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This 210 mm Japanese usuba knife from the Hitohira Kikuchiyo Manzo series is designed for precision vegetable cutting. It is a usuba with a high, straight blade, designed for traditional Japanese techniques such as katsuramuki or clean cutting of root vegetables. The geometry promotes clean, controlled cuts without rocking motion.

The blade is forged from Shirogami #3 (White Steel No. 3), a carbon steel known for its purity and ease of sharpening. The ni-mai construction highlights the traditional design of single-bevel knives. The finish is understated and highlights the polish.

With a length of 210 mm, this Japanese knife offers excellent stability on the cutting board. The profile is typical of the usuba, with a straight heel and a rigid blade, optimized for vertical cutting. The Japanese wa handle in ho wood, light and balanced, ensures a neutral and comfortable grip, suitable for prolonged use.
When used, this Japanese knife provides a direct and very clean cutting sensation on vegetables. It excels at straight, even cuts, but is not intended for hard foods or cutting products containing bones. Like any usuba, it requires a specific technique and is mainly intended for cooks who are comfortable with traditional movements.

Made of carbon steel, this Japanese knife requires careful maintenance: wipe the blade during and after use, avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, and accept the gradual development of a natural patina. Regular sharpening on Japanese stones allows you to take full advantage of the Shirogami #3's potential.

By Hitohira

Hitohira Kikuchiyo Manzo Shirogami #3 Usuba 210mm Ho

Regular price $345.00
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Description
This 210 mm Japanese usuba knife from the Hitohira Kikuchiyo Manzo series is designed for precision vegetable cutting. It is a usuba with a high, straight blade, designed for traditional Japanese techniques such as katsuramuki or clean cutting of root vegetables. The geometry promotes clean, controlled cuts without rocking motion.

The blade is forged from Shirogami #3 (White Steel No. 3), a carbon steel known for its purity and ease of sharpening. The ni-mai construction highlights the traditional design of single-bevel knives. The finish is understated and highlights the polish.

With a length of 210 mm, this Japanese knife offers excellent stability on the cutting board. The profile is typical of the usuba, with a straight heel and a rigid blade, optimized for vertical cutting. The Japanese wa handle in ho wood, light and balanced, ensures a neutral and comfortable grip, suitable for prolonged use.
When used, this Japanese knife provides a direct and very clean cutting sensation on vegetables. It excels at straight, even cuts, but is not intended for hard foods or cutting products containing bones. Like any usuba, it requires a specific technique and is mainly intended for cooks who are comfortable with traditional movements.

Made of carbon steel, this Japanese knife requires careful maintenance: wipe the blade during and after use, avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, and accept the gradual development of a natural patina. Regular sharpening on Japanese stones allows you to take full advantage of the Shirogami #3's potential.
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
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Size

210mm

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Overall length

358mm

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Blade height

50mm

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Handle to tip length

216mm

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Thickness

4.7mm

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Edge length

198mm

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Weight

269 g

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Handle length

141mm

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Steel

Shirogami #3 with iron cladding

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Steel Type

Carbon steel (oxidizable)

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Profile

Kikuchiyo

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Usage

Vegetable knife

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Hand Orientation

Right-handed

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Production

Sakai/Osaka

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INTRODUCTION TO THE USUBA KNIFE

The Usuba knife is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife that excels at making fine, precise cuts. With its thin, rectangular blade and unique beveled edge, the Usuba knife offers chefs and culinary enthusiasts unparalleled precision when working with vegetables. This vegetable knife is particularly favored by Japanese chefs specializing in Kaiseki, where visual precision is essential. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of the Usuba knife, as well as its different variations and recommended uses.

BLADE, SHAPES AND VARIANTS

The Usuba knife has a thin, rectangular blade that resembles a small cleaver. Its straight edge allows for controlled and precise cutting, making it ideal for creating thin vegetable leaves. The Usuba's thin blade is ground on one side only, called a single or chisel bevel, which results in an incredibly sharp edge. Using this vegetable knife allows for artistic cuts, including katsuramuki, a traditional Japanese technique for creating long vegetable leaves. VARIATIONS: EDO-USUBA AND KAMAGATA USUBA

There are two main variations of the Usuba knife: the Edo-Usuba and the Kamagata Usuba. The Edo-Usuba, originating from the Kanto region of Tokyo, has a flat front and a blunt tip. In contrast, the Kamagata Usuba, originating from the Kansai region of Osaka, features a curved spine that tapers to a point. Both variations offer their own advantages, allowing chefs to choose the one that best suits their cutting style and preferences.

ORIGINS AND HERITAGE

The origins of the Usuba paring knife are deeply rooted in Japanese culinary history. This knife first appeared during the Edo period (1603–1868) in Japan. It was developed to meet the specific needs of chefs working in royal palaces and aristocratic homes, where the preparation of exquisite and visually appealing dishes was of the utmost importance. Over time, the Usuba knife grew in popularity and became an essential tool in professional kitchens and Japanese homes. Even today, it is considered a symbol of technical mastery in the world of paring knives.

ADVANTAGES AND CONCLUSION

Thanks to its sharp blade, the Usuba knife can easily cut through firm vegetables without breaking them. This is especially important when working with dense vegetables like daikon radish or squash, where precision is crucial.

The Usuba knife is a versatile and indispensable tool for any chef or culinary enthusiast who appreciates precision and delicate cutting of vegetables. With its thin blade, single-bevel edge, and various variations, the Usuba knife offers unparalleled control and precision when working with vegetables. Whether creating thin sheets of vegetables or intricate decorative cuts, the Usuba knife is an indispensable tool for those who strive for perfection in their culinary endeavors.

In short, this is the ultimate vegetable knife for anyone who wants to combine tradition, performance, and aesthetics. Improve your vegetable cutting technique with the Usuba knife and discover the joy of preparing precise and beautiful vegetables.

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