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Usuba / Nakiri
Usu(Thin)Ba(Knife)
Usuba is a traditional Japanese knife shape with a thick spine and pronounced shinogi line. Characterized by their rectangular shape and utter lack of camber Usuba knives are best used when preparing vegetables. The shape of the Usuba blade and the angle at which the handle is affixed to it allow for a significant degree of knuckle clearance which can be quite helpful when working with larger quantities. It is important to note that Usubas are typically one sided although this definition is not universally applicable and some manufacturers do create double-beveled knives that would indeed qualify as Usubas. The westernized version of an Usuba, which is typically double-beveled and also intended for use on vegetables, is known as a Nakiri. Although many believe the distinction between Usubas and Nakiris to be their one or two sidedness this is not wholly accurate. The key distinction between the two shapes is the thickness of the steel from which they are formed. Despite being named “thin knife” Usubas are thicker than their westernized counterpart the Nakiri.
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Minonokuni Sakura Damascus 210mm Usuba
A union of traditional artistry and high-performance materials, the Minonokuni Sakura Usuba (SKU: Sakura-1615) is a precision tool crafted for the specialist. Its purpose is to perform meticulous vegetable work with unparalleled ease and accuracy. The Damascus Blade: The soul of this knife is its striking Shirogami-Ko Damascus blade. The construction features a core of high-purity Shirogami-ko (White Steel #1), a carbon steel revered by Japanese bladesmiths for its ability to achieve an incredibly sharp edge. This hard cutting core is protected by layers of softer steel forge-welded around it, creating the elegant, wave-like pattern characteristic of Damascus steel. This process provides the perfect blend of properties: the extreme sharpness of the Shirogami core with the added durability and resilience of the Damascus cladding. Hardened to a Rockwell Hardness of 60/62, the blade offers exceptional edge retention through rigorous use. The 210mm (8.3-inch) blade is ground to a traditional Urasuki Chisel profile—a single-bevel edge with a concave hollow on the back. This specialized grind is the key to creating razor-thin, clean slices while minimizing friction and preventing food from sticking. Learn More$660.00 -
Minonokuni Sakura Damascus 210mm Kama-Usuba
Minonokuni Sakura Damascus 210mm Kama-Usuba: The Art of Vegetable Mastery Experience the pinnacle of Japanese blade artistry and culinary precision with the Minonokuni Sakura Damascus 210mm Kama-Usuba. More than just a knife, this is a handcrafted masterpiece designed for the chef who demands unparalleled performance in vegetable preparation and appreciates the profound beauty of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The "Sakura" (cherry blossom) motif, delicately integrated into its design, evokes the transient beauty of Japanese spring, making this knife a stunning centerpiece in any collection. The blade itself is a testament to the smith's skill, featuring a breathtaking Damascus pattern created by expertly forging and layering different steels around a core of ultra-pure Shirogami-Ko (White Paper Steel). This not only results in a unique, rippling aesthetic but also contributes to the blade's resilience and the core steel's legendary cutting performance. At its heart, the 210mm Kama-Usuba (sickle-shaped thin blade) is a specialist's tool. The "Kama" style, with its pointed tip, offers exceptional agility for intricate decorative cuts (kazari-giri), precise peeling (katsuramuki), and detailed vegetable work, setting it apart from the blunt-tipped Kanto-style Usuba. The traditional single-bevel edge, forged from Shirogami-Ko hardened to an impressive HRC 62, is ground to a scalpel-like sharpness. This allows for incredibly thin, clean slices that preserve the delicate cell structure of vegetables, enhancing their flavor and texture. Learn More$660.00
