Masahiro Traditional Carbon Knives

The Masahiro Shiro-Ko 270mm Yanagiba is a traditional Japanese slicing knife crafted for flawless, single-stroke cuts of raw fish and proteins. Forged from White #2 steel (Shirogami), this high-purity carbon steel is renowned for achieving exceptional sharpness with ease, delivering the clean, precise cuts essential to sushi and sashimi preparation. With its long, slender 270mm Yanagiba blade, this knife is designed to glide effortlessly through fish in one smooth pull, preserving texture and appearance while minimizing cell damage. The result is beautifully clean slices that reflect the elegance and discipline of Japanese cuisine. A lightweight Paulownia (Empress) wood handle paired with a classic water buffalo horn ferrule provides excellent balance, comfort, and control during extended prep. Refined, responsive, and expertly crafted, the Masahiro Shiro-Ko Yanagiba is an essential tool for chefs and serious home cooks who demand precision, sharpness, and tradition in every slice. Learn More

The Masahiro Shiro-Ko 180mm Usuba Knife is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife designed for unmatched precision and control. Crafted from White #2 steel (Shirogami/Shiro-Ko)—a high-purity carbon steel revered by professionals—this blade takes an exceptionally sharp edge with ease, making it ideal for clean, accurate cuts that preserve the texture and appearance of vegetables. The 180mm Usuba profile features a straight edge and tall blade, allowing for effortless push cuts, katsuramuki (rotary peeling), and detailed vegetable work. Every movement feels intentional and refined, reflecting the delicacy and discipline of Japanese cuisine. Finished with a lightweight Paulownia (Empress) wood handle and a traditional water buffalo horn ferrule, the knife offers excellent balance, comfort, and a timeless aesthetic. Responsive, precise, and beautifully crafted, the Masahiro Shiro-Ko Usuba is a trusted tool for chefs and serious home cooks who demand sharpness, control, and authenticity in their vegetable preparation. Learn More

The Professional’s Standard for One-Stroke Sashimi Mastery When working at a high-volume sushi station, the difference between a good cut and a world-class presentation lies in the length of the draw. The Masahiro Traditional Carbon 13-inch (330mm) Yanagi is not just a knife; it is a specialized instrument built for the 'one-stroke' technique. At 330mm, this blade provides the necessary runway to slice through large loins of Maguro (Tuna) or Hamachi in a single, fluid pulling motion. This prevents the 'sawing' effect that damages the delicate cellular structure of the fish, ensuring a glass-like surface and superior mouthfeel. Crafted from Yellow Paper Steel (Kigami), this blade offers a pure carbon steel experience. It sharpens to a surgical level of keenness that stainless steels simply cannot match. The traditional Urasuki (concave) grind on the back side creates an air pocket during the cut, significantly reducing drag and preventing the fish from sticking to the blade. This is a tool designed for the professional who demands precision during a 12-hour shift where speed and aesthetic perfection are equally weighted. The 330mm length is specifically chosen by senior sushi chefs because it allows for the processing of larger species without repositioning the knife. While a 240mm or 270mm Yanagi might struggle with a thick sakudori (block) of tuna, this 13-inch powerhouse glides through with ease, making it the definitive choice for fine-dining environments and busy sushi bars. 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 Masahiro Traditional Carbon Left Handed 270mm Yanagi is most commonly used for slicing fish. The The blade is not meant for heavy duty butchering tasks, and shouldn't be used on bones. Learn More

The Masahiro Traditional Carbon 8.25 in (210mm) Usuba provides for very clean, straight cuts and is used by sushi chefs to roll-cut cucumbers into very long thin sheets. This knife is ideal for cutting, chopping and mincing fruits and vegetables. Learn More

Master the Art of Sashimi with the Masahiro Traditional Carbon Takobiki Knife Experience the precision and elegance of traditional Japanese cutlery with the Masahiro Traditional Carbon 12 in. (300mm) Takobiki knife. This masterfully crafted blade is designed for the discerning chef who demands the utmost in performance and quality. The Takobiki, a traditional sashimi knife, is distinguished by its long, slender blade and squared-off tip, a design perfected in the Kanto region of Japan. This unique shape is exceptionally well-suited for thinly slicing fish and seafood with a single, graceful pull-cut, preserving the delicate texture and flavor of the ingredients. The squared tip is a convenience that keeps you from accidentally bumping the tip or puncturing the flesh of the product you're cutting. Crafted from high-quality Yellow Paper carbon steel, this Masahiro Takobiki offers an incredibly sharp edge that holds its keenness through extended use. The 300mm blade provides the necessary length to handle large cuts of fish, while the single-bevel grind ensures the cleanest possible cuts, a hallmark of professional Japanese knives. The knife's construction and materials are a testament to the rich history of Japanese bladesmithing, offering a tool that is not only a high-performance kitchen instrument but also a work of art. The Takobiki's design is not merely for aesthetics; its form is intrinsically linked to its function. The thin, narrow blade minimizes friction, allowing for the paper-thin "usuzukuri" style of slicing. While traditionally known as an "octopus slicer", the Takobiki is a versatile tool for any delicate slicing task where precision is paramount. This knife is ideal for preparing sashimi and sushi, and its elegant design makes it a prized possession for both professional and home chefs. 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

Surgical Precision for the Left-Handed Saucier and Sushi Chef For the left-handed professional, finding a true single-bevel blade that doesn't compromise on geometry is a constant challenge. The Masahiro Traditional Carbon 210mm Yanagi is the definitive answer. Crafted in Seki, Japan, this blade is purpose-built for the unique mechanics of left-handed pull-slicing. Unlike converted right-handed blades, this Yanagi features a proper Urasuki (concave) back side, creating an air pocket that prevents fish from sticking to the blade during delicate service. At the heart of this tool is Yellow Paper (Kigami) steel. For the seasoned chef, this means a knife that takes a terrifyingly sharp edge with minimal time on the stones. While it requires the disciplined care of a carbon steel tool—immediate drying and occasional oiling—the payoff is a level of sharpness that stainless alloys simply cannot match. The 210mm (8.25 inch) length is the 'goldilocks' size: agile enough for tight garnish work and small-plate sashimi, yet possessing enough runway for clean, single-stroke cuts through medium-sized fillets like Hamachi or Sake. This knife is designed for the high-intensity environment of a professional sushi bar or a fine-dining crudo station. The Ho-wood handle provides a lightweight, natural grip that remains secure even when hands are wet, ensuring you maintain absolute control over the blade's trajectory through every slice. Learn More