🔪🇯🇵 Yanagiba Shirogami knife with a 24cm blade is a thin and long traditional Japanese knife. Yanagiba knives were designed for slicing raw fish into thin slices (perfect for sushi lovers), as well as for cutting large pieces of meat (such as steaks). This knife has a single bevel, which means it can only be used by right-handed individuals. Although Yanagiba knives are typically only used in sushi and Japanese restaurants, there is a growing trend of home cooks owning these beauties for sushi or barbecue parties on weekends.

The blade of this knife is made from Hitachi White Steel 2 (white paper), also known as Shirogami 2, which was hardened to approximately 61-62 HRC.

❗ Because the steel does not contain chromium, a patina forms on the blade when used. However, the main advantage of this steel is that it has a very thin, soft sharpness, is easy to sharpen, and remains sharp for a very long time. To care for such blades, Ballistol oil is recommended.

🚩 The blade is protected by a thin anti-corrosion oil coating that protects it from rust and scratches even before it reaches the hands of its owner. Therefore, wash the knife thoroughly before first use to remove this thin protection.

Osaka Hamono blacksmiths equipped the Japanese (wa) handle with a plastic ferrule. The handle is made from the most commonly used wood for handles of traditional Japanese knives - magnolia wood. Magnolia wood is a soft light-colored wood that requires additional care because it easily stains, so we recommend having clean hands before using the knife. Japanese sushi chefs prefer this wood for its antiseptic properties, as well as its easy and inexpensive processing, as many magnolia handles are available on the market.

Suitable for those who are purchasing a Japanese kitchen knife for the first time. It can also be an excellent gift!

Usage and care:

⚡️Hand wash in warm water and dry with a towel.

⚡️Use a sharpening stone (not a honing rod!) to sharpen the knife.

⚡️Do not cut frozen products and meat bones.

⚡️Do not wash the knife in a dishwasher.

⚡️Refer to our detailed guide on proper care for kitchen knives.

Still unsure which type of Japanese knife is best for you? We have created a quick 5-step quiz that will help you find the perfect knife based on your culinary skills and types of prepared foods.