There’s nothing quite like learning the art of crafting sushi. While there’s no doubt that sushi is delicious, it’s almost impossible to make without the proper equipment. That’s why I’ll be detailing some of the best sushi knives below.
My Top 3 Sushi Knives
I’ll also go over some of the best ways to use these blades even when you’re not crafting sushi. As it turns out, sushi knives end up being extremely useful for cooking a whole number of dishes. These blades prioritize efficiency, so with proper training, you can certainly speed up your cooking process with these knives.
Read on to find out about how these knives can improve your cooking immensely.
Are You a Sushi Lover? Check Out Our Top Picks For The Best Sushi Knives
Without further ado, here are 6 of the best sushi knives reviewed for your convenience.
1. DALSTRONG - Yanagiba Sushi Knife
Dalstrong is known for making high-quality knives and this Yanagiba sushi blade is no exception. This single-bevel knife is 10.5-inches long making it well suited for precise, long cuts. While this knife might cost a bit more than other blades on this list, it’s certainly built to last you for years to come.
The super-strong knife has an impressive hardness of 62 HRC and excellent edge retention, so the blade will stay sharper for longer. These single-bevel blades are best suited for right-handed users.
This knife is made out of high-carbon stainless steel making it extremely durable. Notably, this blade also comes with a lifetime warranty so you can be sure it’s a great fit for your kitchen.
$149.00 from Amazon2. Yoshihiro Shiroko High Carbon Steel Kasumi Yanagi
Looking for a high-quality knife that will grow with your cooking collection? In which case, this Yanagi knife is an excellent choice. The knife comes in blade lengths of either 9.5″, 10.5″, or 11.8″ for maximum flexibility.
Not to mention, these blades are absolutely gorgeous. Yoshihiro has been a trusted name in Japanese cuisine for a reason. The blade is made out of high-quality white steel with an impressive hardness of 62 HRC. This long slicing knife is also perfect for cutting meat, fish, and soft fruits and vegetables making this blade incredibly versatile.
The knife is made directly in Japan and is engraved with beautiful Japanese characters. The knife also comes with a custom wooden sheath that will keep your blade protected when not in use. You can also choose between a rosewood or magnolia handle according to preference.
This knife is made out of carbon steel making it impeccably sharp and durable. Though this knife might cost a little more upfront, its blade will certainly last a lifetime.
$239.99 from Amazon3. TATARA Santoku Knife
Santoku Knives are incredibly versatile and this knife is no exception. The 7-inch blade comes at a great price for its value. This multi-purpose blade is forged with 67 layers of Damascus steel making it incredibly durable. It scores an impressive 62 on the Rockwell hardness scale.
This blade is perfect for cutting through fish, vegetables, sushi, and more. Notably, the blade has a military-grade handle that’s ergonomic and easy to grip. With an 8-12 degree cutting blade, you’ll be able to make ultra-precise cuts with this knife.
You’ll also get a beautiful knife case with your purchase along with a cleaning cloth for easy maintenance. This knife also includes a 1-year money-back guarantee, so you can make sure that this is a great blade for your needs.
from Amazon4. Premium Sushi & Sashimi Chef’s Knives
Perhaps you don’t want a single sushi knife and rather a full sushi knife set. In which case, this 4-piece collection of high-carbon steel blades is an excellent pick. With your purchase, you’ll receive a Gyutou, Nakiri, Deba, and utility knife all at a great price.
These knives also have ultra-light beechwood handles that are super easy to grip and look elegant in any kitchen. The knives are easy to clean and maintain with their stainless steel construction. In addition, the lightweight blades cut fish, meat, and vegetables without disturbing their structure.
Best of all, there’s also a money-back guarantee, so you’re bound to love these blades. All in all, this knife set is an amazing value for the price that you’re sure to enjoy cooking sushi and other dishes with.
$19.99 from Amazon5. Sashimi Sushi Knife
This sushi knife is multipurpose and is well-suited for cutting delicate fish and meats. The 10-inch asymmetric blade is long and narrow. I love how gorgeous this knife is with its simple, yet elegant rustic design.
The blade is single beveled and is best for right-handed chefs. This long blade can also be used for basic slicing due to its long, thin design. You’ll love the look and feel of the simple wooden handle. While this knife does not come with a custom sheath, it does come in a gift box making it a great gift for sushi enthusiasts.
This specialty knife comes at a great price and is well-balanced for easy, everyday use. Plus, the lightweight blade is gentle enough to keep the sushi intact while slicing. The super sharp knife has excellent edge retention, so you won’t have to constantly sharpen your blade. All in all, this is a great specialty knife that won’t break the bank.
$29.99 from Amazon6. Kitchen + Home Non-Stick Sushi Knife
Need a sushi blade that’s truly non-stick? In which case, this sushi knife is an excellent solution. This multipurpose chef’s knife combines Japanese solid construction with the style of a Western chef’s knife. The 13-inch chef’s knife is hard to beat its extremely affordable price.
This blade is coated with a “Teflon” lining without the use of harmful PFOAs. You’ll notice that this blade has 10 holes embedded within its design. These holes help reduce friction while cutting making for a super-efficient cooking process.
You can use this knife for just about anything: It cuts meat, fish, and vegetables with absolute ease. The stick-proof stainless steel blade is incredibly easy to clean, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
I’m super impressed with the quality of this blade for the price, and I’m sure you will be too. Even if you aren’t, the blade comes with a 30-day risk-free trial period and included warranty effectively protecting your purchase.
$19.99 from AmazonHow To Choose The Best Sushi Knives?
Choosing a great sushi knife can be difficult. Here are a couple of factors to take into consideration when finding the best sushi knife for your needs.
General Construction
If you’re getting a sushi knife, you’ll want to look for a blade that is truly well constructed. Sushi blades are made to last for years to come, so it may be worth spending a little more upfront so that you can enjoy substantially improved blade quality.
Blade Length
Sushi knives vary in length depending on the purpose of the blade. Generally speaking, the longer blade, the larger the cut. For example, slicing knives are usually very long since they’re used to make long, swift cuts. Examining blade length carefully can make it easier for you to identify the exact purpose of the blade.
Blade Purpose
There are so many different knife types, each with its own unique purpose. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common sushi knife blades so that you can get the knives you need.
Aesthetics
Sushi blades aren’t just highly efficient pieces of cookware, they’re also pieces of art. You’ll find that many sushi blades have engraved decals or unique metal patterns. If you’re an avid knife collector like I am, this is definitely something you’ll want to take into consideration.
Bevel/Feel
Since some sushi knives are single-beveled by design, they can only be used at a certain angle. Most single-beveled blades are well-suited for those who have a dominant right hand. If you have a dominant left hand, you may have to specially order a sushi knife to get a good fit.
In addition, pay attention to how a particular sushi knife feels when you use it. If you’re finding it somewhat uncomfortable, you might want to look at a different handle type or choose a different type of kitchen knife that better suits your cutting style.
After all, sushi blades can last for a very long time if they’re made well, so it pays to pick a knife that’s particularly comfortable. Don’t get discouraged if it takes you awhile to find the right blade set. When you do, you’ll know, and it will be worth it.
What Knife Is Used For Sushi?
Before acquiring sushi knives, it’s important to know exactly which types you need. Below, we’ll briefly go over some of the basic sushi knife types so that you can acquire exactly which knife types you need.
Sashimi
A Sashimi Knife is made for cutting fish. These blades usually have a single-beveled edge (as do many other sushi blades) and are capable of making thin, precise cuts.
Santoku
Santoku knives are highly versatile blades that can easily be compared to a Western all-purpose knife. This blade’s name means “three virtues”, as the blade is suitable for cutting meat, fish, and vegetables.
Yanagiba
The Yanagiba blade is a fillet knife. It’s used for making ultra-thin cuts of fish and is occasionally synonymous with the sashimi knife. You can also use this knife to cut certain types of meat.
Deba
The Deba Knife is well suited for cutting and filleting an entire fish with ease. It cannot chop large bones like a traditional meat cleaver or meat knife, but it’s ideal for cutting fish.
Takobiki
The Takobiki Knife is a specialty blade that can be used as a sashimi knife, but it has a blunt, hard tip that allows the chef to cut harder items like octopus or other foods.
Fugubiki
The Fugubiki Knife is used to cut paper-thin slices usually on fish. The Fugubiki knife is known for being precise, accurate, and incredibly efficient.
Usuba
The Usuba Knife acts as a “vegetable cleaver” of some sort. The blade cuts paper-thin slices of veggies with both hard and soft exteriors.
Yanagi
The Yanagi Knife is used for slicing. It’s usually used for super small tasks like mincing, dicing, or cutting toppings for sushi.
Gyuto
The Gyuto Knife is a Japanese blade made in the style of a Western all-purpose knife. This versatile knife is a favorite among many chefs since this knife can cut meat along with vegetables.
Sujihiki
The Sujihiki Knife can be used to cut both meat and vegetables. It’s usually a bit longer than a Gyuto knife, making it also a great blade for basic slicing tasks.
Nakiri
The Nakiri Knife is made for all-purpose chopping work. The signature square blade can be used to lift vegetables into a pan, making the knife incredibly useful. This knife is usually used for chopping different types of vegetables.
Sushi Knife Maintenance
Just like any other blades, sushi knives need to be tended to in order to stay in tip-top shape. Here are a couple of ways you can maintain your sushi knife set over time.
Washing and Drying
You’ll want to make sure that your sushi knives are thoroughly washed in warm, soapy water. Sushi knives should be hand-washed whenever possible and dried thoroughly to prevent rust. Be extra careful while drying these blades as they are extremely sharp. Wearing cut resistant gloves when using sharp knives is worth cosidering.
Sharpening
You’ll need to periodically sharpen your sushi blades in order for them to remain efficient. Make sure your knife sharpener is compatible with the type of blade you have.
Storage
Sushi blades should be stored in a safe way, preferably sheathed to protect the blade itself and the objects surrounding it. You can also invest in a high-quality knife block or magnetic knife strip if your sushi knives don’t come with a custom sheath.
Finding a Great Sushi Knife Is Worth It
Sushi blades are a great investment for anyone interested in making delicious sushi rolls and dishes. However, they’re much more than that— These knives are perfect for any chef interested in learning the craft and speeding up their cooking time.
Any of these six sushi knife picks would make great additions to any kitchen. Enjoy using these blades to craft homemade sushi and any of your favorite meals. Happy chopping!
Last update on 2025-01-21 at 23:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
