Top Chefs’ Favorite Luxury Knife Hits Lidl This Week for Just $6.99!

Before the advent of food processors, there was one kitchen tool that served multiple purposes all by itself. Created in the 1940s, this isn’t just any knife: its blade is truly unique. Highly coveted by Japanese chefs, it soon replaced the three knives previously used. Instead of using the deba (a knife for fish), the gyuto (used for meat), or the nakiri (used for vegetables), Japanese chefs now rely solely on this one knife. Since its inception, brands have crafted various models, from simple to ornate, with some featuring exquisitely crafted wooden handles. These luxury knives can sell for as much as $160 each! Lidl is introducing a special budget-friendly version, priced at $6.99 each, available on October 27, 2025. This knife, branded under the name Ernesto, may not be as finely crafted as those by Japanese artisans, but it still appears to be of high quality.

The knife owes its reputation to its long, hollow-ground blade, which allows food to easily release from the blade during cutting. This feature is particularly useful for precisely slicing rich, raw fish like tuna, salmon, or sea bream, which are staples in the preparation of sashimi or sushi. According to a website dedicated to Japanese cutlery, it features “a tall blade with a straight edge and a tip that helps it penetrate meat, making cutting easier.” The blade’s height also makes it easier to chop vegetables. “The tall blade really helps with slicing, especially onions, as it allows you to minimize effort for maximum results,” notes the specialized site. It’s a versatile knife that cooking enthusiasts are sure to appreciate.

What’s its name? It’s called the santoku knife, which means “three virtues” or “three uses” in Japanese. True to its name, it performs three different functions: slicing, dicing, and mincing.

Made with a bamboo handle and a stainless steel blade, the Ernesto santoku knife will only be available online starting Monday, October 27, 2025. Lidl has informed us that the product will be listed on their website from that day forward. With its distinctive design and multiple functionalities, it’s set to appeal to culinary enthusiasts of all nationalities!