The Microtech 4.2” Santoku Merlot is a compact kitchen powerhouse built for precision, speed, and everyday convenience. It takes the santoku’s legendary versatility—made for slicing, dicing, and chopping—and packages it into a smaller, ultra-maneuverable format that shines when space is tight and control matters most. If you’ve ever wished your favorite prep knife felt quicker in hand without giving up capability, this Microtech is ready to become your new go-to.
The blade is crafted from M390MK® stainless steel and finished in a rugged stonewash. M390MK is a premium stainless steel known for excellent wear resistance and impressive edge retention, so this smaller santoku is built to keep its bite through frequent use. That’s a big deal because compact knives often get used for everything—quick veggie work, trimming, fruit prep, snack slicing, and all the little tasks that happen between big meals. With M390MK, you’ll spend more time cutting clean and less time reaching for a sharpener. The stonewash finish keeps things practical and low-maintenance, helping hide everyday scuffs while giving the blade a clean, professional look that fits right into any kitchen setup.
With a 4.2" blade length, this santoku is all about control. It’s ideal for detailed prep, tight cuts, and quick movements where a longer blade can feel clumsy. Think garlic and shallots, strawberries and citrus, small herbs, trimming chicken, or knocking out quick prep on a smaller board. It’s also a great choice for anyone who prefers a lighter, more nimble knife that doesn’t take up much real estate in the hand or on the counter. The 8.82" overall length keeps it compact and easy to maneuver, making it especially handy in apartments, RVs, camp kitchens, or any space where you want efficiency without bulk.
Microtech builds it full tang, which gives you extra strength and stability you can feel the moment you start cutting. With the steel running through the handle, the knife stays steady during repeated chops and directional changes, and it helps the blade track predictably through ingredients. Full tang construction also improves balance, so even with its smaller footprint, it doesn’t feel toy-like or flimsy. At only 4.22 oz., it’s wonderfully lightweight and quick, letting you move fast through prep without fatigue, while still feeling solid and dependable.
The Merlot G-10 handle is the finishing touch that ties performance and style together. G-10 is known for its toughness and resistance to moisture, making it a smart choice for a knife that’s going to see daily kitchen use. It stays stable, it holds up, and it offers a reliable grip even when things get a little wet or messy. The Merlot color adds a rich, refined look that feels premium without being flashy—an elegant pop of color that stands out in the block and looks great on the counter.
This is the kind of knife that ends up doing more work than you expect because it’s just so easy to grab and use. It’s fast, sharp, and built with the same serious material choices you’d want in a larger chef’s knife, just in a compact santoku format that thrives on precision. If you want a small kitchen blade that performs like a big deal, the Microtech 4.2” Santoku Merlot is ready to earn its keep.
Get yours from the world’s largest knife store, Smoky Mountain Knife Works, the best online knife store for premium kitchen knives that bring precision, durability, and standout style to every cut.