When you have to slice raw fish for sashimi or sushi, it’s not any knife that will serve the purpose. You will need the best sushi knife which is thin, long, and incredibly sharp with a single cutting edge. It’s very difficult to pinpoint what’s so alluring about sushi. Is it a fantastic coalesce of delicious ingredients? Or is it the texture and layoff of various elements that show up in every slice? It’s safe to say that all these factors add up to the attraction of this delectable dish that people across the globe enjoy.
Making sushi at home can be a great engagement for the weekends. And to get the desired results, you will need a fascinating sushi knife along with all the fresh ingredients. Sushi knives play an indispensable role in chopping, slicing, and mincing fish for sashimi or sushi. Let’s take a look at the 10 best sushi knives that can aid you to create this palatable dish.
- Yoshihiro Japanese Sushi Knife Set
- Enso Nakiri Knife
- Kai 6715D Wasabi Black Deba Sushi Knife
- Tatara Sushi knife
- Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Sushi Knife
- Yoshihiro Yanagi Sushi Knife
- Lucky Cook Japanese Sushi Knife
- Kyoku Samurai Yanagiba Sushi Knife
- Dalstrong Phantom Series Sushi Knife
- Imarku Professional Single Bevel Sushi Knife
Yoshihiro Japanese Sushi Knife Set
The USP of this sushi knife set is that it comes with 3 solid pieces that can cater to anyone from beginners to seasoned chefs. Even if you have just started, you will simply love the versatility that the knife set brings on board. On the flip side, experienced chefs will applaud the fine performance and craftsmanship.
In the Yoshihiro Japanese Sushi knife set, you will get a Deba, Usuba, and a Yanagi knife. The Yanagi is the most efficient ideal sashimi kitchen blade. This is because it has a narrow and long blade for cutting thin slices of fish or other meat for filleting. Some users prefer the Deba blade for filleting. It has heavy blade with a strong spine that can be used for butchering fish and meat. Lastly, the Usuba knife is particularly useful for chopping vegetables.
PROS
- Versatile set of knives
- Handle made of natural magnolia wood
- Sheaths included with every knife
CONS
- Not resistant to stain
- Can be sharpened with a whetstone only
Enso Nakiri Knife
The first thing that will catch your attention about this knife is the hammered finish of the kitchen blade. It is the best sushi knife made from VG10 stainless steel that’s veneered with 37 layers of Damascus. But the unique finish of the knife is not all that it has to offer. The blade is as sharp as a razor and the edge retains its sharpness for many years. Moreover, the dual bevel makes the knife suitable for both left and right-handed users. The blades are pre-sharpened which makes them suitable for use as soon as you open the package.
Further, it has a full tang design which implies that the blade goes all the way to the end of the handle. Another exciting feature is that the handle of the knife is made of canvas Micarta in place of wood. Micarta is designed for outlasting everything which means that you will never have to worry about wearing and tearing.
PROS
- Elegant hammered detailing on the knife blade
- Full tang design
- Dual-bevel structure
- Canvas Micarta handle
CONS
- Hammered Damascus may not appeal to everyone
Kai 6715D Wasabi Black Deba Sushi Knife
The next one on the list of best sushi knives is from the house of Kai. It comes with the Daido 1K6 high-carbon stainless steel blade with which you can cut paper-thin slices of fish. This knife is not only suitable for making sushi but also for preparing delicate garnishes and herbs. Even though it is a bit heavier than its contenders, it’s perfectly suited to perform its job.
The blade comes with an elegant brushed design along with a single-bevel edge to create a conventional Japanese look. Also, the handle is ergonomically designed and made from pakkawood which gives a similar look and feel of natural hardwood. As a result, you can have a good grip even when the handle is wet.
PROS
- Elegant modern look
- Ergonomically designed pakkawood handle
- High-carbon steel blade of pakkawood
CONS
- A squared edge at the back can be uncomfortable for some
Tatara Sushi knife
Tatara sushi knife also features the VG10 stainless steel blade that comes coated with 67 Damascus layers. This implies that this best sushi knife is not just extremely sharp but also durable and easy to keep up. To add to the flexibility and hardness of the knife, it is nitrogen-cooled. As a result, you can have paper-thin cuts for your sushi. The full-tang blade is structured into the handle with heavy-duty rivets for extra stability.
If you are looking for a sushi knife to gift to someone, then also the Tatara santoku knife is a perfect choice. You will receive it in a black pinewood box that’s lined with velvety material which makes the appearance pretty alluring. Needless to say, the knife is highly sharp and includes a polishing cloth to keep dust and grime away.
PROS
- Resistant to corrosion
- Full-tang design
- Military-grade ergonomic handle
- Nitrogen-cooled
- Comes in a pinewood gift box
CONS
- Not made in Japan
Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Sushi Knife
If you are tight on your budget, Mercer Culinary Genesis sushi knife one from the house of Mercer is a suitable choice. This kitchen blade is equipped with a highly comfortable Santoprene handle that gives a secured grip even when the handle is wet. The material is highly resistant to extreme temperatures and elements like oil and grease which makes it a highly coveted kitchen tool at home.
To ensure maximum durability, the blade is devised from high-carbon German cutlery steel that’s precision forged. As a result, the blade of this sushi knife is resistant to rust, corrosion, stains, and discoloration. Lastly, the rectangular shape of the knife features a Granton edge with shallow grooves to check anything from sticking.
PROS
- Pocket friendly
- Granton edge and full-tang design
- High-carbon corrosion-resistant blades
- Non-slip grip
CONS
- Doesn’t come with a sheath
Yoshihiro Yanagi Sushi Knife
The reason this kitchen blade claims to be the best sushi knife is that it can retain its sharp edge while providing longevity and ease of care. It is made of a high-grade carbon steel blade and the reason why it’s chosen is that it offers unmatched durability while gliding through all the ingredients you wish to slice. You will just have to apply minimal pressure for getting thin fillets of fish for sushi.
One of the prime features of this element of this sushi knife is the gorgeous octagonal Rosewood Japanese Shitan handle. This handle adds to the ergonomics of the product even though it is specifically suited for right-handed users. What’s striking about the knife is that it’s designed by traditional artisans by employing techniques that were used by swordsmiths centuries ago.
PROS
- Crafted in Japan
- Resistant to stain and rust
- Lacquered wooden sheath
- Ergonomically designed handle
CONS
- Can only be sharpened using a whetstone
Lucky Cook Japanese Sushi Knife
If you are looking for the best sushi knife with a long blade that fits in your budget, then you must go for the Lucky Cook Japanese sushi knife. It has all the advantages that a knife can practically offer and lets you handle fish and vegetables with ease. The long narrow blade is similar to traditional Japanese kitchen blades and the sharpness is top-notch. Moreover, the non-slop wooden handle makes it a perfect match for this knife. You can use the knife to fillet, cut, and slice any ingredient without crushing it.
Like all the high-end sushi knives, it also comes with a non-slip handle. You can work with the knife for hours on end without tiring the muscles of your hand. But the knife may not suit you in case you are a left-handed person.
PROS
- Comfortable wooden handle
- Can handle various types of food
- Ultra-sharp blade
CONS
- Not suited for left-handed people
Kyoku Samurai Yanagiba Sushi Knife
The knife is created by employing the popular Honbazuke 3 techniques which give an outstanding hardness and durability to the product. It’s a Samurai knife that will never lose its sturdiness or become vulnerable to wear and tear.
The makers of this sushi knife vouch for the durability of the handle as well as the blade. They have created the knife with the highest quality materials and ensured that the structure is ergonomic. This model will surely suit both professional and amateur chefs across the globe.
PROS
- The blade is heat-treated in the traditional Japanese method
- Elegant and durable handle made of Wenge wood
- Sharp blades and balanced design
CONS
- Not safe for use in dishwasher
Dalstrong Phantom Series Sushi Knife
The first thing that will lure you about this sushi knife is its beauty- the knife has a balanced structure and an elegant design that gives it a premium look. The handle is made of Spanish Pakkawood which speaks volumes of its unmatched durability. It has a D-shaped design that also highlights the perfect fit while holding the knife
But this doesn’t mean that Dalstrong knives are just beautiful. They are highly functional as well. The strength and sharpness of the knife are surely an added advantage. The blades are made of an AUS-8 steel plate which is tempered to achieve a Rockwell hardness of 58+. With this knife, your sushi-making experience will be quite impressive.
PROS
- Comfortable D-handle
- Sharp, strong and durable
- Sophisticated and balanced design
CONS
- Some users feel that the handle doesn’t offer a good grip when wet
Imarku Professional Single Bevel Sushi Knife
The top highlights of this sushi knife are outstanding edge retention, design, and incredible performance. Moreover, the stainless steel blade has a hardness of HRC 56-58. This implies that the knife is not only sharp but highly durable as well. The sharp edges have an angle between 12 and 15 degrees. This pattern allows you to cut thin slices without affecting the structure of the food.
It’s a highly comfortable knife that offers a perfect grip and balance. Moreover, the anti-slip mechanism lets you hold the knife precisely even when your hands are wet. If there is one thing that’s missing in this knife is the protective sheath to its blades.
PROS
- Anti-slip handle
- Handcrafted edges
- Sharp and enduring edges
- Comfortable usage for a prolonged time
CONS
- Doesn’t come with a protective sheath
How to choose the best sushi knife?
Now that you know the top 10 Japanese sushi knives, let’s delve deeper into some key aspects that you must consider before purchasing them. Many people wonder whether they really need a sushi knife for filleting fish. While you may achieve paper-thin slices with almost any long and sharp knife, having a sushi knife will make the process a lot more enjoyable.
In the first place, you will have to decide the type of knife that you wish to opt for. You may choose between a Yanagi, Usuba, Deba, and Santoku knife. All of these knives are highly durable and suited to the needs of both professional and home-kitchen chefs.
Which brand of sushi knife is the best?
Well, there are several brands of sushi knives that have been ruling the culinary space across the globe. Some of them are Enso, Dalstrong, Tatara, Kai, Tuo, Mercer, Paudi, Kyoki, and Zelite among others.
Tips for using the best sushi knife
Japanese sushi knives have extremely sharp and precise blades which are prone to damage when pressed against a hard surface. You should use a wooden grained board to keep up the sharpness. You must hand wash your knife after each use and dry it immediately with a soft clean cloth. Make sure you sharpen your Japanese sushi knife as soon as it gives in to brittleness.
Wrapping Up
While it’s natural to be tempted to opt for a cheaper alternative, it’s always a bad idea! Each of these sushi knives listed above is handcrafted and designed to perfection. We hope that listing the top features of these knives will give you a clear idea about these kitchen pieces and help you opt for the piece that lasts a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Go through our list and invest in the one that appeals to you the most.
