Sakai Shigekatsu Deba 165mm Shirogami no. 2 Single-sided cut

Product Description

Single-bevel knife exclusively for right-handed users.

This traditional Japanese Deba kitchen knife is hand-forged by master craftsmen in the Sakai region, considered the cradle of Japanese knife-making. The Deba is a robust, single-bevel knife designed primarily for processing fish – from portioning to filleting and separating heads. Due to its construction, it can also be used for preparing meat and poultry.

The blade is made of carbon steel Shirogami No. 2 (White Steel No. 2), which is known for its exceptionally fine edge, high sharpness, and very easy sharpening. The core is clad with soft iron, which increases the blade's toughness and simplifies edge maintenance. Despite its robust construction and higher weight, the knife is well-balanced and feels secure and stable during use.

The single-bevel grind is designed for right-handed users and allows for precise, controlled cuts with minimal damage to the raw material's structure. This model is suitable not only for home cooks but also for beginners who want to enter the world of traditional Japanese carbon steel knives.

The handle is made of magnolia wood, which is light, comfortable to hold, and traditionally used for working Japanese knives. The plastic bolster protects the joint between the blade and handle from moisture and extends the knife's lifespan.

Knife Category

This knife belongs to the category of standardly produced Japanese knives, which are made using traditional methods but are not a limited edition or a unique one-off piece. It is a long-term available model designed for regular use in the kitchen.

Knife type: Deba (single-bevel fish knife)
Country of origin: Made in Japan

Knife Specifications

Overall length: approx. 310 mm
Blade length: approx. 165 mm
Blade width: approx. 50 mm (at heel)
Blade thickness: approx. 6.5 mm
Handle length: approx. 125 mm
Weight: approx. 270 g
Sharpening: single-bevel (for right-handed users)

Materials Used

Blade – core: Shirogami No. 2 (White Steel No. 2, carbon steel)
Blade – cladding: soft iron

Handle: magnolia wood
Handle bolster: plastic

Blade Characteristics

The blade offers very high sharpness and a precise cut with a single stroke.
Robust construction and higher weight aid in portioning fish and working near bones.
Shirogami No. 2 allows for easy sharpening and quick edge restoration.

Recommendations for New Knives

To achieve maximum sharpness, we recommend gently sharpening the knife on a whetstone before first use.
For single-bevel knives, it is important to maintain the original grind geometry.

Knife Maintenance Recommendations

After each use, rinse the knife immediately, dry it thoroughly, and store it in a dry place.
For longer storage, we recommend lightly treating the blade with protective oil.

Warning – Carbon Steel Knives

Carbon steel is not stainless and may darken or develop a patina over time.
These changes are natural and do not negatively affect the knife's functionality or sharpness.

Warning

Not suitable for dishwashers or dish dryers, as high temperatures and chemicals can damage both the blade and the handle.

The knife is not designed for cutting frozen foods, hard bones, or other extremely hard materials beyond normal fish processing.

The single-bevel grind is designed exclusively for right-handed users.