Best Sushi Knife for Beginners

If you are someone who wants to make restaurant-quality sushi at home, then this article is for you.

I am going to tell you a magic tool that will take your sushi-making experience to a whole new level. And that secret tool is a sushi knife. I am going to tell you about the best sushi knife for beginners.

The craze of Japanese cuisine is increasing all over the world. The flag bearer of Japanese cuisine is sushi. Making sushi at home requires some skills and hard work.

As a beginner, you should have all the right tools for making sushi. Don’t even think about using your kitchen knife for making sushi and sashimi.

Honestly, it will ruin your experience. A good sushi knife is, therefore, essential for your learning process.

Top Best Sushi Knives for Beginners

After extensive research, I have come up with the top 10 best sushi knives for beginners. I have written a detailed review of all of them. You can just select whichever you find the most suitable. So let us begin the hunt for the best sushi knife for beginners.

1. SETO Japanese Chef Knives

Key Features

• Forged VG-10 stainless steel blade
• D-shaped red Sandalwood handle
• Size: 7.1-inch
• Manufacturer: Samurai Market

For someone who wants the Yanagiba knife but with little to no maintenance, then Seto Japanese chef knife is for you. The overall look of the knife is traditional, and you are going to love its features.

Seto knives are hand-made in the Seki City of Japan. The traditional craftsmanship and modern state-of-the-art technology make this knife a choice of chefs and professionals.

The blade is crafted from a forged VG-10 stainless steel core having 33 layers Damascus. It is rust, wear, and corrosion-resistant, so you don’t need to care a lot about its maintenance. The blade is razor-sharp and retains its edge considerably well.

The forging process gives a durable and robust blade and also provides a beautiful look to it. The forged blades are a specialty of Seto that too on a budget.

This sushi knife has a traditional D-shaped red Sandalwood handle. It gives a nice and comfortable grip to you so you can slice your raw fish with ease. To take the comfort level to the next level, the handle also has a black slip-Monaca.

All in all, this knife is recommended for beginners. It has all the qualities that can help you learn to make sushi. It is designed for a comfortable experience.

Final Verdict

The Japanese-inspired knives are the best products ever made in Japan. These products are perfect for every chef and any kitchen, as they are great for cutting and preparing food with ease. The seto series knives are high-quality and durable, featuring a double-layered steel blade to protect the user from getting cut.

2. Mercer Culinary Sashimi Knife

Key Features

• Stain-resistant German steel blade
• Traditional wooden handle
• Lifetime Warranty
• Size: 10-inch
• Manufacturer: Mercer Culinary

Mercer Culinary is known to provide the best quality knives to professionals and home cooks. Their beautiful knives with a high-performance show dedicated and experienced craftsmanship that you have never experienced before.

Its razor-sharp blade is made from stain-resistant German steel. The blade is resistant to rust, corrosion, and discoloration. The extremely sharp blade lets you cut very thin slices that are just perfect for your sashimi.

The blade is single-edged, and to make it more efficient; it is taper ground with a fine stone finish. Taper grinding the blade makes it cut through every kind of fish without dragging. The edge retention of this knife is phenomenal.

I can say that this knife is for cutting sushi rolls because it cuts through sushi rolls so effortlessly without crushing any of them.

The handle of the Mercer Culinary Asian Collection Yanagi sashimi knife is a traditional wooden handle. It is round in shape and gives you a very nice grip. The handle is so comfortable that you won’t be feeling any wrist discomfort.

This knife is no doubt one of the best, and it is the choice of even professionals. It is safe to use and meets all the criteria of health and safety by NSF, hence NSF certified. Mercer Culinary is confident enough with this knife as it provides a lifetime warranty for it.

Final Verdict

The Yanagi knife is a Japanese-style Sushi knife with a unique curvature of the blade, which helps to catch and hold pieces of sashimi and helps to roll sushi. It’s also suitable for cutting chirashizushi (circle-type sushi). The Yanagi sashimi knife is an important tool in your kitchen if you are a sushi lover.

3. Kai Wasabi Black Yanagiba Knife

Key Features

• Daido 1K6 high-carbon stainless steel blade
• Handle made of polypropylene blended with bamboo powder
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Size: 8.25-inch
• Manufacturer: Kai

At some point in your life, you may have used a Kai knife or have at least heard of them once. Well, the brand needs no introduction. It has been providing high-quality knives for more than a century now. Kai is one of the most trusted brands of professionals.

If you are looking for the best sushi knife under $100, then check Kai Wasabi’s black Yanagiba knife. It has impressive features. The knife is made in the Seki City of Japan, which is known for traditionally handcrafted knives.

For superior edge retention, the blade of this Yanagiba knife is made from Daido 1K6 high-carbon stainless steel. You can have ultra-thin slices for sushi and sashimi effortlessly with this knife.

The blade is single-sided, which adds more to its efficiency and prevents the sticking of the slices. The traditional blade is paired with a modern handle made up of polypropylene blended with bamboo powder. To ensure hygiene, the handle is impregnated with an antibacterial agent.

The overall look of the knife is elegant. The blade is embellished with the Japanese character for ‘Wasabi’ which looks phenomenal. It is also bead-blasted to provide an attractive finish. The black handle gives a classic look to this sushi knife.

The knife is easy to clean and maintain. You can also wash it in a dishwasher as it is dishwasher safe. So this knife no doubt checks almost all the boxes and is affordable too.

Final Verdict

The Kai Wasabi Black Yanagiba is a black-handled knife with a stainless steel blade known for its high quality and outstanding value. This knife is a staple in many households as it has an attractive black handle with a pointed tip. Although this knife’s unique design comes with its unique benefits, the blade does not. The blade has stainless steel and will never rust, making it easy to clean and maintain.

4. DALSTRONG Yanagiba Knife

• Key Features
• High carbon German steel blade, Ice tempered and Hot Forged
• Ergonomic black Pakkawood handle
• 3.5mm blade thickness
• Manufacturer: Dalstrong

When it comes to high-quality knives on a budget, there is no brand other than Dalstrong, which you can trust. The Dalstrong Gladiator series is the epitome of beauty, quality, and performance.

Dalstrong Yanagiba knife is of 10.5 inches Japanese knife. It is a heavy, thick, and single bevel that makes it perfect for slicing fish. It cuts through the fish in a single stroke without pulling or tearing, and this ensures maximum flavor in your sushi. The blade has a 3.5 mm thickness that prevents sticking of the slices to it.

The sushi knife by Dalstrong is precision-forged from a single piece of high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel quality. The high-quality steel blade is super sharp. It is hand sharpened between 18 and 16 degrees. This helps you to cut slices with minimum effort. Also, the knife is wear and stain-resistant and super easy to clean.

This knife has an ergonomic, ambidextrous black Pakkawood handle imported from Spain. The black color gives a very classic and unique look to the knife. The handle is laminated to increase its strength and durability. Also, laminating the handle makes it waterproof that gives such a nice slip-resistant grip, and makes it stain resistant.

The knife has a nice overall balance. The bolster is worth mentioning here as it gives a counterbalance to the knife. The handle has three rivets that add more to the robustness.

Final Verdict

The Nakiri is the best cutting tool for your kitchen. With ease, it allows you to cut through the hardest food, such as vegetables and fruits, while the hollow edge allows you maximum control and precision. The Nakiri works great with almost all foods and has a very sharp blade that remains sharp for years. If you haven’t used this vital cooking equipment yet, we strongly advise you to try it!

5. Fanteck Kitchen Knife

Key Features

•  67 layers VG-10 Japanese high carbon stainless steel blade
•  Ergonomic Pakkawood handle with acrylic rim
•  Money-back Guarantee
•  Size: 8 inches
•  Manufacturer: Fanteck

Fantek sushi knife is also ranked worldwide as a knife having the best quality materials. Fanteck,  promises high performance and a fantastic kitchen experience.

The blade is technically crafted from 67 layers of VG-10 Japanese high carbon stainless steel. The vacuum heat treatment and the nitrogen cooling techniques bring out the best qualities in the steel. The blade has exceptional strength and durability.

A feature that you should never miss out on a sushi knife is whether it provides an effortless cutting experience or not. The Fanteck kitchen knife is hand sharpened to 10-15 degrees per side making it the best comfortable knife for making sushi.

The handle is made up of Pakkawood, having an acrylic rim. It is super comfortable to hold and gives an amazing grip while cutting thin sushi slices. The knife is versatile as you can chop, mince, cut vegetables and fruits other than sushi using it.

For me, the knife is a perfect gift for a kitchen freak. It comes with a beautiful gift box and a small pocket-size hand sharpener. The knife’s edge retention makes it one of the best affordable sushi and sashimi knives.

Final Verdict

The Fanteck knife is the perfect knife for chopping vegetables, steak, and anything else you can think of. The thick blade also provides excellent penetration, allowing you to cut other ingredients more efficiently. If you are searching for a practical, useful tool that will last for a very long time, the Fanteck kitchen knife is worth every penny!

6. Tatara Japanese Chef Knife for Sushi

Key Features

•  VG10 Blade with 67 Damascus layers and 62+ Rockwell hardness
•  G10 Handle
•  100% Money-Back Guarantee
•  Blade Length: 8 inches
•  Manufacturer: Tatara

I would always prefer a Japanese knife over any other because of its craftsmanship and mind-blowing performance.

What if I tell you that a Tatara Japanese chef knife for sushi gives you high performance and is super easy to maintain. Well, yes, thanks to the VG10 blade having 67 Damascus layers and a core of 62+ Rockwell hardness that makes it strong and durable. The blade is rust and wear-resistant.

If a knife has laser precision, then that is one of the best features in that knife. This sushi knife has an 8-12 degree cutting edge that lets you create delicate food. The blade is nitrogen-cooled that adds more to its hardness and flexibility. The knife is full tang and triple-riveted, which gives a very comfortable grip and ensures safety.

The G10 handle gives you a nice and comfortable grip. The price and features of this knife are excellent. If you are planning to gift it to someone, then you should definitely go for it as it is the best sushi knife for beginners. It comes with a stylish gift box and polishing cloth. Try it, if you are not happy, then Tatara gives a 100% money-back guarantee. So no worries at all.

Final Verdict

TATARA is known for its sharpness, precision, and balance. But the real star of the show is the knife handle, which is made from oak and comes in various colors. Not only it looks great, but it’s also water-resistant and non-slip. The handle gives you full control over your blade, and you’ll find that your cuts will be cleaner and more precise with every use.

7. Kyocera Ceramic Damascus Knife

Key Features

•  Hot-isostatic pressed (HIP) ceramic blade
•  Pakkawood handle
•  Size: 8.25 inches
•  Manufacturer: Kyocera

Kyocera is a renowned Japanese brand of ceramics. It makes the world’s best ceramic knives that are amazing in quality and worth their price. If you are thinking about a high-end Japanese sushi knife, then you should definitely check this one out.

The blade of this Kyocera advanced ceramic kyotop Damascus Sashimi knife is known for its superior strength and sharpness. Yes, with this price, you are getting a razor-sharp blade made up of the finest hot-isostatic pressed (HIP) ceramic blade.

Kyocera’s signature zirconia material enhances the beauty of this knife. This Damascus steel sushi knife has an ergonomic Pakkawood handle with three stainless steel rivets that hold the blade and provide a good grip. A nice grip is essential to make sushi, and this knife ensures you have that.

The feature that everybody looks up to is whether the knife will maintain its edge or not. Well, you don’t have to worry here because Kyocera promises the edge retention 15x longer than other steel blades.

This best sushi knife is easy to maintain. It is rust and corrosion-resistant. You can clean it effortlessly. The overall balance is good and makes it a versatile knife as it can cut through fruits, vegetables, and boneless meat.

Final Verdict

The Kyocera advanced ceramic kyotop Damascus is an amazing kitchen knife designed to give you a very satisfying cutting experience. It requires some time to adapt to a new texture and feel of the blade, but once you do, you’ll find that cutting becomes increasingly delightful. If you search for the best professional sushi knives for the kitchen, then the Kyocera advanced ceramic kyotop Damascus is the best.

8. Japan Bargain Chef Knife

Key Features

•  Molybdenum rust-resistant steel blade
•  Traditional wooden handle
•  Length of blade: 11-3/4 inches
•  Manufacturer: Japan Bargain

Japan Bargain 1560 sushi chef knife is a versatile knife that you cannot use only for sushi but also for cutting vegetables, fruits, and meat. It is also used for cutting sushi rolls. The reason for this versatility is its extra-long blade.

The blade is made up of Molybdenum steel. It is rust-resistant and won’t take much of your time for maintenance. The length of the blade is 11-3/4 inches, which is quite long and helps you cut through your fish effortlessly. The blade is razor-sharp to ensure the perfect effortless thin slices of your fish.

This extra-long sushi knife contains a traditional wooden handle. In addition to adding more to the beauty of the knife, the handle provides a very nice and comfortable grip. The rounded handle gives you full control over the knife.

The knife ensures that you spend your time on more necessary things. Hence it is easy to clean and maintain. The plastic bolster is to maintain the hygiene of the knife. You don’t have to worry about sharpening it as you do with your ordinary knives as this knife is very easy to sharpen.

Final Verdict

This is a specialty knife for slicing ultra-thin slices for dishes such as sushi and sashimi. The blade is made of all-purpose alloy steel, which is hard enough to cut through even the toughest foods. The shape of the blade enables you to grind or slice with ease. Get your hands on this great piece of Japanese kitchen equipment today!

9. KS&E Left Handed Japanese Knife

Key Features

•  High-quality stainless steel blade
•  Ergonomic handle
•  Size: 10-inch
•  Manufacturer: Hasegawa, Japan

While most of the tools are designed for right-handed people as they are in the majority, I believe that left-handed people should also have a comfortable kitchen experience. Some of the other knives mentioned in this article are suitable for both left and right-handed people. But KS&E Hasegawa Japanese knives are exclusive for left-handers.

This sushi knife by KS&E Hasegawa has a high-quality stainless steel blade. The blade is resistant to rust and discoloration. The knife is razor-sharp, which is suitable for cutting and slicing fillets.

The blade is single-edged designed for left-handers. The knife is a blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern technology. The handle of this sushi knife is ideal for left-handers and provides a comfortable grip.

All in all, this knife is the best for both beginners and experts. Its features are worth its price. You won’t regret buying it.

Final Verdict

The 10-inch KS&E Hasegawa knife is one of the best knives for any sushi enthusiast. It is popular for cutting fish, vegetables, and fruits and preparing sashimi and sushi. It contains a stainless steel blade with a light blue handle. The blade is sharp, so it ensures that you can always cut your favorite foods with precision.

10. Kitchen + Home Non-Stick Sushi Knife

Key Features

•  High quality surgical stainless steel aerated blade
•  Nonstick food-grade Teflon coating on the blade
•  Ergonomic ABS handle
•  Blade Length: 8-inch
•  Manufacturer: Kitchen + Home

If you are in search of an affordable sushi knife that is also durable, then you should check out this amazing Kitchen + Home non-stick sushi knife.

The blade is crafted with high-quality surgical stainless steel. The best part about this blade is that it is flexible and gives precise cuts effortlessly. It is designed to cut and slice delicate food like raw fish and sushi rolls.

To overcome the problem of sticking thin sushi slices to the knife, the blade is thin and has a PFOA-free, nonstick, food-grade Teflon coating, along with 10 holes, making this aerated blade nonstick.

You can trust this knife to be durable and have prolonged edge retention. The razor-sharp blade is not only suitable for raw fish but also vegetables, poultry, and meat. It is dishwasher safe, hence easy to clean.

The sharp-razor blade of this sushi knife is dishwasher safe and is paired with nonporous non-slip ABS. The handle makes the knife lightweight and provides a comfortable grip.

The point that is worth mentioning about this Kitchen + Home non-stick sushi knife is that it is cheap. You can get all of these features in a high-end knife, but what is the point of spending so much when you are a beginner, and you can have an amazing durable knife for making sushi at an affordable price.

Final Verdict

This sushi knife is a must-have in any household that loves to eat sushi. These knives are meant for delicate tasks like making sashimi and garnishing, which is why you have to hold onto them tightly when you’re eating. The beautiful handle and the rust-resistant stainless steel blade make every meal a pleasure. We recommend buying an extra one so you can keep it on hand for any last-minute sashimi needs!

Best Sushi knife for Beginners – Buyer’s Guide  

To make sure the sushi knife you are buying is worth every single penny, here are some tips for making your purchase decision worth considering.

1. Blade Types

a. Size

The blade is the most crucial factor that you should consider while buying a sushi knife. Sushi knives have long, narrow blades of 8 to 10 inches. The long blade is essential as it ensures that a perfectly thin slice is achieved in a single stroke.

b. Material

You should opt for a blade material like high carbon stainless steel, which is extremely sharp and resists rust and corrosion. An extremely sharp blade is essential as you want thin slices for sushi. Go for blades that have prolonged edge retention, so you don’t have to sharpen it again and again.

c. Single or Double Bevel

A single bevel means that the blade is sharpened on one side. A single bevel blade is almost always the choice of everyone. They are most commonly available for right-handers. If you are a left-hander, then you should look for a single bevel blade that is exclusive for left-handed people.

The double bevel blade is sharpened on both sides and can be used by both left and right-handers.

d. Handle

With an extremely sharp blade, the handle should be the one that provides a comfortable grip. The handles of most of the sushi knives are wooden. The rounded or D-shaped wooden handles create a perfect balance of the overall knife.

Another fantastic feature of a wooden handle is that it is waterproof. Being waterproof, it provides a slip-resistant grip, which is terrific.

2. Full Tang Vs. Half Tang  

I could rate this as the most neglected feature when buying a sushi knife, but trust me, it is very important. A full tang blade comes through the handle and is durable. The knife has a nice balance. Half tang blades require a lot of care as they can easily get separated from the handle and cause injury.

3. Maintenance

Sushi knives require a little more of your attention than other cutlery. Choose a knife that is resistant to rust, wear, and discoloration. There are a lot of sushi knives that are not dishwasher safe, so if you don’t like to hand wash your knives, then go for a safe dishwasher one. The handle should also be easy to clean.

4. Brands

When buying the best sushi knife, brands matter. I will always recommend buying from a good brand as they ensure quality and performance. Go for brands that offer a good warranty, so you can always run to them if there is a problem.

All the knives mentioned above are from the most renowned and trusted brands. They have good customer support.

5. Cost

I am often asked the question, why is a sushi knife so expensive? The answer to this question is that a good quality knife comes for a price. The blade of the sushi knife is precision made for thinly slicing the raw fillets of the knife.

For a beginner, you can start with an affordable one, and once you have practiced enough, then you can go for an expensive one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are the answers to some of the most common queries people have when buying the best sushi knife.

1. What does a sushi knife look like?

A sushi knife is an 8 to 10 inch long and narrow single bevel knife having a D-shaped wooden handle. The blade of a sushi knife is thin and has an extremely sharp pointed edge. It is specialized for cutting thin slices of a raw fish fillet.

2. Why are Japanese knives sharpened on one side?

Almost all of the Japanese knives are sharpened on one side; that is, they are single beveled. The reason is that single bevel knives are incredibly sharp. Also, they have a nice angle so you can work more efficiently with a single bevel knife than a double bevel.

3. What is a Yanagiba knife used for?

Yanagiba literally means a willow blade knife. It is a long narrow knife used in Japanese cuisine. The specialty of this knife is that it is used for slicing and cutting raw fish. If you want to make delicious sushi and sashimi, then a Yanagiba knife should be your choice.

The long blade is specified for slicing fish in a single stroke. The edge is very thin to prevent friction and sticking of the slices to the blade.

4. How to take care of your sushi knife?

• Sushi knives are expensive, and therefore it is vital to take special care of them. The following are the tips for extending the lifeline of your sushi knife.
• Always hand wash your knife using a detergent and soft cloth. Avoid using a dishwasher, even if your knife is dishwasher safe. Dishwasher decreases the lifespan of the knife.
• Sushi knives have a delicate edge, so never use a marble or glass cutting board. Use a wooden cutting board that is hard enough not to damage the edge.
• Sushi knives are used to cut delicate food items like raw fish and vegetables. Never try to debone or cut through tough meats using a sushi knife.
• To store the knife, use a knife box or magnetic block. Don’t put it in a drawer or with other utensils as you don’t want to ruin the blade.
• Sharpen your sushi knife on a whetstone.

Final Thoughts

The type of sushi knife that you choose should depend on your budget and skill level. You can find a variety of knives at different price points to suit any need.

We recommend going with an inexpensive model until you have more experience using the blades if you’re starting. Inexpensive models may be lighter weight as well, which makes them easier for beginners to use.

Some other things to consider are blade material and how sharp it is when purchasing a new blade, so make sure those two things match up before making a final decision!