Také Edition

The Také 165mm (6.5 inch) deba is especially well sized for processing fresh water fish and small to medium sized salt water species. It is also very well sized for processing poultry. Hand-forged Kasumi Shiro-ko White Paper #1 carbon steel takes an extremely fine edge that cleaves through flesh without tearing. Edge retention is moderately less than a blue steel, but considerably improved from yellow or SK5 steels, this blade is hard enough to hold a very fine edge, but less prone to chipping. Think of this as the goldilocks deba in terms of size and steel composition.  Wash and dry immediately after use to prevent rust. Learn more about the Care and Maintenance of Carbon Steel Knives.  Learn More

The Minonokuni Také 165mm Deba Left-Handed Deba is primarily used for breaking down whole fish and poultry. This knife features a thick, heavy blade that is used tp cleave fillets from the bone with ease. The 165 mm Deba has a fair amount of weight which is very helpful for tracing the spines on tuna and salmon. This particular model is made with White steel which is often considered the Goldilocks of Carbon steel (not too hard and not too soft). It takes a razor sharp edge and holds it very well, but is less prone to chipping that harder blue or stainless steels. In terms of size the 165mm blade offers versatility as it is long enough to use on large species of salt or fresh water fish, but not so large that it cannot be used on smaller game birds or fresh water species.  This is an all around great choice. This knife is designed for use in the left hand. We also carry a right handed model (available here). Learn More

Blade Width: 7 mm Blade Height: 55 mm Weight: 11.5 ounces Steel type: kasumi shiro-ko (white paper #2)(not stainless) 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 165 and 180mm sizes really comes down to comfort in controlling the knife and size of fish to be cut. Learn More

The Minonokuni "Take" Deba is the authentic, purpose-built tool for the left-handed chef dedicated to the art of fish butchery. This is not simply a handle swap; the blade is forged and ground with a true single-bevel on the left side, providing the correct geometry for clean, precise work. It completely eliminates the steering and binding that happens when a lefty is forced to use a right-handed Deba, allowing you to break down a whole fish with confidence and control. At the heart of the "Take" (Bamboo) series is the use of premium Shirogami #2 (White Paper #2) high-carbon steel. This pure steel is prized by professional chefs for its ability to take on an incredibly sharp edge, far exceeding that of standard stainless steels. This exceptional sharpness is crucial for a Deba, allowing you to make clean cuts through fish heads, collars, and bones with minimal effort and without damaging the delicate flesh. The 180mm size is a versatile powerhouse, perfect for a wide range of fish. As a traditional carbon steel knife, it requires proper care and will develop a beautiful patina over time. It must be washed and dried by hand immediately after use to prevent rust. This is the correct, high-performance tool for the left-handed user who refuses to compromise. Learn More

The Minonokuni Také 195mm Deba is hand-forged in Kasumi Shiro-Ko White Paper 2 Stainless Steel. This knife is thick and heavy, designed to cleanly cleave flesh from the bone of fish and poultry. This size is particularly well suited for saltwater fish and large freshwater fish.  Learn about the Care and Maintenance of Carbon Steel Knives Learn More

The Také 210 mm (8.25 in) Yanagi is handmade by master blacksmiths from Kasumi Shiro-Ko (White Paper) carbon steel. You can expect this knife to be ground extremely flat. While they are sharp out of the box, they tend to get better and better with use and subsequent sharpenings as you burnish and true the edge. The smaller 210mm Yanagi is ideal for a cramped or tight kitchen workspace or for cooks who prefer working with a smaller blade. This is the size that many home users are most comfortable using.  Learn about the Care and Maintenance of Carbon Steel Knives Learn More

The Také 210 mm (8.3 in.) Left-Handed Yanagi slicer is beautiful, functional and extremely well-ground. Although it will be very sharp right out of the box, you can expect this knife to get better and better with use and subsequent sharpenings as you burnish and true the edge. This 210mm shorter Yanagi is suited for precise sashimi work that would be difficult with a longer Yanagi. One of the best cuts to perform with this knife is the difficult Usuzukuri slice common with fresh fish. The smaller Yanagi is better for this, as precision is key, the cuts should be so thin that the tip of the blade is visible through the fish as you slice. 

Learn about the Care and Maintenance of Carbon Steel Knives.  Learn More

This is the quintessential blade for the art of sashimi, a tool of perfect balance and uncompromising performance. The Minonokuni Take 240mm Yanagiba is the size trusted and revered by countless chefs, representing the ideal nexus of agile control and graceful reach. Its length is perfectly suited for slicing most fish fillets in a single, uninterrupted motion, the essential technique for creating the flawless, jewel-like surfaces that define world-class sushi and sashimi. There is no back-and-forth sawing; only one clean, fluid draw that preserves the delicate texture and locks in the pristine flavor of the fish. At the core of this exceptional knife is a blade forged from Shirogami #2 (White Paper Steel), a material celebrated in the culinary world for its ability to achieve a wickedly sharp edge and hold it through the rigors of a professional service. As a flagship of the premium "Take" (Bamboo) collection, this Yanagiba embodies a higher standard of craftsmanship and material excellence. For the serious home cook ready to elevate their craft or the professional chef seeking a reliable and masterfully balanced daily driver, the 240mm Yanagiba is the definitive choice—a true partner in the pursuit of culinary perfection. Learn More

Crafted for left-handed chefs who demand precision, the Minonokuni Take 240mm Left-Hand Yanagi is a traditional Japanese single-bevel slicer designed to create flawlessly clean cuts in sashimi and sushi. Forged in Japan by skilled artisans, the Take series features a high-carbon steel blade that sharpens to an exceptional edge, offering smooth, uninterrupted draws that preserve the texture and integrity of delicate fish. The blade’s length provides excellent control and glide, while the natural wood handle ensures comfort during extended prep. Ideal for both professional kitchens and serious home cooks, this Yanagi combines performance, tradition, and craftsmanship in one beautifully balanced tool Learn More