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Knives for Sushi at Home

When making sushi at home, you'll want to use a few different knives to ensure you can adequately prepare and slice all your ingredients. Here are some knives that are commonly used in sushi making:

1. Yanagiba Knife

Also known as a sashimi knife, the Yanagiba knife is a long, narrow blade perfect for slicing raw fish for sushi. The sharp, single-edged blade allows for clean cuts, and the length of the blade makes it easy to cut slices in one smooth motion. To use a Yanagiba knife, hold the knife at a 30-degree angle to the cutting board and use a single smooth motion to slice the fish. It's essential to use a sharp knife and apply even pressure to ensure the cut is clean and even.

Yanagiba

 

2. Deba Knife

The Deba knife is a heavy-duty knife designed for filleting fish and cutting through bones. This knife is perfect for preparing fish for sushi and sashimi, as it can be used to remove the head and bones and cut the fish into fillets.When using a Deba knife, start by getting rid of the head and tail of the fish, and then use the blade to cut along the spine to remove the bones. Next, use a sawing motion to cut the bones and apply pressure to ensure a clean cut.

3. Naikiri Knife

The Naikiri knife is a Japanese vegetable knife perfect for slicing and chopping vegetables for sushi rolls. This knife has a thin, straight blade that allows for precise cuts and is also great for creating decorative cuts and shapes in vegetables. To use an Naikiri knife, hold the knife at a 90-degree angle to the cutting board and use a downward motion to slice vegetables. Apply even pressure to ensure that the cut is clean and straight. Petty Knife: this knife is a small, versatile knife that can be used for various tasks when making sushi at home. This knife is excellent for trimming vegetables, cutting small pieces of fish, and removing the skin from fish.

    When selecting knives for making sushi at home, choosing high-quality, sharp, and well-maintained knives is important. A dull or low-quality knife can make it difficult to prepare your ingredients properly and lead to kitchen injuries. To use a petty knife, hold the knife in your dominant hand and use short, controlled motions to trim and cut small pieces of fish or vegetables.

    The best sushi knife for you depends on your preferences and the type of sushi you plan to make. It's important to note that these knives require practice and skill to use effectively. If you're new to using Japanese knives, practicing your technique and starting with simpler tasks before moving on to more complex cuts is a good idea. Always use caution when handling sharp knives, and keep them properly maintained and stored when not in use.

    Buy Japanese Knives Mentioned Above

    Yanagiba Sashimi Knife - Premium Japanese Artisanal Knife

    $280.00
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    The Yanagiba Sashimi Knife (柳刃 刺身包丁) is crafted for professional-level precision, effortlessly slicing through fish and seafood with clean, flawless cuts. Its long, thin blade and acute angle allow for smooth, single-stroke draw-cuts that minimize tearing and preserve the delicate texture of the fish, making it an essential tool for sushi and sashimi chefs or enthusiasts aiming to perfect their craft. Hand-forged by master bladesmiths using ancient techniques combined with modern technology, each knife is a work of art that enhances the appearance, taste, and texture of every dish. Available with blade lengths ranging from 210mm to 300mm, the Yanagiba features a traditional Japanese magnolia wood handle with options for a plastic or buffalo horn collar, and offers blade choices of CM Stainless, Kasumi Superlative Carbon Steel, or Honyaki Carbon Steel for those seeking the highest caliber of sharpness and craftsmanship.

    1 review

    Deba Knife - Fish Filleting/Butchering Premium Japanese Artisanal Knife

    $490.00
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    The Deba knife (出刃包丁) offers the perfect combination of the strength of a cleaver and the precision of a boning knife, making it an essential tool for handling fish, poultry, and small-boned meats. Originally designed for beheading, cleaning, and filleting fish, its thick, heavy blade—with a single ultra-sharp edge—effortlessly cuts through meat, soft bones, and joints while maintaining superior maneuverability thanks to its pointed tip and balanced weight. Handmade by master bladesmiths, each Deba knife delivers exceptional durability and sharpness, ensuring it withstands years of frequent use in busy kitchens. Available in blade lengths from 150mm to 240mm, it features a traditional Japanese magnolia wood handle with an option for a plastic or buffalo horn collar and is crafted from either easy-maintenance CM Stainless or Kasumi Superlative Carbon Steel for those who prefer a more traditional feel. For passionate home cooks and professional chefs alike, the Deba transforms tough cutting tasks into smooth, precise work.

    1 review

    Nakiri Knife - Vegetable Cutting/Slicing/Mincing Premium Japanese Artisanal Knife

    $290.00
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    The Nakiri knife (菜切包丁) is a highly versatile and efficient tool, traditionally used in Japan for cutting vegetables with supreme speed and precision. Its thin, lightweight rectangular blade allows for quick, clean, and effortless slicing without the need for a rocking motion, keeping your knuckles safely away from the cutting board while delivering beautifully thin, even slices every time. Perfect for delicate vegetables and even light filleting tasks, the Nakiri offers incredible control and minimizes damage to ingredients, preserving their flavor and texture. Handmade and sharpened by master bladesmiths, this 165mm (6.5 inches) knife features a traditional Japanese magnolia wood handle with a plastic collar and is available with either CM Stainless for easy maintenance or Kasumi Superlative Carbon Steel for a more traditional sharpening experience. With its unparalleled usability from tip to tail, the Nakiri is an invaluable asset for anyone seeking speed, consistency, and elegance in their kitchen work.

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