Minonokuni Ume 240mm Yanagiba

The Minonokuni "Ume" Yanagiba is the traditional Japanese knife designed for the single purpose of slicing raw fish for sushi and sashimi. The 240mm blade is a popular, versatile size, offering excellent control for both detailed work and slicing larger fillets, making it a favorite for home cooks and professional chefs alike.

The long, narrow blade is forged from SK-4 High Carbon Steel, a tough steel known for holding its edge well and being easy to resharpen. It features a traditional single-bevel grind (for right-handed users), which creates a razor-sharp, chisel-like edge. This design allows the knife to glide through delicate fish with almost no friction, preserving the texture and flavor of every slice. The key to using a Yanagiba is to make one long, uninterrupted drawing cut, and this knife is perfectly balanced for that exact task.

As a high-carbon steel knife, the blade will develop a natural patina (a dark, protective coloring) over time, a characteristic prized in traditional Japanese cutlery. To prevent rust, it requires simple but essential care: always wash and dry it by hand immediately after use.