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)
