11 Best Sushi Knife 2024 – Reviews and Buying Guide

In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Picks!

1. SETO Japanese
2. DALSTRONG
3. Shu Pro Usuba

Preparing sushi and sashimi is a delicate art. It requires patience and skills. Cutting fish into thin slices without breaking them apart is not as easy as it seems. You can’t cut sushi with a regular knife. No matter how sharp it is, it will not be good enough.

The good news, you don’t need to be a pro to be able to whip up a sushi and sashimi sojourn for the weekend. You just need the right tools, and of course some practice! With the best sushi knife, you can soon become a sushi master in your kitchen.

Hover through our sushi knife reviews and you’ll find an array of affordable and premium brands. You’ll find one that fits in your budget.

Here is the List of Best Sushi Knife:

1. SETO Japanese
2. DALSTRONG
3. Shu Pro Usuba
4. Yoshiro Shiroko Yanagi
5. Kai Deba knife
6. Shun Classic Pro
7. Chef’s Companion
8. Happy Sales
9. Kyocera Kyotop
10. Kitchen + Home
11. Kamikoto Kanpeki

Our Top 11 Picks for The Best Sushi Knife (A Product Review)

Is your wasabi ready? Wait up! Make sure you have the best sushi knife for perfectly sliced sushi and sashimis!

1. SETO Japanese – Best Multipurpose Sushi Knife

The SETO Japanese chef knife is made of stainless steel and it’s not just an ordinary knife. The blades boast of an intricate pattern on its sharp blades. And the handle is made of pakkawood and red sandalwood. The D shaped Damascus handle also has an ergonomic grip. And even if it gets wet, it won’t slide off.

Furthermore, this SETO Knife is made by Mr. Yoshihiro. He is one of the members of the USA Knives Makers Guild. Hence, you can only expect nothing but the best.

Also,less food will stick to the sharp blades. And it’s very sharp out of the box. As for the shipping, you wouldn’t be disappointed. It ships from Japan in 5 days. 

The weight of the knife feels even. It’s not too light nor too heavy. And it glides smoothly through every food. 

Features

• Stainless steel
• Made in Japan
• 2 beveled edge blades
• D-shaped pakkawood and red sandalwood handle

Pros

• Easily sharpened
• Durable
• Fast shipping
• Glides through almost everything
• Sharp blades
• Ergonomic handle
• Multipurpose

Cons

• Some complained of scratches on the blade

Why you should buy this sushi knife

It can cut through almost anything! It’s ultra-sharp and the grip stays amazingly even if it gets wet.

2. DALSTRONG – Best Sashimi Knife 

The DALSTRONG is king when it comes to craftsmanship, durability, and performance. This sushi and sashimi knife is often preferred by professionals for a lot of reasons. And the specs will amaze you.

The blade is made of carbon steel and it’s extremely sharp and durable. You can cut through almost any food. And the etched design on the blade prevents food from sticking to the blade. Furthermore, the tapered blade can give you precise cuts every time.  

In terms of aesthetics, the stellar draftsmanship of the DALSTRONG knife cannot be denied. It can break down protein and can cut like a champ. It can also do technical cuts on vegetables. Moreover, it holds the edge very well too. You might not need any other knife in your kitchen.

Features

• Single beveled yanagiba knife
• 62 + Rockwell hardness
• AUS 10 V Japanese super steel
• 67 layers of premium high carbon stainless steel
• tapered blade
• Made in Japan
• 3 mm thickness
• Octagon shaped handle of military-grade fiberglass like material
• Honbazuke manual finish

Pros

• For precision cutting
• Super sharp edge
• Solid and sturdy
• Impressive craftsmanship
• Excellent customer service
• Preferred by professionals
•  A great showcase piece
• Multipurpose and versatile

Cons

• Some may find it a bit heavy

Why you should buy this sushi knife

It’s a sushi knife fit for the pros. You can cut almost anything with this beautifully crafted sushi knife. It looks elegant and can perform well above your expectations.

3. Shu Pro Usuba – Best Sushi Knife for Vegetables

The Shu Pro has the traditional design of an Usuba knife. An Usuba knife is a knife used by the Japanese for cutting vegetables. This knife has a distinct hollow ground, a flat edge with no curve.

This type of knife is perfect for cutting through vegetables without cracking them. Hence, it perfectly cuts a thin slice of raw fish.

Also. The double edge blade has a Japanese graffiti, lending it a traditional look. And it has a very comfortable grip that fits nicely on the palm of your hand. 

Features

• Brushed matte finish
• Pure high-carbon VG10 steel
• Single beveled edge and hollow back
• D-shaped pakkawood handle
• Made in Japan

Pros

• Limited lifetime warranty
• Ultra-sharp
• Easy to resharpen
• Can slice through vegetables without cracking them
• Can provide an ultra thin-slice
• Great edge retention

Cons

• Unresponsive customer service

Why you should buy this sushi knife

It can cut thin slices without breaking the food. It can even turn vegetables into paper-thin slices.

4. Yoshiro Shiroko Yanagi – Best Long Slicing Sushi Knife

ThisYoshiro Shiroko Yanagi is a long slicing knife with a small mist pattern referred to as the Kasumi. It’s a Japanese handcrafted knife. It produces thin slices of sushi and sashimi without cracking or altering the flavor and texture of raw fish.

An advantage of those sharp thin blades is that it can cut through food with long uninterrupted strokes. This technique can preserve the natural flavor and texture of the raw fish. 

The edge is very sharp and thin. Hence, it’s also ideal for cutting very thin slices of vegetables for art food deco. Though be careful not to use the knife against any hard food. 

Features

• High carbon steel material
• Handcrafted
• D-shaped handle
• Single-edged
• Made in Japan

Pros

• Ultra-sharp
• Lightweight
• Can produce very thin slices of fish
• Comes with a wooden sheath
• Ergonomic handle

Cons

• Can oxidize easily without proper care

Why you should buy this sushi knife

It can cut with long uninterrupted strokes resulting in better flavor and texture of raw fish.

5. Kai Deba knife – Best Heavy-duty Sushi Knife 

A Deba Knife is traditionally used to cut large fishes. The Kai Deba knife is a great workhorse sushi knife that can help pro chefs cut and segment large fishes. The blade is very sharp.

You may also use it to cut relatively thin slices of fish and julienne cuts for veggies. The handles are plain and don’t look fancy. But it’s easy to hold and feels nice on the grip.

Overall, it’s a heavy-duty workhorse knife that can be used for both thick and thin slices. And for its price, it’s a sweet deal. It can cut as good as a premium sushi knife. But that’s without the premium price. 

The Kai Deba knife can be a real value for your money. It has a super solid construction, feels durable, and has a substantial weight to it.  

Features

• Blade constructed of 1k6 high carbon stainless steel
• 6-inch knife
• Single beveled blade design
• D-shaped pakkawood resin-impregnated hardwood handles
• Made in Japan

Pros

• Limited lifetime warranty
• Multipurpose and versatile
• Affordable
• Super sharp
• Ergonomic handle
• Great edge retention
• Has a substantial weight
• Durable and solid

Cons

• Not for precision slicing

Why you should buy this sushi knife 

It’s an all-around knife that you can use for almost anything. It’s solid, durable, and has great edge retention too. 

6. Shun Classic Pro – Best Knife for Cutting Sushi Rolls

The Shun Classic Pro is a Yanagiba knife primarily intended to cut thin slices of raw fish. Albeit that, it can also be used for slicing cooked food such as ham, turkey, vegetables, and fruits. One advantage of this yanagiba knife is that it can hold a super sharp edge longer than any other knives, even the premium ones. But it doesn’t have a premium price tag. 

With a great balance and beautifully crafted exterior, It’s a great value for your money. It also feels nice on the grip. And if you want to do the precise cutting, it’s a perfect knife for the job.

Features

• 9-inch Yanagiba knife
• VG 10 super steel
• Graffiti single-edged blade
• Premium shapes pakkawood handle

Pros

• Easy to resharpen
• Feels great in the hand
• Beautiful craftsmanship
• Ultra-sharp blades
• Precision cutting

Cons

• The price isn’t advisable for beginners

Why you should buy this sushi knife

It’s the best knife for precision cutting.

7. Chef’s Companion – Best Sushi Knife for Beginners

The Chef’s Companion is a well made and inexpensive sushi knife that’s perfect for beginners. If you’re a newbie in the sushi-making business, you don’t need an expensive knife upfront. You can practice making sushi and sashimi with an inexpensive sushi knife. 

This sushi knife is affordable but it’s well made and can produce thin slices of fish. And It also has a nice Asian etching on the blades.

Features

• Premium grade carbon steel
• Single beveled blade
• Made in Japan
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

• Precision cutting
• Can be used by both professional and beginners
• Balance and feels great on the hand
• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Well made

Cons

• Perfect for sushi but not that ideal for sashimi

Why you should buy this sushi knife

If you’re a newbie, this the perfect sushi knife to hone your sushi-making skills. 

8. Happy Sales – Best Light Duty Sushi Knife

This affordable sushi knife is lightweight, easy to handle, and quite sharp. It’s an ideal sushi knife for beginners who are still trying to learn the art of cutting sushi and sashimi. You don’t have to pay a hefty price but you won’t be disappointed with its performance. It can hold an edge well.

The handles are traditional and are made of raw wood. Though you can cure the handle to give it a more polished look. 

You may also like: Best Assisted Opening Knives

It’s a basic sushi knife that you can use to cut through fish and veggies. Though we recommend it for light-duty use. And if you take care of the knife and use it as intended, it can last longer too.

Features

• Single beveled 8-inch knife
• Total length is 13 inches
• For right-handed use
• Made In Japan
• Wooden D shaped handle
• Molybdenum steel
• Long slender blade

Pros

• Easy to resharpen
• Affordable price
• Great for beginners
• Sharp blade
• Can hold an edge well

Cons

• For light-duty use only

Why you should buy this sushi knife

It’s a great knife for beginners who are still learning the art of making sushi.

9. Kyocera Kyotop – Best Ceramic Sushi Knife

Kyocera Kyotop is one of the few ceramic sushi knives in the market. While most people favor stainless steel blades over ceramic ones, this material has something going for it. 

Ceramic knives can hold an edge longer than stainless steel blades. And you can expect the blade to stay razor-sharp 15 x more than your favorite steel knife. Another advantage of ceramic blades is that they are resistant to rust and acids.

It has a wooden handle that fits comfortably in the hands. And the blade has a wavy Damascus pattern too. It looks premium at every angle. 

But this knife is more suited for the pros who know their way around the kitchen. Ceramic is ultra-sharp but it can chip if you don’t know how to properly use it. It also has a more expensive price than steel blades. So someone who knows about professional cutlery will appreciate it more.

Features

• Ceramic knife
• Made from Japanese zirconia 

Pros

• Can hold edge 15 x better than steel knives
• Lightweight
• Easy to clean
• Rust and acid-proof
• Glides through food smoothly

Cons

• Can chip

Why you should buy this sushi knife

If you want a sushi knife that can maintain its edge for longer, a ceramic knife is a great choice. 

10. Kitchen + Home – Best Affordable Sushi Knife

This sushi knife from Kitchen + Home measures 8 inches and is made of Teflon stainless steel. What sets it apart from a sea of sharp knives is that it has a 10 hole design. And this effectively prevents any food from sticking to it. 

Furthermore, the holes aerate the entire knife so the knife feels lighter to hold. And the edges are ultra sharp too. Hence, it’s ideal for slicing delicate food such as raw fish, sushi, and cheese. The rocker blade design is also very useful in cutting veggies and herbs into minute pieces

Features

• PFOA free Teflon stainless steel
• 10 hole blade design
• Made in Japan
• Non-Slip ABS handle

Pros

• Ergonomic
• Multipurpose 
• Affordable
• Nonstick and sharp blades
• The aerated blade feels lightweight

Cons

• The coating tends to peel off

Why you should buy this sushi knife

It’s a sharp and multipurpose knife that you can buy at an affordable price.

11. Kamikoto Kanpeki – Best Sushi Knife Set

The Kamikoto Kanpeki knife set consists of three extremely sharp and beautifully crafted knives. It comes in a nice wooden case with a foam insert. And it can make a perfect gift for your wife or your homemaker friend. This 3-pc knife set comes with a 7-inch knife for vegetables, a 5-inch utility knife, and an 8.5-inch slicing knife.

It has a reasonable price that even beginners can afford. Thus, it’s a perfect knife set for those who are practicing their sashimi and sushi-making skills. 

Features

• Japanese Honshu stainless steel
• 3-pc knife set
• Handcrafted

Pros

• Durable
• Ultra-sharp
• Affordable price
• Comes with a nice wooden box

Cons

• Might be made in China

Why you should buy this sushi knife set

If you’re looking for an affordable sushi knife set, you can get the best value of your money with the Kamikoto Kanpeki knife set.

Types of Sushi Knives

1. Yanagiba

A yanagiba is a standard sushi knife. When translated, it means” willow leaf blade.” This knife is primarily designed to cut into raw fish and fish fillets. Though it can also trim meats, it’s intended for precision slicing of fish for sushi and sashimi.

2. Usuba bocho

When translated, Usuba means “thin blade.” Hence this knife is meant to slice vegetables. It’s commonly used in peeling, chopping, and slicing thin sheets of veggies aka julienne cut. It’s also used for specialized cutting of veggies into thin sheets without breaking or cracking them.

You may also like: Best Japanese Knife Set

3. Deba bocho

A Deba Bocho is a meat cleaver. It’s designed to cut into large raw fish. And this type of sushi knife is not really what a homemaker would use. It’s a heavy-duty sushi knife often used by professional chefs who need to cut through a large piece of fish. 

Factors to Consider When Buying a Sushi Knife

1. Origin

The best sushi and sashimi knives are made in Japan. It makes perfect sense since the origin of sushi and sashimi is also Japan. The Japanese take extreme pride in their traditional and handcrafted sushi knives. And it is the home of the best knives and sword makers as well.

2. Price

You don’t need to splurge to get a good yanaba knife all the time! Our sushi knife reviews have both affordable and premium choices. Entry-level or beginner sushi knives often have a more affordable price. So if you’re still honing your sushi making skills, it makes sense to go for an affordable one first, unless you can afford the hefty price of premium sushi knives. 

3. Design and blade pattern

The best sushi knives have an etched pattern on the blade. And in making sushi, the presentation is as important as the food itself. So Japanese sushi chefs take pride in the craftsmanship of the knives as it has its origin in the Japanese culture.

4. Length of the blade

A good sushi knife can range from 7 to 13 inches, or even more. The longer the knife, the better it is in cutting aimlessly through raw fish. And of course, the more expensive it is.

5. Blade material

The most important factor in choosing sushi knives is the sharpness of the blade. And sharp blades are made of hard materials such as steel alloy or those with high carbon content. And high-end sushi knives are often made of blue steel # 1 or white steel. VGA steel is also a very good blade material.

6. Handle material

Though the handle material is not as important as the blade, you still have to consider it. Typically, the best sushi knives have an ergonomic handle that fits nicely into your hands. And the look and feel of the knife also depend on the handles.

7. Dual edge vs single edge

What’s the difference? Single-edged knives only have one sharp end for cutting whereas dual-edged knives have two sharp edges.

Typically, the best sushi knives are more of single beveled ones. These are meant for right-handed use. This type of blade gives a clean and even cut. Though the advantage of a double-edged knife is that they can be ambidextrous. 

FAQs

How do you maintain sushi knives?

Taking care of your sushi knife is quite easy:

• Never place them in the dishwasher
• Don’t use them to cut hard frozen food
• Only use water stone to sharpen the knives.
• Wipe your knives if they come into contact with an acid such as lemon juice.
• Clean the knives with soapy water and dry them well before putting them back in their case. This will prevent rust and oxidation.

Conclusion

With the best sushi knife, you can make your own Japanese fare right at home. And it doesn’t need to rip your wallet. Our sushi knife reviews have both affordable and premium brands. Hover through our list and you’re sure to find one for your upcoming sushi sojourn.