Matsu Collection

The Soul of the Sushi Chef: Experience Unrivaled Precision with the Minonokuni Matsu 300mm Yanagi For the artisan who understands that a slice is not merely a cut, but the final, reverent touch, we present the Minonokuni Matsu 300mm Yanagi. This is more than a knife; it is a testament to centuries of Japanese blade-making heritage, meticulously hand-forged to serve as an extension of your will. For the professional sushi chef or the passionate culinary purist, this is the ultimate tool for transforming the finest ingredients into edible art. A Blade Forged in Tradition, Honed for Perfection At the core of this masterpiece is a blade of Aogami-ko Kasumi (Blue Steel No. 2), a revered high-carbon steel known for its surgical sharpness and remarkable edge retention. Forged by master craftsmen, the blade's single-bevel grind allows it to glide through fish and delicate meats with ethereal grace, creating translucent slices with pristine, unblemished surfaces. The resulting mirror-like finish on each cut is a hallmark of a truly superior Yanagi. With a Rockwell hardness of 63-65, this blade is not only incredibly sharp but also exceptionally resilient, ready to perform flawlessly in the most demanding professional kitchens. Ergonomic Elegance, Flawless Control Grasp the traditional octagonal handle, crafted from beautifully grained, oiled Japanese Magnolia (Ho) wood. It feels warm, light, and perfectly balanced in the hand, designed for hours of comfortable and precise work. The handle is crowned with a genuine water buffalo horn ferrule, a classic touch that adds both durability and a timeless aesthetic. Weighing a nimble 7 ounces, the knife's balance is engineered to make the long 300mm blade feel like a natural part of you, enabling effortless, fluid strokes. An Heirloom in the Making Each Minonokuni Matsu Yanagi is a unique work of art, destined to become a cherished tool in your collection. It arrives protected in a custom-fitted wooden Saya (sheath), preserving its immaculate edge and ensuring its longevity. Learn More

Yanagi is a one sided, hand forged, pure carbon slicer. This knife is ideal for slicing meats and whole fish with precision. Knife includes saya. Learn More

The Minonokuni Matsu 240mm Left-Handed Yanagiba is a traditional hand-forged Japanese slicer. This knife is made from pure carbon steel that is chisel ground to create the thinest possible edge. This blade is perfectly shaped to create the thinnest possible slices of fish, meat, poultry and produce. The 240mm lenght is a good choice for anyone who wants to ensure they have a long enough blade to complete every cut in one smooth motion, but is not so large that it is difficult to control. This knife includes ho wood saya for storage.  Please note that this model is intended for left-handed use, we also carry a right handed Matsu 240mm Yanagi.  Learn about the Care and Maintenance of Carbon Steel Knives Learn More

Minonokuni Matsu 240mm Yanagiba: The Art of the Perfect Slice Embrace the revered tradition of Japanese culinary artistry with the Minonokuni Matsu 240mm Yanagiba. Named "Matsu" for the enduring pine tree – a symbol of resilience and timeless elegance – this blade is meticulously crafted for the precise, single-stroke cuts essential for flawless sashimi and sushi. It's an indispensable tool for professional sushi chefs and discerning home cooks who demand uncompromising sharpness and control. The long, slender 240mm blade is forged from Hitachi AoGami (Blue Paper) Steel, a premium carbon steel renowned for its exceptional purity, sharpness and edge retention. The HonKasumi designation is a hallmark of meticulous craftsmanship. This is a method of forging in which the soft iron )igane) steel is expertly formed around the hard Aogami (hagane) core that forms the cutting edge. They are then polished ot reveal a beautiful and subtle contrast. This traditional right hand biased, single-bevel grind is precisely ground by the hands of Minonokuni's master artisans who've hardened the blade to a hardness ranging from 63-65 HRC. The unparalleled sharpness of this blade allows it to glide effortlessly through fish, minimizing cellular damage and preserving the delicate texture and flavor of your ingredients.  If you're new to the world of carbon knives we recommend that you review this informational to learn about the Care and Maintenance of Carbon Steel Knives This knife is right handed. We also carry a Left-Handed version, which is available here.  Key Features & Benefits: Premium Hitachi HonKasumi Aogami Steel: The core cutting edge is forged from legendary Hitachi HonKasumi Aogami (Blue Paper Steel), known for its superior toughness, exceptional edge retention, and ability to achieve an incredibly fine edge. Extreme Hardness (63-65 HRC): Expertly hardened to a professional-grade HRC range, this blade delivers outstanding durability and edge stability, requiring less frequent sharpening. Optimized Blade Geometry: Features a spine thickness of 3.5mm for strength and a blade width of 29mm, ideal for precise slicing tasks. Classic Yanagiba Design: The 240mm length is ideal for slicing most fish fillets in a single, fluid motion, ensuring clean, pristine surfaces essential for sashimi and sushi. Traditional Single Bevel Edge (Right-Handed): Expertly ground for right-handed users, this design creates an incredibly acute cutting angle for the ultimate slicing performance. The concave Ura (back side) helps food release easily and aids in sharpening. "Matsu" Elegance: Reflecting the steadfast beauty of the pine, this knife embodies a refined aesthetic, combining traditional form with flawless function. Balanced Weight & Handling: Weighing approximately 4.7 ounces, the knife is well-balanced, offering comfortable handling and precise control during extended use. Authentic Oiled Japanese Magnolia (Ho) Wood Handle: Features a traditional "Wa" handle, beautifully crafted from Oiled Japanese Magnolia (Ho) wood with a distinctive Water Buffalo Horn Ferrule. This light, comfortable, and naturally moisture-resistant handle provides excellent balance and a secure, traditional grip. Handcrafted in Japan: A testament to Minonokuni's dedication to centuries-old bladesmithing techniques, ensuring each knife is a unique piece of functional art. Sashimi & Sushi Specialist: Specifically designed for preparing raw fish, allowing you to achieve professional-quality results that honor the ingredients. (Note: High-carbon Aogami steel is reactive and requires immediate cleaning and drying after use to prevent rust, forming a protective patina over time) Learn More

The Minonokuni Matsu 210mm Left Handed Yanagi is a traditional Blue Steel sushi knife. Shaped to create the thinest possible slices, this knife is an excellent choice for the preparation of sashimi and nigiri. It can also be used to fillet whole fish and to slice vegetables, meats or poultry. This is a one-sided, knife ground like an urasuki chisel that is biased for left-handed use. If you are right handed we also carry the right-handed version of this knife.  This knife comes with a traditional wooden saya for storage.  Learn more about Care and Maintenance of Carbon Steel Knives Learn More