Most Santoku knives are made of Japanese knife steels like Shirogami, Aogami, and VG10. These steels vary in properties hence the differentiation in cost of various Santoku knives. The best Santoku knives are made of VG10 Stainless steel in a Damascus pattern. VG10 is a premium Japanese stainless steel that offers incredible hardness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.