If there’s anything that I’ve learned through the years that I spent cooking, it’s that nothing can rival eastern food when it comes to deliciousness and exoticism. If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, then sushi must be one of the go-to dishes that you enjoy when eating out. And if you’re a true sushi-enthusiast, you most certainly have tried making it at home.
Here’s the thing, making sushi is no small feat, and before attempting such a process, there are a lot of tricks and recipes to be learned in order to make delightful sushi that you’ll enjoy, and one of the most critical requirements that are often overlooked in best Japanese knives for sushi. This is due to the fact that most people struggle at cutting sushi properly, and a proper knife will make obtaining an excellent Japanese dish a breeze.
If you’re wondering where to find one and how to know its quality, here you’ll get every piece of knowledge you need to know about them, so you just have to read on!
Comparison And Ratings of The Best Sushi Knife 2021
| Image | Sushi Knives | Rating |
|---|---|---|
 | #1 - Kitchen + Home Non-Stick Sushi Knife | 99% |
 | #2 - Culina 8-Inch Nonstick Carbon Steel Sushi Knife | 96% |
 | #3 - Soufull Professional Sashimi Sushi Knife | 92% |
 | #4 - Soufull Japanese Yanagiba Sashimi Sushi Knife | 89% |
 | #5 - TATARA Professional Gyuto Sushi Knife | 85% |
Want to learn more?
Now that you’ve seen our top 5 recommendations, we’ll give you more detail on each of them, including why we liked them. When you’re ready, click the yellow button to get the best price on Amazon!
#1 – Kitchen + Home Non-Stick Sushi Knife
Right off the bat is our selection for the best budget sushi knife; Kitchen+Home blade, which is a nice option to have if you’re on a budget, as it lies on the low-end of the spectrum and for that, you have to sacrifice a few options.
First and foremost, the choice of material is the inferior stainless steel and not carbon steel, the traditionally go-to one for these blades. It’s not totally bad though, as this material makes the maintenance of this 8-inch blade a breeze, as you can use the dishwasher for effortless cleaning, although it is not recommended. The coating specifically made to avoid sticking, which is made of “Teflon.” The added “vents” further bolster this quality while also reducing its weight, so it puts less strain on your hands.
As for the handle, it’s adequately designed to reduce physical discomfort which further eases up the process. This makes it extremely convenient for beginners who are just getting into sushi-making.
In the end, this is a pretty impressive knife for its price, since it is versatile and easily maintained, with other perks that include rust resistance and 30-day money-back guarantee policy coupled with a lifetime warranty for ultimate insurance. The few minor inconveniences include the plastic handle and the thin tang, in addition to the material of course. All in all, this knife makes for a perfect product for amateurs who are looking for a multi-tasking knife on a budget.
What we like about it:
The Kitchen + Home Non-Stick Sushi Knife is a versatile, budget-friendly blade that’s easy to maintain and care for, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which proves that the manufacturer does trust in this product. We would highly recommend this sushi knife to anyone who wants to quickly bolster their kitchen Nonstick Cookware Sets with an incredibly sharp knife that won’t blow a hole in their wallet.
#2 – Culina 8-Inch Nonstick Carbon Steel Sushi Knife
What we have already for the other product applies here as well, since this is another one of those low-end products. The Culina Sushi Knife is a cheap option that performs well for amateur chefs, so you should set your expectations accordingly.
The sharpness of this 8-inch long blade with a sheath that provides protection, coupled with the bevels on each side make it usable by both left and right-handed chefs alike. The material used in crafting this knife is carbon steel; thus its durability and performance are exceptional for its price, as it can cut through any sushi ingredient with ease, which is outstanding since it is not a professional sushi knife. Furthermore, the non-stick coating ensures no troubles are encountered in the process of cutting.
The optimally shaped handle makes the grip quite firm; however, it is made from low-grade plastic, and it is not properly connected to the blade; thus it might break easily in the future.
In conclusion, this is a durable blade for its price, and the material makes it versatile, which is perfect for entry-level cooks. Moreover, the sharpness and lightness make the use extremely convenient. Nevertheless, it is a rather thin blade, and the handle’s quality is questionable. All in all, this makes for a good sushi-knife for its price so if you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with this choice.
What we like about it:
Not only does the Culina 8-Inch Nonstick Carbon Steel Sushi Knife look cool with its food-grade, non-stick coating, but it also comes with an equally-good looking sheath that makes for elegant and safe storage. It’s also lightweight, razor-sharp, and easy to maintain. What else could you ask for? If you don’t mind the blade being a bit thin and the plastic handle, this knife can go a long way when you’re prepping some sushi for a small gathering.
#3 – Soufull Professional Sashimi Sushi Knife
The fancy packaging of the Soufull Sushi blade is an indicator of its higher quality and thus, its higher price-tag, which is the double of the previously reviewed products. Nevertheless, it is not entirely authentic, as it’s made of stainless steel like the others. Fortunately, it offers great rust resistance and effortless maintenance.
This one is no different than the other knives in terms of length, as it has the standard 8-inch long blade. This blade has one edge, and it is ideal for any right-handed person. Moreover, it has excellent precision and sharpness which enables the user to cut through the ingredients seamlessly.
When it comes to the handle, it is ergonomically made in a D-shape using wood coupled with leather, and riveted from both sides. The tang, which is of the two-thirds type, makes the knife steady and sturdy. Although it is a balanced blade, it is not usable for chopping; thus you might need another one on-hand for that specific task.
In the end, this is a nicely priced product for the quality it provides, and the luxurious packaging it comes in. Moreover, the material makes it rust-resistant, and the excellent crafting grants it sharpness and durability. Additionally, Soufull provides excellent customer service for this product. And although it suffers from the stainless steel making it not entirely authentic, and protruding rivets, it makes up for an outstanding for those who are looking for a good investment.
What we like about it:
Although not the cheapest on our list, the Soufull Professional Sashimi Sushi Knife is reasonably-priced and can accommodate different sushi prep needs no matter your expertise level as a chef. What we really dig about this blade is the elegant packaging, which makes it suitable for any Gift Basket. There’s more to it than meets the eye though, as this sushi knife is also rust-resistant and scores 59-61 on the Rockwell scale of hardness, which means that it can cut through practically anything with ease. If the price of this knife suits your budget, you really can’t go wrong with the Soufull Professional Sashimi Sushi Knife.
#4 – Soufull Japanese Yanagiba Sashimi Sushi Knife
The Soufull Yanagiba Sushi Knife comes with extreme sharpness that will help you cut through sushi and fish seamlessly and effortlessly, just be careful with it. Thus, this is a pretty great deal for those who are looking for a performing sushi knife, and as a bonus, it even comes wrapped up in a gift box, which means that it’s a godsend for late Christmas preparations.
First of all, the material on this blade was chosen right, with the manufacturers opting for high-quality carbon steel. Its length is 7.87 inches, and it has a single level. Moreover, it is made for right-handed people. The performance is uncanny with top-notch grip and ease of use, the handle formed in a D-shape bolsters this feature.
This knife is suitable for all users no matter their level or needs, as a partial yet sturdy tang, a nicely connected handle and the blade’s sharpness makes it extremely versatile. The only minor downside is the mild heaviness; otherwise, it is a blade even professionals can use to great results, in spite of its price benchmark.
What we like about it:
The Soufull Japanese Yanagiba Sashimi Sushi Knife is not for the faint of heart, as it boasts a pretty sharp blade capable of cutting through anything like butter. To go with the exceptional sharpness, this blade comes with an ergonomic D-shaped handle which can give you a comfortable and firm grip no matter how long you’re using the knife for. If you’re looking for a knife that offers a balance between the price the quality, this is a solid option to consider.
#5 – TATARA Professional Gyuto Sushi Knife
The knife is the priciest one on this list, but it comes to no surprise that the quality is high above all of the aforementioned ones. This is an excellent example of an essential fact in the kitchen appliance world: the higher the price tag, the better the quality. In this regard, this knife does not disappoint as it delivers more than a great one for its price.
The first thing you’ll notice about this blade is how elegant it is. It would definitely look perfect in any of your Knife Blocks or Magnetic Knife Strips, just beside your Bread Knife, Carving Knife, and Kitchen Utility Knife.
Even though it’s made far from Japan, this is the most authentic one you can get your hands on without shelling out a few hundred dollars for a true sushi knife. The carbon steel used in the making is of VG10 type, which is imported straight from Japan. The sharpness of the blade is uncanny, and the highly-performing 67 Damascus layers don’t fail to deliver. If you’re a nerdy chef, know that this blade scores a whopping 62 on the Rockwell scale of hardness.
When using this unique knife, cutting becomes an effortless task of simply placing it where you want to make a cut and just let gravity do the rest since you don’t even need to apply much pressure. As usual, it is single-beveled, with a length of 8-inches. The tang which is of the full type enables the application of a superior force, and versatility is guaranteed by the triple rivets and the nitrogen coolness.
The military-inspired handle is G-10, and it is properly shaped for maximum comfort and provides great control. The packaging is a nice wooden box that is neat, and it has a 100% money-back guarantee policy. The only downside is the heaviness and the high price. So if you’re willing to make the appropriate investment, trust us in that you will be 100% satisfied as we have hardly found any flaws with this product.
What we like about it:
The TATARA sushi knife uses VG10 stainless steel, the same material used by big brands such as Shun Knives, Yoshihiro Knives, Kasumi Knives, and Miyabi Knives, which should give you some peace of mind when getting this blade as it’s durable, hard, and extremely sharp. It also looks good and feels good in the hand, with a comfortable, well-balanced, and firm grip. If you’re looking to get the highest quality and you’re willing to shell out however much it takes to get it, the TATARA is what you seek for a perfect sushi dinner.
How We Chose the Top Sushi Knives in Our List
You’ve probably already got your Cutting Board, Fish Poacher, and Dinnerware Set ready by now, and all that’s left to do is to get the best sushi knife for you and prepare the most finger-licking recipe you can find. We won’t help you with the second part, unfortunately, but we’re here to present the best sushi knives for you to choose from. All of the aforementioned products were vetted and checked by our team to provide you with the highest quality, and here are the criteria on which we based our selection:
Material
We advise you to avoid knives manufactured using stainless steel, as these have worse efficiency than their high carbon counterparts. Even though their ease of cleaning seems attractive, they are both untraditional and underperforming, so the trade-off is not worth it. Nevertheless, we included some stainless steel blades in our list because they’re cheaper and easier to clean
High-carbon steel, such as the VG10 stainless used in the TATARA, is more durable and offers better edge retention, but it’s quite expensive, so look before you leap and consider your budget before making a choice.
Crafting Method
In terms of crafting manner, there are two types of knives that differ in quality and efficiency. The first one, the Honyaki, is made with one piece of high-quality steel. The other one, the Kasumi, is generally made from two types of metal, iron in the center which is covered with carbon steel. Performance-wise, they both do well, but the first one is better both in quality and durability.
In the end, you might have noticed that we tried to include products at each price range to appeal as much as possible to everyone’s needs since each has its own budget. But in the end, if you follow our recommendation you will end up with the best knife you can find on the market for the price given, that will satisfy your personal needs and make you the best sushi. Nevertheless, no matter the choice you make, you will always be able to make a great sushi meal with relative ease.
Different Types of Sushi Knives
According to loads of information provided by Bryan Sekine, a 27-year-old sushi chef of half-Japanese descent, who has a knack for teaching and released a book called “Secrets of Sushi,” these knives originated in the 14th century. And it is not needed to specify that they were first made in Japan.
However, there is a more interesting fact in that they were popularized as a substitute to samurai swords when they became illegal in the 19th century. If you’re wondering how these knives are made, the process goes as follows:
High-carbon steel is the material used to make the finest sushi knives, and these have a bevel with a single angle. In order to avoid food sticking to it when cutting it, it has two different sides: one with a sharp edge to use in the cutting, and the other is a flat one.
The material used in making the knife enables the blade to have unmatched sharpness, but at the same time it is more prone to rust and does so at a faster than alternatives like stainless steel, and this is the reason they need meticulous care.
When it comes to the handle, it is equally distinctive, with a cross-section that is shaped like the letter “D” which is a nice feature to facilitate the grip on it when used for a long time. On top of it, it has a bone cap and the material generally used mostly for it is wood. The tang, which is the part of the handle that is made out of metal is another thing that sets it apart from similar blades. There are two varieties: one where it covers the full length of it, and another which covers only two-thirds of it.
What Is the Difference Between Sushi and Sashimi Knives?
Like we clarified earlier, there is a lot of cutting involved in making sushi, including many of the ingredients such as fish and vegetables. The most demanding bit is the process of cutting the roll itself. For that, you will most definitely need a sushi knife and not a sashimi knife. This is because the main difference between them is that one can be used to cut all the elements included in the dish so it can be utilized throughout the process, while the other one, the sashimi variant, can only cut through fish. That’s why, in the case of amateurish cooking where you need an all-around knife that can do everything.
On a rather interesting note, the majority of sushi knives are made for right-hand use. So, if you’re a left-handed person, you’ll most likely resort to having it specially made for you at a higher price. The reason for this has nothing to with right-hand domination or anything; rather it is historical since in Japan they believe that it is more optimal to use your right-hand with fish and your left one with shellfish.
Why You Need the Best Sushi Knife in Your Kitchen
Apart from it being cool and all, you will also be saving a nice amount of money if you opt to make sushi at home instead of eating out for the night. That is due to the prices of sushi being mostly on the high end, which is justified by the cost of the base components, which have to be extra-fresh, and the lengthy process involved in making it. In fact, the price of a serving of sushi at a restaurant can enable you to have a whole meal at home and feed some friends also, with the same quality. This is not the only reason to make sushi at home though.
Another benefit of having this dish home-made is that you can be sure that the elements used to come from authentic sources and are fresh and of top-quality. On top of that, you can choose green products in order to keep the environment safe too. This may prove to be a bit troublesome, however, but it is completely possible and encouraged.
In the end, the greatest reason to make sushi at home is the fun involved in the process. This is especially true for cooking enthusiasts, who will enjoy every bit of it. Moreover, you can even experiment with it, since it is a flexible recipe with many existing variations.
Nevertheless, don’t expect it to be easy or quick. We have to remind you that it is a rather lengthy process that requires a bit of effort, with a lot of handworks involved. However, as we noted earlier, you won’t even feel the time nor the effort while you have fun cutting it and shaping it into those lovely rolls.
In conclusion, you have all the right reasons to make some finger-licking sushi at home, but don’t go ahead and start just yet, you have to find the best sushi knives beforehand!
While you’re here, check out some of our other kitchen accessories and knives! As always, we recommend you keep your knives sharp with an electric knife sharpener, as well as safely kept in either a knife block or on a magnetic knife strip held safely in your kitchen pantry or kitchen island.