Knives

Minonokuni Matsu 165mm Deba Knife - Aogami #2 Blue Steel (Right-Handed) Experience the joy of traditional Japanese fish preparation with the Minonokuni Matsu Deba, a 165mm (6.5-inch) specialty blade meticulously crafted for the discerning chef or passionate home cook. This is more than just a knife; it's an heirloom-quality tool designed to process fish and poultry with ease and precision.  The "Matsu" (Pine) line from Minonokuni represents the resilience, longevity, and soul of traditional Japanese bladesmithing. This knife is hand-hammered and forged in the classic methods that have been used to forge samurai swords for hundreds of years. This right-handed Deba features: Exquisite Aogami #2 (Blue Steel) Kasumi Blade: Carbon (not stainless) Aogami #2 steel, renowned for its exceptional sharpness, superior edge retention, and surprising ease of sharpening. This hard cutting edge melds into a soft iron spine, which creates a beautiful "Kasumi" (misty) finish and adds strength and weight to the knife Purpose-Built Deba Design: The classic thick spine and substantial weight provide the necessary power to effortlessly cut through fish heads and bones. The acute single-bevel edge ensures incredibly clean, precise filleting, preserving the delicate texture of the fish. Versatile 165mm Blade Length: An ideal size for handling small to medium-sized fish with excellent control and maneuverability. This size offers optimal control while still providing enough length to cut a variety of game birds and fresh or salt water species. Authentic Wa-Handle: The traditional Japanese D-shaped handle is crafted from oiled Japanese Magnolia (Ho) wood. This lightweight, water-resistant wood offers a comfortable, natural, and secure grip, even with wet hands. Premium Buffalo Horn Ferrule: The handle is beautifully accented and reinforced with a genuine Buffalo Horn ferrule, adding a touch of luxury, durability, and ensuring a tight fit between blade and handle. Right-Handed Single Bevel: Sharpened primarily on one side for the precise, pull-cutting techniques characteristic of Japanese culinary arts.  Whether you're aiming for perfect sashimi slices or expertly butchering a whole catch, the Minonokuni Matsu Deba, with its premium Aogami #2 steel and traditional craftsmanship, offers an unparalleled cutting experience. Learn More

Unleash the Soul of Japanese Cuisine: The Minonokuni Matsu 180mm Deba For the culinary artist who understands that the finest dishes begin with the perfect cut, the Minonokuni Matsu 180mm (7-inch) Deba is not merely a knife—it is an extension of your will. Hand-forged by the esteemed craftsmen of Minonokuni Yamahide, the "Matsu" (Pine Tree) series embodies resilience, longevity, and the pinnacle of Japanese knifemaking artistry. This is the definitive tool for mastering the demanding tasks of fish butchery and poultry preparation with grace and surgical precision. The Heart of the Blade: Legendary Aogami Blue Steel The soul of the Matsu Deba is its formidable blade, forged from Aogami-ko Kasumi Blue Steel (Aogami #2), a high-carbon steel revered by professional chefs worldwide. This premium material is celebrated for its ability to achieve and maintain an incredibly sharp edge, ensuring clean, effortless cuts that preserve the delicate texture of the ingredients. The substantial 7mm spine and 11.45-ounce weight provide the necessary power to confidently break down fish heads and navigate through bones, while the traditional single-bevel grind offers unparalleled precision for filleting. A Handle Forged in Tradition, Designed for Control Grasp the octagonal handle, crafted from lightweight Ho wood (Japanese Magnolia), and feel the perfect balance and control it affords. Ho wood is prized for its comfortable and secure grip, even when wet, a critical feature when handling fish. The handle is elegantly crowned with a water buffalo horn ferrule, a classic touch that not only enhances the knife's beauty but also ensures its durability for a lifetime of use. Who is This Knife For? The Minonokuni Matsu Deba is designed for the professional chef, the passionate home cook, and the dedicated culinary enthusiast who demands the very best from their tools. Its 180mm blade is the ideal, versatile size for handling a wide range of fish. Whether you are breaking down a whole snapper or preparing chicken for yakitori, this knife will become an indispensable partner in your kitchen. Learn More

Master Precision Fish Processing with a Traditional Single-Bevel Edge The Masahiro Traditional 135mm Deba is a specialized instrument designed for the rigorous demands of fish and poultry butchery. Unlike Western fillet knives that rely on flexibility, the Deba utilizes a thick, heavy spine and a rigid profile to act as a precision cleaver. This weight is essential for processing through heads and small bones without damaging the edge, making it an indispensable tool for chefs working with whole proteins. At the heart of this knife is Yellow Paper Steel (Kigami), a high-carbon alloy prized for its purity and ease of maintenance. With a Rockwell Hardness of 60, it provides a stable, long-lasting edge that can be restored quickly on a whetstone—a critical factor in high-volume professional environments. The blade features a traditional Urasuki (concave) grind on the back side, which creates an air pocket during the cut to prevent the protein from sticking, ensuring clean, fluid separation. Built for durability and balance, the 135mm length offers superior maneuverability for small to medium-sized fish, such as sea bass or mackerel. The handle is crafted from untreated Japanese Magnolia (Ho) wood, offering a natural, slip-resistant grip that improves with use. The plastic ferrule ensures a tight, hygienic seal between the blade and the handle. Please note that as a carbon steel knife, this tool requires immediate drying after use to prevent oxidation and maintain its metallurgical integrity. Learn More

The Masahiro Traditional Carbon 6.5 in. (165mm) Deba has a heavy duty blade, that can be treated like a light duty cleaver. Although it is shaped like a Chef Knife, this knife is meant for fish, poultry and other meats, not vegetables or precision knife work. Learn More

The Masahiro Traditional Carbon 7 in. (180mm) Deba has a heavy duty blade, that can be treated like a light duty cleaver. Although it is shaped like a Chef Knife, this knife is meant for fish, poultry and other meats, not vegetables or precision knife work. Learn More

The Masahiro Traditional Carbon Left Handed 7 in. (180mm) Deba has a heavy duty blade, that can be treated like a light duty cleaver. Although it is shaped like a Chef Knife, this knife is meant for fish, poultry and other meats, not vegetables or precision knife work. Learn More

The Minonokuni 5.9 inch (150mm) Sakura Deba is made from Shirogami-Ko Damascus meaning that we're using a #2 White Steel with Damascus cladding. This Deba cuts as beautifully as it appears. Handle is Red Sandalwood with Ebony wood handle. Hand-forged, water quenched craftsmen piece for breaking down whole fish, cutting lobster, etc.. Made in Japan.  If you're unfamiliar with carbon steel you may be interested in learning more about the Care and Maintenance of Carbon Steel Knives.  Learn More

Master the Art of Fish Butchery with the Minonokuni Gin-San 165mm Deba Experience the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship with the Minonokuni Gin-San 165mm Deba, a knife forged for the precise and demanding art of breaking down fish. This traditional Japanese blade is an essential tool for any chef who is serious about seafood, from filleting and deboning to removing the head with a single, clean cut. The Deba's significant weight and thick spine provide the power needed for tough tasks, making it ideal for processing whole fish and even poultry with small bones. The heart of this Deba is its Gin-San (Silver #3) stainless steel blade. This premium steel is highly regarded by chefs for offering the best of both worlds: the razor-sharp edge and ease of sharpening found in carbon steels, combined with the rust resistance and low maintenance of stainless steel. The blade's composition allows it to take a fine, crisp edge and hold it, ensuring reliable performance in a busy kitchen. Designed with purpose, the 165mm blade is a versatile size, while the knife's pointed tip allows for delicate work and precision cuts close to the bone. The single-bevel grind, a hallmark of traditional Japanese cutlery, creates an incredibly sharp edge for effortless slicing. The substantial feel of the knife provides controlled force, letting the weight of the blade do the work for you. Key Features: Blade Steel: Gin-San (Silver #3) Stainless Steel for a carbon steel feel with rust resistance. Blade Length: 165mm (6.5 inches) Knife Style: Deba, the traditional Japanese fish butchery knife. Primary Use: Ideal for filleting, deboning, and portioning whole fish and poultry. Grind: Traditional single-bevel for exceptional sharpness. Craftsmanship: Expertly forged to deliver superior performance and durability. Whether you are a professional sushi chef or a passionate home cook dedicated to preparing fish with precision, the Minonokuni Gin-San Deba is an indispensable tool that will elevate your culinary skills. Learn More

The Deba (fat knife) is primarily used for breaking down whole fish and poultry. This smaller knife commonly referred to as a Ko-Deba is a smaller more lightweight Deba, not so great for cleaving fish heads, use this Deba for filleting. The way the Deba tapers from a thick spine, near the handle, to a thin tip allows the user to often feel the tip of the knife touching the bones making tics at each bone as the knife glides through the fish. Learn More