Types of Sushi Knives and What Makes Them Special

Naturally, you must know that a Sushi knife is not just any regular kitchen knife; it’s the essential tool that makes your sushi better. It’s called a “sushi knife” because its shape resembles a curved version of a regular kitchen knife.

The main difference between a sushi knife and a regular knife is the curvature of the blade. A sushi knife is usually much more curved than a regular knife and is used to slice up raw fish, vegetables, and rice.

Regarding sushi knives, the handle, size, shape, and weight matter more. The right parameters in the sushi knife make it eligible to make critical cuts for us to consume. If there is any loss of convenience in its attributes, you will not be able to enjoy perfect sushi. 

This article will talk about what types of sushi knives there are and how to pick the best ones. We will also dig a little deeper to understand the perfect attributes of a perfect sushi knife.

Let us start by unraveling how it came into existence and the awareness of all its related aspects. 

A Little History About Sushi Knife

The name Sushi knife came from the Japanese word “Sushikane.” It means “slicing knife” and was first used by chefs in Japan in the 19th century. 

The original Sushi knives were straight-bladed, with a single-beveled edge. These knives were made from high-quality steel, a type of steel known as Tamahagane.

The steel was made by forging together multiple layers of steel and iron. This resulted in a type of steel that was flexible and very strong. The blades of these knives were very thin and flexible, which made them ideal for sushi.

What’s The Difference Between A Sushi Knife And A Regular Knife?

Conversely, what makes a Sushi knife different from any other kind of knife? The main difference is the curvature of the blade. A sushi knife is usually much more curved than a regular knife. 

It is used to slice up raw fish, vegetables, and rice. The curvature of the blade enables the Sushi knife to cut through all the ingredients without leaving any behind.

A regular knife will tend to “chop” or slice whatever you are cutting, while a Sushi knife will “slice” or cut cleanly. This is an important consideration because you will always be cutting up your ingredients if you are a serious home cook.

If you have a regular knife, then chances are you will end up cutting yourself when trying to cut up some fruit, veggie, or bread.

What Are The Types of Sushi Knives Out There?

There are several types of sushi knives, but the most common ones are:

1. Yoshiro sushi
2. Dalstrong
3. Sekizo
4. Shun

Let me explain these sushi knives in detail.

1. Yoshiro Sushi

Naturally, you must know that a Sushi knife is not just any regular kitchen knife; it’s the essential tool that makes your sushi better. It’s called a “sushi knife” because its shape resembles a curved version of a regular kitchen knife.

The main difference between a Sushi knife and a regular knife is the curvature of the blade. A sushi knife is usually much more curved than a regular knife and is used to slice up raw fish, vegetables, and rice.

2. Dalstrong

The Dalstrong is a very popular type of Sushi knife, and it is made by a Japanese company called “Dalstar.”

This type of knife is ideal for cutting vegetables and fruits, and it has a non-slip grip handle that makes it easy to hold and use. This type of knife comes in different sizes and shapes.

Today, the Dalstrong brand is owned and run by the Suzuki family and is one of the leading producers of high-quality sushi knives globally.

3. Sekizo

Another very common Sushi knife is the Sekizo. This knife is a popular choice among home cooks and serious sushi chefs. It is a great all-purpose knife used for slicing, dicing, mincing, chopping, and other kitchen tasks.

This knife is ideal for home cooks because it is easy to clean and maintain. The steel used to make this type of knife is known as “Sekizotan.”

It is a very hard and strong steel, making the knife very sharp and durable. The blade of this knife is attached to a stainless steel handle.

4. Shun

The Shun Sushi knife is a classic knife that has been around for ages. It is lightweight and has a comfortable non-slip handle. The Shun has a double-beveled edge made from High-Carbon Steel (HCDC). 

This type of knife is designed to be an all-purpose knife for all types of slicing, dicing, and general kitchen work. This knife has a plain, sleek look and a comfortable, non-slip handle. The Shun has strong, long-lasting steel that makes the knife extremely durable.

How To Choose The Best Sushi knife?

Meanwhile, let’s say you will buy yourself or your loved one a Sushi knife as a gift or are thinking about buying one for yourself. You need to know that there are many things to consider when buying a sushi knife. For example:

1. The weight of the sushi knife: Obviously, you need a lightweight knife so you won’t get tired of holding it in your hand for long periods. But don’t go too light with your knife choice because it will make cutting up your ingredients more difficult.
2. Handle: The handle of the Sushi knife is very important. It should be made of durable material that will not break or wear off easily. Look for a knife with a wooden or leather handle.
3. Shape: The shape of the handle should be comfortable in your hand and allow you to have a firm grip on the knife. It should also allow you to achieve a good balance when you are cutting with a knife.
4. Size: When you buy a Sushi knife, you should ensure it is the right size. If you have large hands, you should get a sushi knife with a longer, slimmer handle.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—a brief description of four types of high-quality Sushi knives.

After reading this short piece of writing, you should have a good idea of the types of sushi knives and what to look for when shopping for a great sushi knife. 

Of course, the best Sushi knife is the one you feel most comfortable using. But comfort does not come cheap. The more expensive the knife, the more comfortable it will be.

If this post was helpful, you would also like to read one of our blogs about the best chopsticks and what to consider before buying them. 

Either way, let us know your thoughts about this article in the comment section below, and we will answer every query you may have regarding the types of sushi knives.

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