A straightforward look at two popular Zwilling knives in daily kitchen use.
The Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Four Star 5.5 Inch Hollow Edge Santoku and the ZWILLING Four Star 7-inch Hollow Edge Santoku Knife offer distinct features that suit different cooking styles and needs.
Whether you prepare quick weekday meals or complex dishes, choosing the right knife can affect your kitchen efficiency and comfort. These knives are trusted for their sharpness and German craftsmanship, but each performs uniquely in handling and maintenance. I’ll walk you through how they feel in real use, their key strengths, and minor drawbacks. By the end, you’ll know which might fit your routine better and why.
Is Four Star 5.5-inch Santoku Good?
Yes, this knife is well-suited for home cooks who want a reliable santoku for everyday slicing and dicing.
I have used the Four Star 5.5-inch Santoku in my kitchen several times a week. The hollow edges help reduce sticking when cutting softer vegetables or fruits, which makes prepping faster. The polypropylene handle feels secure and comfortable, even during longer chopping sessions. Being lighter than some other knives, it offers good control without fatigue. Cleaning it by hand is simple, and the blade holds its edge well after regular honing.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Friodur ice-hardened, high-carbon no-stain steel blade
- 5.5-inch hollow-edge santoku design with scallops to reduce friction
- Seamless polypropylene handle for comfort and hygiene
- Made in Germany with lifetime warranty
- Lightweight and balanced for precise control
What I Like
- Blade slices cleanly without sticking
- Comfortable grip suitable for extended use
- Easy to maintain sharpness with regular honing
- Compact size fits well in smaller kitchens
- Durable construction with reliable edge retention
What Could Be Better
- Shorter blade may limit cutting large items
- Not dishwasher safe, requires hand washing
- Handle may feel slippery when wet for some users
This knife is best for home cooks who value precision and comfort in a smaller santoku. It reduces the stress of chopping sticky or wet ingredients thanks to the hollow-edge design. Beginners will find it manageable, while experienced users can appreciate its balance and sharpness.
In my experience, using this knife for quick meal prep saves time by preventing food from sticking to the blade. Its safety and reliability come from a well-designed handle and a sharp edge that cuts cleanly without slipping. This makes it a practical and confidence-boosting tool in the kitchen.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Small to medium kitchens | Compact size fits limited space easily |
| Vegetable and fruit slicing | Hollow-edge reduces sticking and friction |
| Users wanting lightweight knives | Lower weight reduces hand fatigue |
Is Four Star 7-inch Santoku Good?
It depends on your kitchen needs and knife preferences, but this 7-inch santoku offers more versatility for larger tasks.
I have tried the Four Star 7-inch Santoku for various cutting jobs, from chopping herbs to slicing tougher vegetables. The larger blade provides more surface area for rocking and precise cuts. Its SIGMAFORGE forging process creates a sturdy, single-piece steel knife that feels substantial in hand. The ice-hardened Friodur blade stays sharper longer, which is noticeable after frequent use. Its slightly heavier weight compared to the smaller santoku gives it a solid feel, but it remains comfortable for extended prep sessions.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Forged SIGMAFORGE blade from a single piece of solid steel
- Ice-hardened Friodur blade with superior sharpness retention
- Precision-honed and laser-controlled edge for ideal cutting angle
- 7-inch hollow-edge santoku design for versatile slicing
- Manufactured in Germany with premium steel formula
What I Like
- Longer blade handles larger ingredients easily
- Strong, durable construction with excellent edge retention
- Comfortable and balanced despite heavier weight
- Blade stays sharp longer between sharpenings
- Laser-controlled edge provides consistent cutting performance
What Could Be Better
- Heavier knife may cause fatigue for some users
- Requires careful hand washing to maintain quality
- Price is higher than smaller santoku options
Four Star 5.5-inch Santoku Vs Four Star 7-inch Santoku: Side-by-side Test
In everyday kitchen tasks, these two knives offer different experiences. The 5.5-inch santoku excels at nimble, precise cuts for smaller ingredients, while the 7-inch santoku provides versatility for larger items. Both blades perform well but differ in weight, balance, and handling comfort. Below are five areas comparing their real-use qualities.
Core Performance
Both knives slice cleanly, but the 7-inch blade covers more cutting surface, useful for big vegetables.
| Metric | 4 Star 5.5-inch | 4 Star 7-inch |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Length | 5.5 inches | 7 inches |
| Cutting Versatility | Best for small to medium tasks | Handles small to large tasks |
| Edge Retention | Good with regular honing | Superior, lasts longer |
| Weight | 0.4 pounds | 0.7 pounds |
Ratings: Four Star 5.5-inch – 7/10 | Four Star 7-inch – 8/10
Edge: The 7-inch blade suits users needing more versatility and edge longevity.
Noise And Comfort
Both knives are quiet during use, but handle comfort varies due to size and weight.
| Metric | 4 Star 5.5-inch | 4 Star 7-inch |
|---|---|---|
| Handle Comfort | Light and ergonomic | Heavier but balanced |
| Noise Level | Low, smooth slicing | Low, smooth slicing |
| Grip Security | Good, but slippery when wet | Secure, comfortable |
| Fatigue Over Time | Less tiring | May tire some users |
Ratings: Four Star 5.5-inch – 8/10 | Four Star 7-inch – 7/10
Edge: The 5.5-inch fits better for longer prep with less hand fatigue.
Storage And Daily Fit
Size differences affect how easily the knives fit in kitchen drawers or blocks.
| Metric | 4 Star 5.5-inch | 4 Star 7-inch |
|---|---|---|
| Drawer Space Needed | Compact fit | Larger space required |
| Weight for Daily Carry | Lightweight | Heavier |
| Ease of Reach | Easy to grab | Also easy but bulkier |
| Portability | Good for transport | Less portable |
Ratings: Four Star 5.5-inch – 9/10 | Four Star 7-inch – 7/10
Edge: The smaller santoku is better suited for compact kitchens and portability.
Ease Of Use And Maintenance
Both knives require hand washing and regular honing, but blade size impacts ease of care.
| Metric | 4 Star 5.5-inch | 4 Star 7-inch |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Easy hand wash | Easy hand wash |
| Sharpening Frequency | Regular honing needed | Less frequent honing |
| Handling in Maintenance | Lightweight and easy | Larger and heavier |
| Durability of Handle | Very durable polypropylene | Same durable handle |
Ratings: Four Star 5.5-inch – 8/10 | Four Star 7-inch – 8/10
Edge: Both are equally easy to maintain, with slight handling preference for the smaller knife.
Build And Value
The forged construction and steel quality define the knives’ durability and price point.
| Metric | 4 Star 5.5-inch | 4 Star 7-inch |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Forged with hollow edge | Forged SIGMAFORGE blade |
| Steel Type | Friodur ice-hardened high-carbon | Friodur ice-hardened high-carbon |
| Price | Lower ($104.95) | Higher ($129.95) |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Ratings: Four Star 5.5-inch – 7/10 | Four Star 7-inch – 8/10
Edge: The 7-inch santoku offers better value for those needing a more versatile blade despite higher cost.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Four Star 5.5-inch Santoku if you prefer a lightweight, compact knife that offers precision and ease of use for smaller kitchen tasks. It’s excellent for cooks who want control and less fatigue during prep.
Opt for the Four Star 7-inch Santoku if you need a versatile, durable knife that handles a wider range of cutting jobs and lasts longer between sharpenings. It suits experienced cooks who appreciate a heavier, more substantial blade.
Both knives bring quality and reliability, making them solid choices depending on your kitchen style and cutting needs.
Faqs Of Zwilling 4 Star Vs Pro
Are These Zwilling Santoku Knives Suitable For Beginners?
Yes, both knives can work well for beginners. The 5.5-inch santoku is easier to handle due to its lighter weight and smaller size, making it a good starting point for those new to cooking. The 7-inch santoku offers more versatility but may require some practice to manage comfortably.
Can I Use These Knives For Cutting Meat?
While santoku knives are primarily designed for slicing, dicing, and chopping vegetables, they can handle boneless meat slicing effectively. However, for heavy-duty meat cutting or bone work, a specialized knife may be better suited.
How Do I Maintain The Sharpness Of These Knives?
Both knives benefit from regular honing with a honing steel to keep the edge aligned. Avoid cutting on hard surfaces like glass or stone. Hand washing and drying immediately after use help preserve the blade’s quality and sharpness.
Are These Knives Dishwasher Safe?
No, it is recommended to wash these knives by hand. Dishwashers can damage the blade and handle over time due to harsh detergents and high heat. Hand washing preserves the knife’s performance and longevity.
What Is The Difference Between The Hollow Edge And Standard Blade?
The hollow edge has scallops along the blade that create air pockets, reducing friction and preventing food from sticking. This makes slicing smoother, especially with moist or sticky ingredients, compared to a standard smooth blade.
