15+ best Japanese sushi knife (Yanagiba): Expert reviews and hands-on tests

Discover the true art of sushi with a Japanese sushi knife designed for unmatched precision and elegance. Every slice of fresh fish, every delicate cut of vegetable, and every perfectly rolled sushi comes effortlessly when you wield a knife that glides smoothly and stays perfectly balanced. In this guide, Kiichin showcases 15+ of the best Japanese sushi knives, selected for their exceptional sharpness, comfort, and long-lasting performance - tools that elevate your sushi-making from routine prep to a refined culinary experience.

1. Best Japanese sushi knife under $50 for beginners

Entry-level Japanese sushi knives deliver excellent precision and comfort without a steep investment. Perfect for beginners, these knives allow clean, effortless slicing while teaching essential sushi preparation techniques. Pairing a beginner Yanagiba with a Japanese Damascus knife helps users experience sharpness and durability, making sushi prep smoother.

1. Pearl Metal Yanagiba Knife 205mm Shunro F2404 Precision Sushi Blade
2. Shimomura Kougyou OVD-19 Knife
3. Kai Corp Seki Magoroku Hekiju Knife 210mm

1.1 Pearl Metal Yanagiba Knife 205mm Shunro F2404 Precision Sushi Blade

The Pearl Metal Yanagiba Knife offers a 205mm stainless steel blade that provides smooth, clean cuts for fish and vegetables. Its single-edged design ensures precision while maintaining ingredient texture, making it an excellent Yanagiba sushi knife for newcomers.

The polypropylene handle is lightweight and ergonomic, reducing hand fatigue during extended prep sessions. Balanced and maneuverable, this knife allows users to master sushi slicing techniques with ease. For detailed garnishes or vegetable prep, using a Japanese paring knife alongside it adds finesse and control in small tasks.

• Brand: Pearl Metal
• Blade material: Stainless steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2mm
• Total length: 325mm
• Handle material: Polypropylene
• Weight: 130g
• Price range: $40–$50
• Durable: Yes

1.2 Shimomura Kougyou OVD-19 Knife

The Shimomura Kougyou OVD-19 features a single-edged stainless steel blade that ensures thin, uniform slices of fish and vegetables. Its design preserves ingredient integrity, making it a reliable knife for beginners learning the nuances of yanagiba sushi techniques.

The ergonomic wooden handle offers excellent control and comfort. Its lightweight construction allows novices to maintain steady slicing while practicing sushi and sashimi preparation. Using a sushi mold can help shape sushi rolls consistently and neatly.

• Brand: Shimomura Kougyou
• Blade material: Stainless steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2.1mm
• Total length: 320mm
• Handle material: Wood
• Weight: 140g
• Price range: $45–$50
• Durable: Yes

1.3 Kai Corp Seki Magoroku Hekiju Knife 210mm

The Kai Seki Magoroku Hekiju Knife offers a 210mm single-beveled blade, perfect for slicing fish with professional precision. Its polished edge reduces drag and ensures clean cuts every time.

• Brand: Kai Corporation
• Blade material: Stainless steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba
• Blade finish: Mirror
• Blade thickness: 2mm
• Total length: 335mm
• Handle material: Resin
• Weight: 135g
• Price range: $45–$50
• Durable: Yes

2. Top-rated Japanese sushi knife $50-$100 for professional uses

Mid-range Yanagiba sushi knives offer sharper edges, better balance, and longer-lasting performance. Ideal for more frequent use, they allow precise slicing of fish, vegetables, and sushi rolls with minimal effort.

1. Kai Seki Magoroku 240mm Sashimi Knife
2. Kai Sashimi Yanagiba Knife 210mm Stainless Steel
3. Sakai Takayuki 210mm Yanagiba Knife
4. Aoki Hamono Yanagiba Knife 180mm
5. Tojiro Fujitora MV Deba Knife

2.1 Kai Seki Magoroku 240mm Sashimi Knife

The Kai Seki Magoroku 240mm features a polished stainless steel single-beveled blade that ensures uniform, clean slices every time. Its extended length makes it ideal for preparing sashimi and crafting sushi rolls with professional-level precision.

The resin handle offers ergonomic support, reducing wrist fatigue during long sessions. Lightweight yet perfectly balanced, this knife is versatile enough for both home enthusiasts and professional chefs practicing yanagiba sushi slicing techniques.

• Brand: Kai Corporation
• Blade material: Stainless steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2mm
• Total length: 360mm
• Handle material: Resin
• Weight: 150g
• Price range: $60–$80
• Durable: Yes

2.2 Kai Sashimi Yanagiba Knife 210mm Stainless Steel

The Kai 210mm Yanagiba is designed for everyday sushi preparation, slicing fish and vegetables effortlessly. Its sharp, single-edged stainless steel blade ensures smooth, delicate cuts essential for yanagiba sushi precision.

The resin handle offers a secure grip, making longer prep sessions comfortable. Its performance-to-price ratio makes it an excellent choice for home chefs seeking professional results.

• Brand: Kai Corporation
• Blade material: Stainless steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba
• Blade finish: Mirror
• Blade thickness: 2mm
• Total length: 325mm
• Handle material: Resin
• Weight: 140g
• Price range: $55–$75
• Durable: Yes

2.3 Sakai Takayuki 210mm Yanagiba Knife

Sakai Takayuki offers a 210mm single-bevel Yanagiba blade that excels in precision slicing of delicate sashimi and sushi ingredients. Its high-carbon steel construction maintains sharpness over extended use.

The wooden handle is ergonomically shaped for comfort and control. Balanced and reliable, this knife is perfect for professional cooks and advanced enthusiasts.

• Brand: Sakai Takayuki
• Blade material: High-carbon steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2.1mm
• Total length: 330mm
• Handle material: Wood
• Weight: 145g
• Price range: $70–$90
• Durable: Yes

2.4 Aoki Hamono Yanagiba Knife 180mm

The Aoki Hamono 180mm Yanagiba knife is designed for precise slicing of small fish fillets and delicate garnishes. Its stainless steel blade maintains sharpness and reduces drag while cutting.

The resin handle ensures a secure grip, even during long prep sessions. Lightweight and balanced, it provides excellent control for professional home cooks or sushi enthusiasts.

• Brand: Aoki Hamono
• Blade material: Stainless steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 1.8mm
• Total length: 300mm
• Handle material: Resin
• Weight: 125g
• Price range: $60–$80
• Durable: Yes

2.5 Tojiro Fujitora MV Deba Knife

Though primarily a Deba knife, the Tojiro Fujitora is versatile enough for slicing fish for sushi. Its stainless steel blade ensures clean, precise cuts, and its single-bevel edge allows delicate portioning.

The wooden handle offers ergonomic comfort, perfect for frequent use. Combining traditional craftsmanship with practical design, this knife is ideal for home chefs wanting a mid-range Japanese sushi knife.

• Brand: Tojiro
• Blade material: Stainless steel
• Blade type: Deba/Yanagiba versatile
• Blade finish: Mirror
• Blade thickness: 2.2mm
• Total length: 330mm
• Handle material: Wood
• Weight: 150g
• Price range: $70–$95
• Durable: Yes

3. Best Japanese sushi knife over $100 (premium picks)

Premium Yanagiba sushi knives offer exquisite craftsmanship, exceptional sharpness, and long-lasting durability, ideal for professional chefs and enthusiasts seeking high-end performance.

1. Sakai Takayuki #3 Sushi Knife 240mm
2. Byakko Tako-Biki 11.8/300mm Sushi Knife
3. Endo Shoji Yanagiba Knife 21cm Single Edged Commercial Grade
4. Masamoto Sohonten Yanagiba Sashimi Knife 27Cm
5. Sakai Takayuki 10.6 Inox Yanagi Sugihara Sushi Knife
6. Aoki Hamono 270mm Yanagiba Knife
7. Tojiro Fujitsu DP Sushi Slicer 10.6 Inch 27cm

3.1 Sakai Takayuki #3 Sushi Knife 240mm

The Sakai Takayuki #3 features a high-carbon steel blade with a mirror-polished finish, delivering exceptional sharpness and precision for slicing sashimi or sushi rolls. Its long, slender design allows chefs to execute clean cuts in a single motion, minimizing drag and maintaining ingredient integrity.

The wooden handle is perfectly balanced for comfort and control, reducing wrist fatigue during long prep sessions, making it ideal for professional kitchens or dedicated home chefs seeking premium performance.

• Brand: Sakai Takayuki
• Blade material: High-carbon steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba
• Blade finish: Mirror
• Blade thickness: 1.8mm
• Total length: 350mm
• Handle material: Wood
• Weight: 140g
• Price range: $180–$220
• Durable: Yes

3.2 Byakko Tako-Biki 11.8/300mm Sushi Knife

The Byakko Tako-Biki knife is designed for slicing octopus and fish with precision. Its stainless steel blade glides effortlessly, minimizing damage to delicate textures.

A resin handle ensures ergonomic comfort and stable control. This knife balances elegance, durability, and professional-level slicing performance.

• Brand: Byakko
• Blade material: Stainless steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba/Takohiki
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2mm
• Total length: 400mm
• Handle material: Resin
• Weight: 160g
• Price range: $200–$250
• Durable: Yes

3.3 Endo Shoji Yanagiba Knife 21cm Single Edged Commercial Grade

The Endo Shoji 21cm knife is tailored for commercial kitchens, offering high-carbon stainless steel for sharpness and long-lasting durability. Its single-edged design allows for precise slicing of fish and delicate sushi garnishes without crushing the ingredients.

The wooden handle is ergonomically designed for prolonged use, giving professional chefs the perfect balance of control and comfort. Its commercial-grade quality makes it suitable for sushi restaurants and advanced home chefs alike.

• Brand: Endo Shoji
• Blade material: High-carbon stainless steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2mm
• Total length: 335mm
• Handle material: Wood
• Weight: 145g
• Price range: $220–$250
• Durable: Yes

3.4 Masamoto Sohonten Yanagiba Sashimi Knife 27cm

Masamoto Sohonten’s classic Yanagiba offers professional-grade performance with a high-carbon steel single-beveled blade, perfect for slicing sashimi or sushi rolls. The polished edge ensures ultra-thin, clean cuts while maintaining the natural texture of ingredients.

Its traditional wooden handle delivers a balanced grip, making long sushi prep sessions more comfortable. This knife is a perfect investment for serious chefs who want precision, style, and durability in one tool.

• Brand: Masamoto Sohonten
• Blade material: High-carbon steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 1.8mm
• Total length: 370mm
• Handle material: Wood
• Weight: 150g
• Price range: $300–$350
• Durable: Yes

3.5 Sakai Takayuki 10.6 Inox Yanagi Sugihara Sushi Knife

The Sakai Takayuki Inox features a stainless steel Yanagiba blade that is corrosion-resistant and razor-sharp. Its design ensures precise cuts and minimal drag, perfect for delicate sashimi.

The ergonomic resin handle offers comfort and control. Its durability and professional craftsmanship make it ideal for both home and commercial kitchens.

• Brand: Sakai Takayuki
• Blade material: Stainless steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2mm
• Total length: 335mm
• Handle material: Resin
• Weight: 140g
• Price range: $180–$220
• Durable: Yes

3.6 Aoki Hamono 270mm Yanagiba Knife

Aoki Hamono’s 270mm Yanagiba combines a single-beveled carbon steel blade with a resin handle, designed for slicing large fish or intricate sushi rolls. Its exceptional edge retention and lightweight balance make it ideal for professional sushi chefs.

The knife’s sharpness and precision ensure that every cut is clean, while the handle provides ergonomic support for extended prep sessions, making it one of the most trusted premium Yanagiba sushi knives on the market.

• Brand: Aoki Hamono
• Blade material: Carbon steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 1.9mm
• Total length: 370mm
• Handle material: Resin
• Weight: 155g
• Price range: $240–$280
• Durable: Yes

3.7 Tojiro Fujitsu DP Sushi Slicer 10.6 Inch 27cm

The Tojiro Fujitsu DP features a single-edged Yanagiba design with a stainless steel blade that glides effortlessly through fish for sashimi and sushi rolls. Lightweight and balanced, it reduces hand fatigue while maintaining precision slicing for professional results.

Its wooden handle ensures a secure, ergonomic grip, combining style, comfort, and functionality. This knife is ideal for chefs who want a high-quality Yanagiba sushi knife that delivers reliable performance and elegant design.

• Brand: Tojiro
• Blade material: Stainless steel
• Blade type: Yanagiba
• Blade finish: Mirror
• Blade thickness: 2mm
• Total length: 335mm
• Handle material: Wood
• Weight: 145g
• Price range: $200–$230
• Durable: Yes

Choosing the right Japanese sushi knife, whether a beginner-friendly option or a premium Yanagiba sushi, elevates your culinary skills and ensures precision with every slice. A high-quality knife not only enhances your cutting experience but also preserves the texture and presentation of your ingredients. Explore Kiichin’s collection to find the perfect sushi knife for your kitchen and enjoy effortless, professional-level sushi preparation.

FAQs - Frequently asked questions about Yanagiba knife