Best Sashimi Knives of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025

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Sashimi knives are a type of Japanese kitchen knife that are specifically designed for slicing raw fish and seafood. These knives are characterized by their long, thin blades that allow for precise cuts and clean slices. They are typically made from high-quality steel and feature a single bevel edge that is sharpened to a razor-like edge. Sashimi knives are an essential tool for any sushi chef or seafood lover and are a must-have for preparing delicate dishes like sashimi, sushi, and carpaccio. With the right technique and a sharp sashimi knife, anyone can create beautiful, restaurant-quality dishes at home.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

KYOKU Samurai Series Yanagiba Knife Cover #TOP 1
KYOKU Samurai Series Yanagiba Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.9
KEEMAKE Sushi Knife 10 inch Cover #TOP 2
KEEMAKE Sushi Knife 10 inch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Mercer Culinary Yanagi Sashimi Knife Cover #TOP 3
Mercer Culinary Yanagi Sashimi Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Sashimi Knives

#TOP 1

KYOKU Samurai Series Yanagiba Knife

7539790952
Brown
10.5"
KYOKU Samurai Series Yanagiba Knife Cover
KYOKU Samurai Series - 10.5" Yanagiba Knife Japanese Sushi Sashimi Knives - Superior Japanese Steel - Wenge Wood Handle - with Case

The KYOKU Samurai Series Yanagiba Knife is a 10.5" sashimi knife made from an ultra-sharp, cobalt-added, and cryogenically treated steel cutting core at HRC 56-58 hardness. It features a well-balanced design that blends performance and comfort, a wenge wood handle for an authentic style, and an extremely sharp edge that is handcrafted by seasoned artisans to a mirror polish at 11-13° single side. The knife also comes with a lifetime warranty.

What We Like
Excellent edge retention
Beautifully crafted design
Heavy, solid feel
Great value for price
Versatile for various kitchen tasks
What We Don't Like
Edge requires some touchup
Flexibility could be improved

KEEMAKE Sushi Knife 10 inch

2040305K
Black
KEEMAKE Sushi Knife 10 inch Cover
KEEMAKE Sushi Knife 10 inch, Sashimi Knife with 440C Stainless Steel Blade Yanagiba Knife, Japanese Sushi Knife with G10 Bolster and Octagonal Rosewood Handle Carving Knife with Gift Box

KEEMAKE 10" Sushi Knife is made of premium Japanese 440C stainless steel, known for its sharpness, durability, and rust resistance. The non-stick black coating prevents rust and makes cleaning easy. With a rosewood handle and G10 bolster, this knife offers a comfortable grip and perfect balance for precise cutting. The 100% service guarantee ensures your satisfaction with a replacement or refund if needed.

What We Like
Beautiful Damascus blade
Excellent sharpness and edge retention
Good value for the price
Comfortable hardwood handle
Well-balanced design
What We Don't Like
Handle comfort could improve
Not as durable as high-end knives
#TOP 3

Mercer Culinary Yanagi Sashimi Knife

M24012
Wooden Handle
Mercer Culinary Yanagi Sashimi Knife Cover
Mercer Culinary-M24012 Asian Collection Yanagi Sashimi Knife, 12-Inch, Wooden Handle

The Mercer Sashimi Knife is expertly crafted from high-carbon German steel, ensuring a sharp and durable edge for your slicing needs. Its taper ground design allows for precision cuts, making it ideal for handling large fish like salmon and halibut. The traditional wooden handle adds comfort and ease of use, allowing you to slice effortlessly. To maintain the knife’s performance, it’s important to wash it by hand with mild soap and warm water after each use, ensuring it lasts for years to come. This knife blends Japanese craftsmanship with modern convenience for both professionals and home cooks.

What We Like
High-carbon German steel
Comfortable wooden handle
Precision slicing
Easy to maintain
What We Don't Like
Rough handle texture
Occasional rusting issues
#TOP 4

Cangshan YARI Series 12-inch Sashimi Knife

501301
Gray
Cangshan YARI Series 12-inch Sashimi Knife Cover
Cangshan YARI Series X-7 Damascus Steel 12-inch Sashimi Knife with Sheath

The Cangshan Sashimi Knife is a 12-inch blade made of X-7 Damascus Steel, hand-sharpened to a precise 16-degree angle on each side. This knife is perfect for preparing sashimi, sushi, or delicately slicing meats like beef and poultry. The 67 layers of steel ensure durability, and the ULTRA6 heat treatment maintains the blade's strength. With NSF certification and a lifetime warranty, the Cangshan Sashimi Knife guarantees quality and longevity in your kitchen arsenal.

What We Like
Extremely sharp blade
Beautiful Damascus craftsmanship
Comfortable grip
Well-balanced design
Versatile usage
What We Don't Like
Requires careful handling
Long length may be tricky
#TOP 5

KEEMAKE 10.5 inch Yanagiba Knife with Rosewood Handle

10.5 inch
KEEMAKE 10.5 inch Yanagiba Knife with Rosewood Handle Cover
KEEMAKE Sashimi Sushi Knife Japanese - 10.5 inch Yanagiba Knife VG10 Stainless Steel Single Bevel Blade, Perfect Rosewood Handle Filleting & Slicing Knife

KEEMAKE Sashimi Sushi Knife is made of Japanese VG-10 Stainless Steel that has 58+ Rockwell Hardness with a hand-sharpened 12-15 degree edge. The natural rosewood handle provides a sturdy grip and seamless transition from handle to blade. This knife is perfect for filleting, slicing fish and meat without tearing, and cutting sushi and sashimi. KEEMAKE also offers a 100% Service Guarantee.

What We Like
Sharp edge retention
Affordable price point
Well-constructed design
Good for beginners
Razor-sharp out of the box
What We Don't Like
Heavy weight
Some quality control issues
#TOP 6

Lucky Cook Sashimi Sushi Knife 10 Inch

sashimi knife
Double Polished
10 inch
Lucky Cook Sashimi Sushi Knife 10 Inch Cover
Lucky Cook Sashimi Sushi Knife 10 Inch - Knife For Cutting Sushi & Sashimi, Fish Filleting & Slicing - Very Sharp Stainless Steel Blade & Traditional Wooden Handle + Gift Box

The Lucky Cook Sashimi Sushi Knife 10 Inch is a quality sushi knife designed for perfect slicing of delicate food products such as raw fish or sushi rolls without crushing or tearing its structure. It features a long narrow right-handed asymmetric blade which allows you to fillet a whole fish in just one or two movements. Made of high-quality stainless steel, good balance and a non-slip wooden handle, this knife is a great gift option for chefs, both beginners and professionals, on any holiday. You will receive the most effective tool for slicing, and each blade has a serial number to confirm the authenticity of the product.

What We Like
Excellent craftsmanship
Very sharp blade
Comfortable handle
Well balanced
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Plastic bolster quality
Thick for some uses
#TOP 7

Cangshan YARI X-7 Sashimi Knife

501295
Gray
Cangshan YARI X-7 Sashimi Knife Cover
Cangshan YARI Series X-7 Damascus Steel 10-inch Sashimi Knife with Sheath

The Cangshan Sashimi Knife features a 10-inch long, narrow blade perfect for slicing sashimi or sushi. Its shape also allows for precise carving of meats like beef and poultry, ensuring you can prepare dishes beautifully. The blade is hand sharpened to a 16-degree angle on each side, enhancing its cutting efficiency. Made from 67 layers of X-7 Damascus Steel, this knife is not only strong but also retains its performance over time, thanks to Cangshan's ULTRA6 heat treatment. With NSF certification and a lifetime warranty, this knife promises durability and quality.

What We Like
Incredibly sharp blade
Beautiful Damascus pattern
Comfortable handle
Good balance and weight
Quality sheath included
What We Don't Like
Handle material feels cheap
Ambiguous Damascus steel claims
#TOP 8

Sumteene 12-Inch Sushi Knife

ST-HTMSSD300MM
Dark Brown
Sumteene 12-Inch Sushi Knife Cover
Sumteene Sushi Knife 12 inch(300mm), Sashimi Knife with High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade Yanagiba Knife, Octagonal Ebony Handle, Single Bevel Japanese Sushi Knife for Sushi & Sashimi, Fish Filleting

The Sumteene Sushi Knife offers exceptional performance for sushi and sashimi enthusiasts. Crafted from high carbon stainless steel, its sharp blade ensures precise cuts, preserving the freshness of your ingredients. The traditional Yanagiba design allows for smooth slicing without tearing, making it perfect for filleting fish. With an ergonomic ebony wood handle, this knife provides a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during use. Its lightweight balance enhances your cutting efficiency, allowing you to enjoy the art of sushi-making effortlessly. Remember to clean and dry it right after use for lasting sharpness.

What We Like
High carbon stainless steel blade
Ergonomic octagonal ebony handle
Excellent balance and sharpness
Great value for quality
Durable and rust-resistant
#TOP 9

Seki Japan Masahiro Sushi Sashimi Knife

Seki Japan Masahiro Sushi Sashimi Knife Cover
Seki Japan Masahiro Japanese Professional Sushi Sashimi Knife, Fish Filleting & Slicing, 240 mm (9.4 inch), Japanese Stainless Steel Kitchen Cutlery, Chef Knives with Wood Handle

The Seki Japan Masahiro Sushi Sashimi Knife is a professional-grade kitchen cutlery that is perfect for filleting and slicing fish. With a blade length of 230mm and a thickness of 2.5mm, this knife is made of original stainless steel MBS-26 with 0.9% carbon, 13% chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium. Its hardness rating ranges from HRc58~59, and it has no mouthpiece and a semi-core shape. The wood handle adds to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Made in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, this knife is of high quality and is easy to clean.

What We Like
Professional-grade kitchen cutlery
Perfect for filleting and slicing fish
High-quality original stainless steel MBS-26 with 0.9% carbon, 13% chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium
#TOP 10

Yoshihiro Yanagi Sushi Chef Knife

KKYA240SH
Rosewood Handle
9.5"
Yoshihiro Yanagi Sushi Chef Knife Cover
Yoshihiro Shiroko High Carbon Steel Kasumi Yanagi Rosewood Handle Sushi Sashimi Chef Knife (9.5" (240mm))

The Yoshihiro Yanagi Knife is a masterfully crafted tool designed for slicing sushi and sashimi with precision. Its high-carbon steel blade, forged with iron, features beautiful mist patterns and a hardness that ensures durability. The knife's unique design allows for long, uninterrupted cuts, preserving the freshness of your ingredients. With traditional Japanese craftsmanship, this knife includes a lightweight, ergonomic handle for comfortable use. Plus, it comes with a protective wooden sheath, adding both safety and elegance when not in use, making it a must-have for any culinary enthusiast.

What We Like
Exceptional sharpness
High-quality materials
Beautiful presentation
Single bevel design
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Requires careful maintenance
May arrive dull
Buying Guide Image

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Sashimi Knives

Introduction

When it comes to selecting a sashimi knife, or hankotsu, there are a few key factors to consider. These knives are specifically designed for slicing raw fish and other ingredients for sashimi, so it's important to choose a knife that is sharp, durable, and comfortable to use. In this article, we'll provide some tips for choosing the right sashimi knife for your needs.

Blade Material

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a sashimi knife is the material of the blade. The best sashimi knives are typically made from high-carbon stainless steel, which is both sharp and resistant to corrosion. This type of steel can be sharpened to a very fine edge, which is essential for slicing delicate raw fish.

Blade Shape

Sashimi knives come in a few different blade shapes, each of which is suited for specific tasks. The most common sashimi knife shape is the hankotsu, which has a straight, thick blade that is ideal for cutting through dense fish bones. Another popular shape is the takohiki, which has a longer, rectangular blade that is well-suited for slicing sashimi into thin, uniform pieces.

Handle Design

The handle of a sashimi knife is another important factor to consider. A comfortable handle will allow you to hold the knife securely and make precise cuts, while an uncomfortable handle can cause hand fatigue and decrease your control over the knife. The best sashimi knife handles are typically made from wood or other natural materials, and are designed to fit comfortably in the hand.

Overall Quality

When choosing a sashimi knife, it's important to consider the overall quality of the knife. A high-quality knife will have a sharp blade that is easy to maintain, a comfortable handle, and a durable construction. Look for knives that are made by reputable manufacturers and have a good reputation among professional chefs and home cooks.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sashimi knife can make a big difference in your sashimi-making experience. By considering factors such as blade material, blade shape, handle design, and overall quality, you can select a knife that is well-suited to your needs and will provide years of reliable performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of knife do you use for sashimi?

The yanagiba knife is commonly used for sashimi. It has a long and narrow blade with acute edge angles that make it easy to slice through fish and sushi rolls.

2. Why use a sashimi knife?

Sashimi knives are specially designed for cutting fish, vegetables, and sushi or sashimi rolls. They are sharper than regular chef knives and have a flexible blade for precise slicing.

3. Why are sashimi knives so long?

Sashimi knives are long to allow for thin and straight slices of meat and fish. The length and thinness of the blade make it similar to a Western-style carving knife but sharper and more precise.

4. What knife to cut raw salmon?

To cut raw salmon, a sharp knife with a blade longer than the width of the salmon is recommended. A boning knife, utility knife, or chef's knife can work well. A more flexible boning knife is preferred to work between the skin and flesh.

5. Why do chefs prefer Japanese knives?

Chefs prefer Japanese knives due to their reputation for being well-crafted, strong, beautiful, and durable. Japanese knives are made with hard carbon steel, which allows for a light, thin, and super sharp edge.

6. What is the best steel for sashimi knives?

The best steel for sashimi knives is carbon steel. Carbon steel knives are sharper than stainless steel counterparts but require regular sharpening as they do not hold their edge as well.

Editor's Notes

During our sashimi knives research, we found 24 sashimi knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 30,031 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sashimi knives list. We found that most customers choose sashimi knives with an average price of $39.03.

The sashimi knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sashimi knives, including KYOKU, KEEMAKE, Mercer Culinary, Cangshan, Lucky Cook. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 177 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Sashimi Knives Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand KYOKU KEEMAKE Mercer Culinary Cangshan KEEMAKE Lucky Cook Cangshan Sumteene Product of Gifu Japan Yoshihiro
Blade Material High Carbon Steel High Carbon Stainless Steel High Carbon Steel Alloy Steel High Carbon Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Alloy Steel High Carbon Stainless Steel Stainless Steel High Carbon White Steel
Color Brown Black Wooden Handle Gray A: 10.5" Rose Wood Handle Japanese Sashimi Knife Double Polished Gray Dark Brown Silver, Black Rosewood Handle
Blade Edge Single Bevel Plain Plain Plain Plain Plain Plain Plain Plain Single bevel
Blade Length 10.5 Inches 10 Inches 12 Inches 12 Inches 10.5 Inches 10 Inches 10 Inches 12 Inches 9.4 Inches 9.5 Inches
Construction Type Forged Stamped Stamped Forged Stamped Forged Forged Forged Forged Forged
Blade Color Silver Black and silver Silver Silver silver Extra Polished Silver Silver Silver Silver
Item Length 10.5 Inches 15.4 Inches 12 Inches 17.46 Inches 16.58 Inches 14.95 Inches 15.35 Inches 17.33 Inches 9.4 Inches 9.5 Inches
Item Weight 1.21 pounds 6.4 ounces 4.9 ounces 0.68 Kilograms 0.52 Pounds 10.56 ounces 1.4 pounds 9.6 ounces 120 Grams 9.6 ounces
Is Dishwasher Safe -
Size 10.5" 10" 12" 12" 10.5 inch 10 inch 10" 12" - 9.5"
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
Where to Buy