking and allowing them to fall away cleanly. The result? Faster, cleaner, and more uniform chopping with much less hassle.
Who Should Buy This?
- Bustling Bistros & Restaurants: The ideal all-purpose blade for prepping everything from vegetables and salads to boneless proteins for main courses.
- Catering Colleges & Trainees: An affordable, professional-grade knife that's perfect for learning essential skills without compromising on quality or safety.
- Gastropubs & Eateries: A reliable workhorse for a varied menu, capable of handling fine dicing for garnishes and robust chopping for stews.
- Busy Prep Kitchens & Salad Bars: Effortlessly powers through high volumes of vegetable and fruit prep, improving speed and consistency.
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