Japanese Knives: Are They Your Best Choice For Sushi?
Japanese knives have been used for centuries to craft sushi, and they remain the preferred choice of professional chefs across the globe. Japanese knives are made with high-grade steel and can produce ultra-thin cuts, making them ideal for slicing delicate fish.
Additionally, many Japanese knives come with a unique single-edged blade design that makes it easier to achieve the paper-thin slices that sushi requires. Plus, they’re incredibly sharp and easy to sharpen when needed. This is why Japanese sushi knives are some of the best sushi knives out there.
However, Japanese knives do come with some drawbacks. First off, they’re usually more expensive than other types of sushi knives and require special care and attention to keep them in top condition. Additionally, Japanese knives can be tricky to work with and require skill and practice to achieve the desired result.
How To Choose The Best Knife to Cut Sushi Rolls?
When it comes to finding the perfect sushi knife, there are a few things you should consider.
- First, the type of material the blade is made from. The best sushi knives are generally made from high-grade stainless steel, as this will give you a clean cut and resist rusting over time.
- Next, consider the blade’s shape. A traditional Japanese blade is single-edged and slightly curved, while western blades are usually double-edged and straight. Different shapes can create different cuts, so you’ll want to choose the one that best suits your needs. High carbon stainless steel is also a great choice.
- Also, consider the size of your knife. Sushi knives come in a range of sizes from small to large, so make sure you select the one that best fits your hand size and sushi-making needs.
- Finally, pay attention to the handle of your knife. You’ll want a handle that is comfortable in your hand and allows for easy maneuvering when making sushi rolls.
Ultimately, when it comes to finding the best sushi knife, you’ll want to weigh all these factors to find the one that best meets your needs. Our top 2023 sushi knives have been carefully selected to give you the best possible options on the market, so make sure to check them out before making a decision.
Sashimi Knife Vs. Sushi Knife - What Is The Difference?
When it comes to preparing sushi and sashimi, the two most important knives you need are a sashimi knife and a sushi knife. Sushi chefs swear by both of these knives, but what is the difference between them?
- A sashimi knife has a longer and thinner blade than a sushi knife. It’s designed specifically for cutting thick, firm fish like tuna or salmon, while the sushi knife is better suited to slicing thin slices of fish and vegetables.
- Sushi knives have single-edged blades that curve slightly at the tip. This allows for thinner cuts and makes it easier to make paper-thin slices. On the other hand, sashimi knives have a double-edged blade and are usually straighter. This is better for cutting thicker slices of fish.
- Finally, sushi knives usually come with shorter handles than those on sashimi knives, making them easier to maneuver when making sushi rolls.
So while both of these knives are essential for making sushi and sashimi, they serve different purposes and it’s important to choose the right one for the job.
No matter what type of Japanese cuisine you’re preparing, having a quality sushi knife and sashimi knife on hand is essential. With the right tools, you can create delicious and beautiful meals in no time.
Best Sushi Knife: Our Top Picks
Now that you know the differences between sushi and sashimi knives, let’s take a look at some of our top picks for the best sushi knives on the market.
Best Overall: TUO Nakiri Knife 6.5 inch
The cleaver's tapered blade and highly forged Japanese AUS-8 stainless steel construction guarantee the highest cutting performance. A skilled artisan manually polishes each Ring Lite knife by hand.
In order to increase the knife's hardness and flexibility, the firm employs nitrogen cooling technology, which can guarantee that the blade is robust, rustproof, stainproof, and durable sharp.
The distinctive black handle and rust-colored coil that joins the handle to the blade give it a traditional look. This sushi knife is also ergonomic and provides a comfortable grip.
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle with a comfortable grip.
- High carbon stainless steel blade for superior cutting performance.
- Rustproof and stainproof construction.
- Nitrogen cooled to increase hardness and flexibility.
Cons:
- Some users find it heavy.
Most Versatile: Lucky Cook 10 Inch Sashimi Sushi Knife
This award-winning sashimi knife has a long, curved blade made of high-carbon German stainless steel. The blade is then cryogenically treated to increase its durability and hardness, making it perfect for slicing through thick pieces of fish or other food. This premium sushi knife has a long, thin, right-handed asymmetric blade that is designed to make filleting an entire fish easy and quick.
A household or commercial kitchen simply cannot function without a sashimi knife with a wooden handle, and the chic packaging it is packed in highlights the high standard and craftsmanship of the item.
A extremely sharp blade of premium stainless steel, superb balance, and a non-slip wooden grip are essential features of a high-quality professional sushi cooking knife.
Pros:
- Very sharp blade of high carbon stainless steel.
- Premium German stainless steel construction.
- Cryogenically treated to increase durability and hardness.
- Right-handed asymmetric blade design.
- Non-slip wooden grip handle.
Cons:
- Some users complain that it is too curved.
Most Reliable: Mercer Culinary Asian Collection Yanagi Sashimi Knife
With a traditional NSF handle, the Mercer Culinary Yanagi Sashimi Knife has a single-edged blade design which makes it perfect for making thin slices and delicate cuts. Blade with a single edge is taper ground and has a nice stone polish.
The razor-sharp blade is constructed out of high carbon, no-stain German steel and is long enough to fillet a medium size fish. The handle has a traditional Japanese style NSF wooden material that provides comfort and allows the user to obtain a secure grip even when wet or greasy.
German steel that is razor sharp, high carbon, and stain-resistant is resistant to rust, corrosion, and discoloration. A single-edge blade with a good stone polish is taper ground.
Pros:
- High carbon, no-stain German steel construction.
- Single-edge blade design for precise cuts.
- Traditional Japanese style NSF wooden handle.
- Razor sharp and stain resistant blade.
- Taper ground with a good stone polish finish.
Cons:
- Some users find the single edge difficult to use.
Ergonomic And Easy To Use: PAUDIN Carving 8 Inch Knife Razor Sharp Slicing Knife
The ergonomic form of the PAUDIN sushi knife provides well-balanced weight distribution, providing ease of movement, as well as greater comfort and a non-slip grip. The blade is combined with the soft and pleasant handle, producing a stable hold.
The 8" carving knife's ultra-sharp blade is designed to handle many types of meat, including roast, smoked salmon, brisket, pork loin, turkey, and ham. Long-lasting sharpness and great efficiency when cutting and carving are made possible by the taper-ground edge and precise balance.
The meat kitchen knife's unique waved design is not only stunning, but it also significantly reduces drag and food sticking to the blade. This greatest knife tackles everyday activities in a home or commercial kitchen with ease because to its 8–12 degree per side bevel.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design provides comfortable grip.
- Ultra-sharp blade with taper ground edge.
- Stunning waved design minimizes drag and food sticking to the blade.
- 8–12 degree per side bevel for optimum slicing power.
- Great efficiency when cutting, slicing and carving.
Cons:
- Not suitable for cutting through bones.
- Some users find the handle too small.
Professional Option: Dalstrong Yanagiba 10.5 inch Sushi Knife
Honbazuke technique is used to hand-finish the edge to a 15° angle on either side. For a hard and reliable core, nitrogen cooling is used. A composite titanium coating, which is non-reflective and durable and improves non-stick qualities.
High-carbon 7CR17MOV-X super-steel with a vacuum heat treatment surface at 58+ HRC for exceptional performance and edge retention is featured. A black space-saving matching sheath is included with each blade.
The Dalstrong Shadow Black Series stands out because of how it presents itself: sleek, powerful, and aggressive. They're more than simply cutting-edge appliances; they show off who you are and how you like to cook.
Pros:
- Honbazuke hand-finish edge.
- Nitrogen cooling for flexibility and toughness.
- Titanium Nitride coating for improved non-stick qualities.
- High-carbon 7CR17MOV-X super steel with vacuum heat treatment applied at 58+ HRC.
- Matching black space saving sheath included.
Cons:
- Pricey compared to other sushi knives.
Editor's Choice: KEEMAKE 10 inch Sushi Knife
The carbon fiber G10 bolsters never break and serve to both strengthen and smooth the knife's transition from blade to handle. constructed from solid-feeling natural rose wood that is smooth and pleasant to the touch.
Ingeniously, KEEMAKE coated the blade with a non-stick black coating to make it easy to clean and anti-rust (it is a hydrophobic coating). Premium Japanese 440C high carbon stainless steel with 58+ HRC is used to make Japanese sushi knives, which increase strength (sharpness and abrasion resistance) and stickiness (hard to chip).
An ideal weight/balance design that is properly distributed at the bolster for that "feels just right in your palm" feeling.
Pros:
- Carbon fiber G10 bolsters.
- Natural rose wood handle.
- Non-stick black coating for easy cleaning and anti-rust.
- Premium Japanese 440C high carbon stainless steel with 58+ HRC.
- Ideal weight/balance design.
Cons:
- The blade is a little thicker than other sushi knives.
Budget Pick: JapanBargain 1551 Sashimi Yanagiba Knife
This sashimi knife features a single bevel, molybdenum-plated, rust-resistant steel blade that is razor sharp. Great Japanese sushi chef knife with easy-to-sharpen plastic bolster and hardwood handle for optimal comfort and control.
Using a Japanese Yanagiba knife, one may create very thin slices for foods like sushi and sashimi.
Sushi knives have blade lengths of 8-1/4 inches (210mm) and 13 inches overall. Made in Japan, this classic sushi knife is an excellent value and great choice for the budding sushi chef.
Pros:
- Single bevel, molybdenum-plated, rust-resistant steel blade.
- Easy to sharpen plastic bolster and hardwood handle for comfort and control.
- Ideal size for slicing sushi or sashimi.
- Budget friendly.
Cons:
- Some users find that the blade is too short.
- Not as sharp out of the box as some other knives.
Best Sushi Knife: Our Conclusions
When choosing a sushi knife, first consider your needs.
Is it for professional use? Do you need one with a high carbon stainless steel blade that can be sharpened easily and retains its edge well?
If you are looking for a budget-friendly sushi knife, the JapanBargain 1551 Sashimi Yanagiba Knife is an excellent choice.
For a professional-grade sushi knife, the Dalstrong Shadow Black Series is an excellent choice due to its superior construction and durability.
The KEEMAKE 10 inch Sushi Knife also offers great value for money with its carbon fiber bolsters, natural rosewood handle, and non-stick black coating.
Our #1 pick is TUO Nakiri 6.5 inch Knife . It features a forged German stainless steel blade with 67-layered Damascus pattern, full tang construction, and military-grade G10 handle. With its tapered grind and razor sharp edge, this is one of the top sushi knives on the market today. Plus, an e-saving sheath is included with each blade for safe storage and transport.
No matter which sushi knife you choose, we are confident that with proper care and maintenance it will provide years of use. Good luck in your search!
We hope this guide has been helpful in finding the best sushi knife for your needs. Investing in a quality sushi knife is sure to make prepping sashimi and other Japanese dishes much easier and more enjoyable. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us at any time. Thank you for reading! Happy cooking!
