This 165 mm deba in Shirogami #2 (White Steel #2) is built for dressing and breaking down whole fish. The thick spine and single-bevel kataba grind allow the blade to cut through bones and vertebrae cleanly without deflection. At 165 mm, this size handles medium-sized fish with enough weight behind the spine to work through heads and frames without straining the blade.
The traditional nimai construction pairs a Shirogami #2 hagane core with a jigane layer covering the upper face of the blade. The bevel is ground directly into the cutting steel and finished in kasumi: a matte body with a polished edge. The wa-handle in magnolia (hōnoki) is lightweight with an oval cross-section, fitted with a dark collar that contrasts with the pale wood.
The Shirogami #2 (White Steel #2) is a pure carbon steel with no chromium or significant alloying elements. It responds quickly on a whetstone and returns to a very fine edge in a small number of passes. A patina develops from the first uses, which is expected and normal. The steel is reactive to moisture and acids: wiping the blade immediately after contact with fish prevents surface corrosion. With consistent upkeep, the patina gradually protects the surface.
Care
Wipe and dry immediately after use. Do not soak or wash in a dishwasher. For extended storage, a light coat of camellia oil protects the blade against rust.
