Knife-sheath - Japan - 2000-2010

Vintage Japanese sashimi knife – yanagiba – single-beveled – poplar burl – 31 cm
This elegant Japanese sashimi knife, also known as yanagiba, is an authentic tool from the Japanese culinary tradition. With a total length of 31 cm and a long, slender blade in carbon steel, the knife conveys the purity and precision for which Japanese knives are celebrated worldwide. Japanese characters are stamped on the blade, a mark of artisanal provenance.
The blade is single-beveled — flat on one side, hollow on the other — forming the technical basis of the classical Japanese cutting technique. This allows the chef to slice with a single smooth stroke without pressing the meat or fish, resulting in perfect, crystal-clear glossy sashimi or sushi slices. The knife is still sharp.
The handle is made of poplar burl, a wood known for its striking grain and warm, variegated figure. A distinctive feature of this piece is the slight angle of the handle relative to the blade, a deliberate design choice that keeps the wrist in an ergonomically favorable position during pull-cut slicing and thus reduces fatigue with extended use.
The knife is in good vintage condition. The handle bears the natural patina of a quality piece that has proven its worth. A lovely addition for the enthusiast of authentic Japanese cutlery, the avid home cook, or the collector of traditional cutting tools.