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Nakiri, Deba, and Gyuto - Can they cut "soft" bones?

Nakiri, Deba, and Gyuto are three different Japanese kitchen knives, each with unique features and functions.

1. Nakiri

The name "Nakiri" comes from the Japanese word "nakiru,"(奈切る) which means "to cut" or "to chop." The Nakiri knife is a Japanese vegetable knife characterized by its rectangular blade. It has a straight edge and a squared-off tip, which makes it perfect for chopping, slicing, and dicing vegetables. It is typically made with a thin, lightweight blade, allowing precise cuts and maximum control.

2. Deba

The name "Deba" comes from the Japanese word "deba-bocho,"(出刃包丁) which means "pointed carving knife." The Deba knife is a Japanese fish knife designed for filleting and butchering fish. It has a thick, heavy blade typically wider at the heel and tapers down towards the tip. This shape efficiently cuts through fish bones and removes the head and tail. Deba knives are also used for cutting meat and poultry. The Deba knife is typically made with high-quality steel and has a sharp, durable edge that is easy to maintain. It's an essential tool in any kitchen specializing in Japanese cuisine or seafood preparation.

3. Gyuto

The name "Gyuto" comes from the Japanese words "gyu" (meaning beef) (牛)and "to" (meaning knife)(刀). The Gyuto knife is a Japanese chef's knife used for various cutting tasks, including slicing, dicing, and chopping meat, fish, and vegetables. The blade of the Gyuto knife can range in length from 8 to 12 inches. It has a thin (not thick and not heavy), lightweight blade that is typically wider at the heel and tapers down toward the tip like the Deba knife. This shape allows for maximum control and precision when cutting.

While Nakiri and Gyuto knives are not designed for cutting bones, they may be able to cut through soft bones like fish bones or chicken bones. However, it's important to note that cutting bones can damage the edge of the blade

and can cause chips or dulling of the blade. Therefore, if you need to cut through bones regularly, using a specialized knife like the Deba, designed specifically for cutting through bones and other hard materials, is recommended. The thick, heavy blade of the Deba can withstand the impact of cutting through bones without damaging the blade.

What are soft bones in cuisine?

Soft bones are less dense and easier to cut through than hard bones. Soft bones are typically found in smaller animals, like fish and poultry, and are often edible. Examples of soft bones include the bones in fish like salmon and trout and those in chicken wings or drumettes. When cooked, these bones become tender and may be easily chewed and eaten. However, it's important to be careful when eating soft bones, as they may still pose a choking hazard if not chewed thoroughly.

All three knives are typically made with high-quality steel and have a sharp edge that is easy to maintain. They are essential to any professional or home cook specializing in Japanese cuisine

Related products

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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.

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

Gyuto Knife with Japanese Handle - All-purpose Premium Japanese Artisanal Knife

$360.00
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The Japanese Gyuto knife is the ultimate multi-purpose blade, perfect for everyone from beginner home cooks to seasoned chefs. As the Japanese counterpart to the Western chef’s knife—only thinner, lighter, and sharper—it excels at chopping, slicing, and dicing almost anything in the kitchen with effortless precision. This variation features a beautiful maple-wood handle that not only adds a natural, elegant aesthetic but also provides a smooth, earthy texture for enhanced control and comfort. Crafted with CM stainless steel, it offers exceptional sharpness, durability, and rust resistance, ensuring years of effortless slicing. With a blade length of 180mm (7.1 inches) and a double bevel edge, this handmade, hand-braided, and hand-sharpened Gyuto is a versatile and essential tool that elevates both the appearance and taste of your culinary creations. This product is available for shipping within the USA only.

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