What type knife for slicing sashimi ?

[ayumi_ishida]

What type of knife do you use for slicing sashimi ?
Just for cutting small blocks of fish already prepped .

 

[riba]

Nice excuse to have a single bevel. Mine are oldies, really fun to use.

Edit: I am far from being a pro but I guess anything sharp and long enough to cut in one pull would do for some simple slices.

 

[Pie]

I think this is the reason yanagiba exist. It’s better than your garden variety suji ime.

I only use mine for portioning sashimi, and it sees more use than I would have thought at the time of purchase.

 

[parbaked]

I use a small, 210mm yanagiba made by Shigeharu-San in Kyoto. It’s what he recommended for home use.
It’s a good size for the small blocks I slice…

 

[ayumi_ishida]

Thanks ; 210mm yanagiba sounds good .
Any suggestions for an entry level model / brand ?

 

[parbaked]

Aframes is a good shop in Honolulu.

Aframes Tokyo

Aframes Tokyo is a Japanese knife store located in Honolulu, HI that specializes in aesthetically pleasing and fully functional culinary tools for your kitchen. We have 13 years of experience in this business and carry all the most renowned brands and designs to bring you the best of the best.

aframestokyo.com

JCK has fast shipping from Japan and an entry level stainless yanagiba. Stainless maybe good idea for HW.

Fujiwara Kanefusa FKJ Series Yanagiba (180mm to 300mm, 5 sizes)

This Single Bevel Knife from the Fujiwara Kanefusa is a traditional-style knive. Yanagiba knives are handcrafted using the ancient Japanese forging and knife making processes.

japanesechefsknife.com

 

[ayumi_ishida]

Aframes is a good shop in Honolulu.

Aframes Tokyo

Aframes Tokyo is a Japanese knife store located in Honolulu, HI that specializes in aesthetically pleasing and fully functional culinary tools for your kitchen. We have 13 years of experience in this business and carry all the most renowned brands and designs to bring you the best of the best.

aframestokyo.com

JCK has fast shipping from Japan and an entry level stainless yanagiba. Stainless maybe good idea for HW.

Fujiwara Kanefusa FKJ Series Yanagiba (180mm to 300mm, 5 sizes)

This Single Bevel Knife from the Fujiwara Kanefusa is a traditional-style knive. Yanagiba knives are handcrafted using the ancient Japanese forging and knife making processes.

japanesechefsknife.com

I know Aframes . Happy to see they updated their website !

 

[ayumi_ishida]

I've read on this forum for home chef some recommend sujihiki .

 

[Harrison Cutlery]

I've read on this forum for home chef some recommend sujihiki .

A sujihiki is a little more versatile and is a bit more of a jack of all trades than a yanagiba. Purely for slicing fish the yanagi work that little bit cleaner/nicer

 

[ayumi_ishida]

A sujihiki is a little more versatile and is a bit more of a jack of all trades than a yanagiba. Purely for slicing fish the yanagi work that little bit cleaner/nicer

I think sujihiki will be good enough .

 

[btbyrd]

Are you just buying a knife to cut raw fish? Then get a yanagi. If it's for other things too, maybe a suji would be better. But since it sounds like a purpose-driven knife, get the right knife for the job.

 

[ayumi_ishida]

Understood , but I think a sujihiki may be good enough .
And less expensive and easier to maintain / sharpen .
It's just small slabs of fish for myself .

 

[Qapla']

Is there a local Hawaiian-style knife that is preferred for slicing poke? Maybe that might be of use too.

 

[Pie]

100% respect your position, suji will no doubt cut the fish in a satisfactory fashion.

Personally I would use it as excuse to try something new, for both use and sharpening experience.

Soooo which suji are you buying?

 

[ayumi_ishida]

That's the question .
Budget , $150- $200 , prefer stainless , japanese or western handle

 

[M1k3]

Masahiro MV perhaps?

 

[ayumi_ishida]

Masahiro MV perhaps?

I read that Masahiro are commonly used in commercial kitchens in Japan .
Especially for butchering I think .

I see a Massamoto VG 240mm for $175

 

[M1k3]

Masahiro 14918, 11 Inch Slicing Knife

Sointu USA has been selling Professional Japanese Kitchen Knives and Accessories since 1989. Our brands of Knives include Global, Masahiro, Kasumi and more.

www.sointuusa.com

 

[Qapla']

Are you righty? If yes, what do you think of these?

https://www.**************.com/kovg5tssu27.html

https://www.**************.com/kapssu27.html

(They're at Chef Knives To Go.)

If you're lefty, you might check around for lefty variants of the Masahiro in the fashion of the ones M1k3 posted, or possibly a lefty Misono.

I agree with and Btbyrd, Pie, and the others regarding a yanagiba, but like them, if you seek something more multipurpose such as a sujihiki, I respect your decision.

 

[madmotts]

I’m probably one of the least qualified to chime in here, but there’s something to cutting fish with a yanagiba. Sure i use it less than a half dozen times a month and it’s a one trick pony but damn does it do it well. The magic is in the geometry- the spine is thick, it comes to a ridiculously thin point and the almost flat underside work together to gracefully separate the cut piece from the block as if it’s being gently laid down. No sawing, just one draw cut. Sometimes I use a suji or chef knife for something like Poke because I’m in hurry. it just doesn’t give me the pure joy of cutting a yanagiba does.

My suji doesn’t get used that much but it’s still fun. I bring it to cut a roast and big gathering events. Style points for long pointy objects. Get both.

 

[ayumi_ishida]

I’m probably one of the least qualified to chime in here, but there’s something to cutting fish with a yanagiba. Sure i use it less than a half dozen times a month and it’s a one trick pony but damn does it do it well. The magic is in the geometry- the spine is thick, it comes to a ridiculously thin point and the almost flat underside work together to gracefully separate the cut piece from the block as if it’s being gently laid down. No sawing, just one draw cut. Sometimes I use a suji or chef knife for something like Poke because I’m in hurry. it just doesn’t give me the pure joy of cutting a yanagiba does.

My suji doesn’t get used that much but it’s still fun. I bring it to cut a roast and big gathering events. Style points for long pointy objects. Get both.

You make a good point . (no pun intended)
Can I get a decent 270mm Yanagiba for < $300 ?

 

[Qapla']

You make a good point . (no pun intended)
Can I get a decent 270mm Yanagiba for < $300 ?

Yes.

Currently on sale:

Suisin Saika White #3 Yanagi by Itsuo Doi 10.5"

About Suisin Saika 酔心彩華 本霞 • 白鋼The Suisin Saika line was made by both Keijiro Doi and his son, Itsuo Doi. The significance of this line is Mr. Doi's skills being passed onto his son and this is a collaboration of their teamwork. Mr. Keijiro Doi has officially retired as of 2013 and has pass over...

www.korin.com

At base price:

Korin White #3 Kasumi Yanagi 10.5"

About Korin Shiro-ko Kasumi Korin Shiro-ko Kasumi knives are handcrafted from a combination of white #3 carbon steel and soft iron steel. The knives have a magnolia wood handle with a water buffalo horn bolster. This professional grade line is highly recommended for beginners. About Korin...

www.korin.com

In your city (perhaps you could visit the shop in person to discuss matters):

TESSHU Yanagiba Kasumi 270mm White 2 steel blade Knife

TESSHU Yanagiba Kasumi 270mm White 2 steel blade with Octagonal shaped Ho Handle TESSHU is our Japanese cooking knife brand name which is made by selected very skillful craftsmen. We will try to provide high quality selected knives with reasonable prices. We have told that we should not tell who...

aframestokyo.com

Do some shopping around. See what you find.

 

[Greasylake]

You make a good point . (no pun intended)
Can I get a decent 270mm Yanagiba for < $300 ?

I have a 240mm on BST

WTS - Haruyoshi 240mm Yanagiba

Here is a Haruyoshi 春吉作 240mm yanagiba, white steel/iron clad. Knife is 4mm at the heel and tapers down to 2mm at the end of the shinogi Ura is a little worn down but has plenty of life left with proper care. I purchased this knife used and honestly I never used it, so I'm offering it up for...

www.kitchenknifeforums.com

 

[Nemo]

On the odd occasion that I can get fresh enough fish, I use a carbon suji. But if I could get fresh fish easily, I'd buy a yanagiba to do it.

 

[madmotts]

< $300 yes! As long as you’re not left handed (add 50%?)

Aframes, you might be able to see this in person. B2 Kasumi. Looks sweet.

TESSHU Yanagiba Kasumi 270mm Blue 2 steel blade Knife

TESSHU Yanagiba Kasumi 270mm Blue 2 steel blade with Octagonal shaped Ho Handle TESSHU is our Japanese cooking knife brand name which is made by selected very skillful craftsmen. We will try to provide high quality selected knives with reasonable prices. We have agreed that we should not tell...

aframestokyo.com

Chefknives toGo has a Sakai w#2 & b#2 that look like great values.

Knives and stones has a b2 KU, different sizes and shapes too (kiritsuke,takohiki)

Hatsukukuro Blue 2 Kurouchi Yanagiba 240/ 270/300/330 mm, by Myojin Riki

Blue 2 Yanagiba with Kurochi Finish and Teak wood handle, by Myojin Riki. ================ Hatsukokoro (初心) is a new premium Japanese knife brand that work with a lot of famous makers, their goal is to introduce unique preimum kitchen knives to the market, without the establishment's premium...

knivesandstones.us

There are some super inexpensive options like a tojiro shirogami that could be a low cost try before u step it up. Plenty of big eye tuna to practice on in the 808.

 

[Harrison Cutlery]

< $300 yes! As long as you’re not left handed (add 50%?)

Aframes, you might be able to see this in person. B2 Kasumi. Looks sweet.

TESSHU Yanagiba Kasumi 270mm Blue 2 steel blade Knife

TESSHU Yanagiba Kasumi 270mm Blue 2 steel blade with Octagonal shaped Ho Handle TESSHU is our Japanese cooking knife brand name which is made by selected very skillful craftsmen. We will try to provide high quality selected knives with reasonable prices. We have agreed that we should not tell...

aframestokyo.com

Chefknives toGo has a Sakai w#2 & b#2 that look like great values.

Knives and stones has a b2 KU, different sizes and shapes too (kiritsuke,takohiki)

Hatsukukuro Blue 2 Kurouchi Yanagiba 240/ 270/300/330 mm, by Myojin Riki

Blue 2 Yanagiba with Kurochi Finish and Teak wood handle, by Myojin Riki. ================ Hatsukokoro (初心) is a new premium Japanese knife brand that work with a lot of famous makers, their goal is to introduce unique preimum kitchen knives to the market, without the establishment's premium...

knivesandstones.us

There are some super inexpensive options like a tojiro shirogami that could be a low cost try before u step it up. Plenty of big eye tuna to practice on in the 808.

The tojiro shirogami lines are a bit of a crap shoot. Really best with someone who is very familiar with single bevel sharpening as they often need significant remedial work on the grinds.

I had a deba that had a kireha like a country road. I fixed it on the disc grinder, would have been an absolute mission on stones.

Lovely knife now it's been sorted and choil rounded etc but took a significant amount of work to get there.

 

[Ochazuke]

As a single bevel lover, I think the average home users should stay away. They're great if you're a pro or a knife fanatic. Otherwise they're too much hassle. I think a lot of people on this forum (myself included) sometimes forget what it's like for normal, non knife obsessed people.

In the spirit of recommending something that will get the job done well with minimal hassle, I would like to recommend this one:

Moriya Munemitsu Ryōba Yanagiba 210mm Gingami #3 Stainless Steel

Fast, free shipping worldwide. Gingami#3 stainless steel yanagiba-bocho from Moriya Munemitsu YHC and Knife Japan. Visit to see our extensive selection of handcrafted Japanese knives.

knifejapan.com

Ginsan is a great steel - gets very sharp, sharpens easily, and is virtually stainless. The fit and finish isn't spectacular, but it's in your budget and from this manufacturer there are usually no problems. While it is true that yanagiba is better for these tasks, this knife can do sogizukuri, hirazukuri, and usuzukuri no problem!

 

[ayumi_ishida]

As a single bevel lover, I think the average home users should stay away. They're great if you're a pro or a knife fanatic. Otherwise they're too much hassle. I think a lot of people on this forum (myself included) sometimes forget what it's like for normal, non knife obsessed people.

In the spirit of recommending something that will get the job done well with minimal hassle, I would like to recommend this one:

Moriya Munemitsu Ryōba Yanagiba 210mm Gingami #3 Stainless Steel

Fast, free shipping worldwide. Gingami#3 stainless steel yanagiba-bocho from Moriya Munemitsu YHC and Knife Japan. Visit to see our extensive selection of handcrafted Japanese knives.

knifejapan.com

Ginsan is a great steel - gets very sharp, sharpens easily, and is virtually stainless. The fit and finish isn't spectacular, but it's in your budget and from this manufacturer there are usually no problems. While it is true that yanagiba is better for these tasks, this knife can do sogizukuri, hirazukuri, and usuzukuri no problem!

Thank you .
So what"s the difference between a Ryoba (double bevel) Yanagiba and a Sujihiki ?

 

[refcast]

No difference much, haha, synonyms like calling a car an automobile or motorized wagon

 

[Justinv]

You can also cut small fish portions with your petty. It can also remove skin from small portions.