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Minonokuni Knives
Authentic Japanese blades (hochoes) hand-forged using traditional Japanese methods of old-world craftsmanship; Minonokuni knives are part of a project designed to preserve and protect the master/apprentice relationship. Even as demand for Japanese knives has grown; the skilled masters are aging, and it has been difficult to keep apprentices. While the methods of construction mastered over the centuries have changed very little, the methods of bringing the pieces to market is dramatically different. Then Knife Merchant was asked to assist by bringing knives from various masters in different types of material to market, so that the craftsmen can concentrate on their work and keep the apprentice fully employed, without the burden of stopping production to make sales. Minonokuni is the name of a prefecture (state) that existed in the days of the Samurai. It encompassed a wide area including Seki-City and Sakai, which are the areas of Japan in which our craftsmen are making these blades. This is why we have chosen this as a brand name to represent these knives. You will find the quality to be far superior to comparable material types. When the knife maker has his name on the blade (instead of working for a company), there is greater pride and care taken in little details that make a great difference in final quality. Minonokuni knives are now available in a variety of grades to suit every need and price point.
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Minonokuni Ume 150mm Deba
Minonokuni Ume 150mm Deba: Precision and Power for the Perfect Fillet Tackle whole fish with the confidence and precision of a seasoned chef. The Minonokuni Ume 150mm Deba is your trusted partner for fish butchery, a tool rooted in centuries of Japanese blacksmithing tradition, designed for power, accuracy, and control. The soul of a Deba lies in its heft and its edge. This knife features a thick, heavy spine that provides the necessary weight to cleanly cut through fish heads, collars, and small bones without chipping. This power transitions gracefully to a razor-sharp, single-bevel urasuki chisel edge, allowing you to glide along the fish's skeleton, separating delicate flesh with surgical precision and minimal waste. The 150mm (5.9") length is the "sweet spot" for versatility, making it perfectly balanced for handling small to medium-sized fish like snapper, sea bass, mackerel, or trout. It’s substantial enough for serious work yet nimble enough for intricate tasks, making it an ideal choice for both the dedicated home cook and the professional chef's toolkit. Part of the "Ume" (梅) or "Plum Blossom" series, this knife represents elegance, resilience, and an accessible entry into the world of high-performance Japanese cutlery. Like the plum blossom that signals the coming of spring, the Ume Deba marks your first step towards mastering a new culinary skill. Learn More -
Minonokuni Take 135mm (5.3 in.) Ko-Deba
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$180.00 -
Minonokuni Take 150mm (5.9 in.) Deba
The Deba (fat knife) is primarily used for breaking down whole fish and poultry. They are thick, heavy and very efficiently cleave fillets from the bone. The choice between 135mm and 150mm sizes really comes down to comfort in controlling the knife and size of fish to be cut. Learn about the Care and Maintenance of Carbon Steel Knives Learn More$190.00 -
Minonokuni Take 150mm Left Handed Deba
For too long, the left-handed chef has been forced to adapt, to compromise, to work against the very design of their tools. The Minonokuni Take 150mm Left-Handed Deba is not an adaptation; it is a declaration. This is the definitive butchery knife, forged from the ground up to move with you, not against you. The Deba is the heavyweight champion of the Japanese kitchen, and its purpose is singular: the powerful, precise dismemberment of fish and poultry. The 150mm blade offers the perfect balance of compact agility and brutal efficiency, allowing you to navigate the delicate anatomy of a sea bream or quail with the same confidence you use to drive its thick, weighted spine through a sturdy fish collar. The heart of this knife is its Aogami #2 (Blue Paper Steel) core—a material chosen for its ferocious, long-lasting edge and its underlying toughness. This isn't just steel; it's the embodiment of resilience, capable of withstanding the demanding work of butchery while retaining the surgical sharpness needed to separate flesh from bone without tearing. The true left-handed, single-bevel grind is its defining feature, providing a level of control that feels like a revelation. The blade steers itself, tracing the bone structure naturally and intuitively, leaving behind pristine fillets. This Minonokuni Take Deba is more than a tool; it is the restoration of balance, an instrument of power finally placed correctly in your hand. Learn More$260.00 -
Minonokuni Sakura Damascus 150mm Deba
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 -
Minonokuni Homura Blue/Stainless 150mm Petty
Minonokuni Homura Blue/Stainless 150mm Petty Learn More -
Minonokuni Aogami Damascus 150mm Petty Knife (Utility)
An Artisan's Tool: The Minonokuni Aogami Damascus 150mm Petty Knife Step into the world of traditional Japanese bladecraft with the Minonokuni 150mm Petty Knife. This is not merely a kitchen tool; it is an heirloom, hand-forged by artisans to deliver a cutting experience that is second to none. Perfectly sized for all precision tasks, this "Petty" (utility) knife is the nimble and indispensable partner to a larger chef's knife. The soul of this blade is its core of Aogami (Blue Paper) #2 Steel, a legendary high-carbon steel prized by master blacksmiths for its ability to take an incredibly fine, scalpel-like edge and hold it. This pure steel core is protected by layers of soft iron, forged into a breathtaking suminagashi or Damascus pattern that ensures each knife is visually unique. Core Benefits: Legendary Aogami #2 Steel Core: Experience unparalleled sharpness and extraordinary edge retention. Aogami steel is the choice of professionals for its pure, aggressive cutting performance on delicate foods. Protective Damascus Cladding: Multiple layers of soft iron are forged around the hard core, creating a stunning ripple pattern. This cladding adds durability and protects the Aogami steel. The Ultimate Utility Blade: At 150mm (5.9"), this Petty knife is the master of detail. It excels at in-hand peeling, trimming vegetables, segmenting citrus, mincing herbs, and precision slicing for charcuterie. Traditional Wa-Handle: The octagonal handle is crafted from beautiful red sandalwood, providing a comfortable, secure, and precise grip for all-day use. This traditional "Wa-handle" offers exceptional balance and control. Hand-Forged Artistry: Each knife is a unique piece of functional art, handcrafted by skilled blacksmiths in Sakai, Japan, a city with centuries of blade-making history.
A Note on Care: Aogami is a reactive high-carbon steel. This is what allows for its extreme sharpness. It must be hand-washed and dried immediately after use to prevent corrosion or rust. A beautiful patina will develop over time, telling the story of your culinary journey. Learn More
