Hitohira Togashi Aogami #1 Tanryumon Mizu Honyaki Yanagiba 330mm Taihe

Japanese yanagiba knife with a long polished blade and a light-colored wa-style handle, displayed on a dark background.

Close-up of a Japanese yanagiba knife blade with polished finish and visible hamon line, set against a dark background, with part of the light-colored wa-handle visible.

Hitohira Togashi Aogami #1 Tanryumon Mizu Honyaki Yanagiba 330mm Taihei Ebony

Yanagiba translates as “willow blade” since the narrow, long and curved blade shape on the back side resembles a willow leaf. The specialty of the Yanagiba is slicing fish in a precise and clean way for cutting sashimi or nigiri for example. It can also be used for filleting certain fishes and slicing meat. The very fine cutting edge can be damaged easily, so we advise you to be careful with bones. The concave back of the knife (urusaki) creates an air gap between the fish flesh and the blade, making it easy to detach the blade from the fish flesh, while the bevel on the face of the knife (shinogi) makes it easy to detach the piece of fish being sliced. The Yanagiba is generally found between 210 mm and 330 mm.

Kenji Togashi was born in 1948 and began his career in 1966-67. Since then, he has received numerous awards over the years. In 1990, he was awarded the Dentō-Kugeishi by Japan's Ministry of Economy and Trade. This distinction is reserved for Japanese craftsmen who are masters in their field, having accumulated at least 12 years' experience and proven their mastery of their art, both theoretically and practically. In 2007, the city of Sakai, in Osaka prefecture, awarded him certification as a "master of traditional craftsmanship" for his excellent tempering technique and exceptional mastery of kitchen knife making, honoring the traditions of ancestral Japanese forges.

Today, Kenji Togashi makes his knives from start to finish in his workshop in Sakai. He works with his three sons and a handful of apprentices to offer top-quality blades that meet the standards of Master Togashi himself. When you buy a Togashi blade, you're assured of a level of forging, grinding and finishing quality that rivals that of Sakai's finest forge houses.

The Aogami #1 by Hitchachi steel co translates to blue steel #1. It was named after the color of the paper in which the steel is packaged at Hitachi steel co. This steel has the same carbon content as Shirogami #1 (1.25-1.3%), but in addition tungsten and chromium are added to the composition. This improves corrosion resistance, wear resistance and cutting edge retention. It is considered by many to be the best steel for single bevel blades.

By Hitohira

Hitohira Togashi Aogami #1 Tanryumon Mizu Honyaki Yanagiba 330mm Taihei Ebony

$2,750.00

Store availability

Montréal: In stock

Québec: Out of stock

*Transfer available between stores, contact us at

Description

Maintenance tips

Have it sharpened on a water stone by a professional every year. Store in a dry place. Wash immediately after use and dry completely before storing. Do not let soak. Not dishwasher safe.

Product notes

Please take note

Each handle is unique and may exhibit distinct variations, such as differences in shades or colors in the buffalo horn, which is part of its authentic and handcrafted character.

Guarantee

Every knife carries a lifetime warranty against obvious manufacturing issues. For example, if the handle peels or cracks after a few weeks of proper use. Or if the blade develops a crack from the edge to the spine. These issues are rare, but can occur. In such cases, you will be offered an exchange for the same product or a refund. Since each case is different, it is at our discretion to assess whether our lifetime warranty against obvious manufacturing issues applies.

After-sales service

Is your knife not cutting as well as you expected? Every knife comes with what we call its "original sharpness." We stock over 200 different products, and often multiple copies each. All our products are hand-finished in Japan before shipping, and the "original sharpness" may vary. If you feel your knife isn't cutting to its full potential, please contact us and we'll fix it for you by sharpening it for free!

Oops, did something happen to your blade?

Did your knife fall to the floor, get damaged during a false move, or was it used to cut something too hard? We'll take care of it, we'll support you and your knife, by offering you a sharpening and repair service in-store!

Don't hesitate to contact us or visit our store to get an estimate in just a few minutes!

Customer Reviews

Size

330mm

Overall length

488mm

Blade height

37mm

Handle to tip length

336mm

Thickness

3.7mm

Edge length

319mm

Weight

284 g

Handle length

152mm

Steel

Aogami #1

Steel Type

Carbon steel (oxidizable)

Handle length

Tanryumon

Profile

Togashi

Usage

Slicer

Hand Orientation

Ambidextrous

Production

Sakai/Osaka

Handle material

Taihei

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INTRODUCTION TO YANAGIBA

The Yanagiba knife, also known as the "willow blade" due to the shape of its long, narrow blade, which is slightly curved at the back, reminiscent of a willow leaf, is a Japanese knife specialized in the precise and clean cutting of fish. It is widely used for preparing sashimi and nigiri, allowing for expert cutting that preserves the integrity of the slices. In addition to its use for raw fish, the Yanagiba knife can also be used for filleting certain fish and slicing meat.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

However, it should be noted that the Yanagiba's extremely fine edge can be easily damaged. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution when using it, particularly avoiding contact with edges and bones. Improper handling could cause irreversible damage to the blade. Therefore, it is essential to take care of this delicate knife to maintain its optimal performance.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Yanagiba's distinctive design has a few notable features. The back of the knife, called the urusaki, is concave, creating an air space between the blade and the fish. This makes it easier to separate the blade from the flesh, ensuring smooth, even slices. Meanwhile, the bevel on the knife's face, called the shinogi, allows for easy separation of the cut fish. These distinctive features contribute to the Yanagiba's efficiency and precision in its role as a specialized carving knife. Regarding dimensions, the Yanagiba knife is generally available in a length range of 210 mm to 330 mm. Selecting the appropriate size will depend on your personal preference and the size of the fish you plan to carve. Shorter versions are better suited for detailed tasks requiring great precision, while longer versions are more suitable for more extensive cuts.

CONCLUSION

In short, the Yanagiba is a Japanese knife specialized in the precise cutting of fish, particularly for sashimi and nigiri. Its narrow, long, and curved blade is reminiscent of a willow leaf, hence its name. However, due to its delicate edge, this knife should be handled with care, avoiding contact with bones and bones. The unique features of the concave urusaki and shinogi bevel facilitate the separation of the blade from the fish flesh and the precise cutting of pieces. Choose the size of the Yanagiba according to your specific needs, keeping in mind that shorter versions offer better precision while longer versions are suitable for extended cuts. With proper care, the Yanagiba knife will accompany you in the preparation of exquisite dishes for many years.

Description

Product notes

Maintenance tips

Guarantee

Customer Reviews

Hitohira Togashi Aogami #1 Tanryumon Mizu Honyaki Yanagiba 330mm Taihei Ebony

Store availability

Description

Maintenance tips

Product notes

Guarantee

Customer Reviews