Best Sashimi Knives of 2026

"I was looking for a good sushi knife to practice with, and I’m amazed at the quality and sharpness for the price. The traditional wood handle feels right in my hand, and it slices effortlessly through paper and food. I thought I’d upgrade later, but now I’m keeping this one—can’t wait to use it more!"

"This has become the sharpest knife in my kitchen. The weight and balance are just right. Even though I’m not making sushi, it’s excellent for all kinds of cutting tasks."

"I’ve tried other small nakiris before, but this one really stands out. The size is perfect for vegetables, and it holds its edge well. I’m pleasantly surprised, and even my wife likes it!"

"After adding this cleaver to my collection, I've been impressed by its outstanding fit and finish, and it's as sharp and well-crafted as knives that cost much more. The blade is versatile, letting me prep entire meals with just this knife, and it feels like it'll last for years if cared for properly. My only minor gripe is a bit of discoloration near the bolster, but for the price, it's a fantastic addition to any home kitchen."

"Using the KYOKU Samurai Series Yanagiba Knife makes me feel like a sushi chef equipped with a samurai sword. The Japanese steel blade is razor-sharp and handles fish with ease, while the Wenge wood handle offers a comfortable, balanced grip. The knife even comes with its own case, making it feel like a premium piece at an unbeatable price. If you're after something that combines performance, style, and value, this is it."

"A couple of months in, I'm loving this nakiri knife. It arrived extremely sharp and ready to go, easily passing my tests and making quick work of vegetables. The heft and balance feel great in hand. While it does need a bit more honing than my Zwilling blades, it's still incredibly sharp for the cost. I bought it as a trial, but now I think it'll stay in my rotation."

"I've added six of these knives to my collection and I'm continually impressed. Their sharpness is outstanding, and the craftsmanship is just beautiful. Using them makes food prep almost effortless."

"This knife is a fantastic deal for the quality you get—the blade is sharp, and the design is stunning. It feels well-balanced and perfect for slicing sushi."

"While the blade quality exceeded my expectations for the price, the handle could be more comfortable. The metal rings feel a bit sharp and don't blend seamlessly with the wood, which is noticeable during use."

"I’m really impressed by how sharp and high-quality this knife is. For the price, it’s an excellent deal, especially when on sale."

"The knife feels great in my hand—very sharp, lightweight, and comfortable to use. I also appreciate how nice it looks in my kitchen."

"After using this knife through the holidays, I can say it performed well and felt good to use. The balance and sharpness exceeded my expectations."

"As someone with experience in knife craftsmanship, I was impressed by the solid build and razor-sharp edge of this knife. The ergonomic handle feels great, and it holds its sharpness even with regular use. The one-sided bevel was perfect for my needs, and the storage box is a nice touch. I’m confident that both beginners and advanced users will appreciate its value and ease of use."

"I received this Lucky Cook sushi knife as a Christmas present and it made my first attempt at home sushi a breeze. The knife is exceptionally sharp and well-balanced, making it easy to mince tuna and slice rolls precisely. For someone new to sushi making like me, it turned an intimidating project into a satisfying experience. I now see how important the right equipment is and would absolutely recommend this knife."

"Working as a sushi roller, I've put this knife through heavy use, and I'm happy to report that it holds an edge better than my other knives. The high-carbon blade stays sharp and is easy to maintain. My only minor complaint is the plastic bolster, which is starting to crack under pressure, but otherwise, the quality and sharpness are outstanding for the price."

"I bought these knives for my husband and was thrilled with how beautiful and perfectly balanced they are. He found them super easy to use and just the right size for cutting smoked meats. We had no issues at all!"

"I gifted this set and the recipient was delighted. The knives are very sharp, balanced, and look great. The knife sheath is especially practical. I’m planning to buy a set for myself when there’s another sale."

"After getting these knives, I used them for my first brisket and was amazed—they sliced through the meat like butter. Fantastic performance!"

"As someone who enjoys upgrading kitchen tools, I was impressed by the sharpness, precision, and overall quality of this sushi knife. The 10-inch blade easily handled large roasts and fish, giving me clean, thin slices with minimal effort. The olive wood handle looks beautiful and feels comfortable, and the knife is well-balanced for extended use. For the price, it's a fantastic value and a stylish addition to my collection."

"When I first got this knife, I noticed the olive wood handle and polished blade looked stunning. It feels well-balanced and comfortable in my hand. Although the edge wasn't razor-sharp out of the box and needed some honing, once sharpened, it made sashimi slicing and fish filleting effortless. If you don't mind a bit of prep work, it's a great value."

"After using this knife to prep salmon, sole filets, and shrimp, I found the cutting action to be incredibly smooth and precise. The 12-degree acute blade angle delivers paper-thin slices, but you do need to handle it carefully to avoid chipping. The octagonal handle is surprisingly ergonomic, and the knife arrived very sharp and well-protected in its packaging. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a professional-grade sushi knife."

"I’m genuinely impressed by the razor-sharp edge and outstanding build quality of this knife. It offers an authentic Yanagiba experience at an unbeatable price point—I liked it so much I purchased another as a gift!"

"The high carbon stainless steel strikes the perfect balance between sharpness and rust resistance. The comfortable handle and blade design make it ideal for home chefs like me."

"After years in Japan, I can say this knife rivals those costing over $200. It's a true single bevel sushi knife and a pleasure to use—absolutely recommended for both foodies and casual cooks."

"I was impressed by the razor-sharp blade and overall construction of this knife, especially for the price. The taper and concavity on the fish-side are well done. While I noticed some plastic fittings, that's expected at this budget, and the value for money is outstanding."

"The quality met my high standards and, compared to other Japanese sushi knives I've tried, this one is a real bargain. For the price, it's hard to beat the performance."

"I like the lightweight feel and the sharp edge straight out of the box. The knife is a bit shorter than I expected, but it handles delicate work well and is great for anyone starting out or on a budget."

"I've made this knife my go-to for food prep over the last several months. It's impressively lightweight, stays sharp with minimal effort, and the grippy handle gives me total confidence even when my hands are messy. For the price, it easily rivals knives that cost far more. I've collected several Mercer knives, and this one fits right in with their consistent quality."

"After wanting to try a Chinese-style blade, I was amazed at how effortlessly this knife sliced through produce—lemon, vegetables, you name it. The high blade makes guiding cuts a breeze, the balance is great, and it even scoops up food better than a French chef’s knife. This has quickly become my main kitchen tool."

"I bought this because I wanted a santoku with a traditional, round handle and a clean blade. Out of the box, it was razor sharp and needed only light stropping. While the edge doesn't last as long as some Japanese steels, it's easy to keep sharp, and the handle is comfortable. For anyone looking for a traditionally shaped santoku at a budget-friendly price, this is a strong pick."