Touroku Sakai Deba 240mm – Shirogami #2 Carbon Steel | Magnolia Wa Handle

Chosen by Sharp Knives Malta

Traditional Japanese craftsmanship built for serious fish preparation.

The Touroku Sakai Deba 240mm is a classic Japanese fish butchery knife handcrafted in Sakai, Japan. Forged from Shirogami #2 (White Paper Steel #2) and finished with a traditional Kurouchi finish, it delivers the exceptional sharpness, edge refinement, and cutting feel that have made traditional Japanese carbon steel the preferred choice of professional sushi chefs and fishmongers for generations.

With its substantial 240mm blade and robust construction, this Deba is designed to break down whole fish with precision, confidence, and control.

Handcrafted in Sakai – Japan's Historic Knife-Making Capital

For more than 600 years, Sakai has been one of Japan's most respected centres of knife making. Many of the country's finest professional kitchen knives are still handcrafted there using techniques passed down through generations of skilled craftsmen.

Every Touroku Sakai knife reflects this heritage—combining traditional forging methods with the precision demanded by modern professional kitchens.

Who This Knife Is For

Perfect for:

• Professional chefs
• Sushi chefs
• Fishmongers
• Serious home cooks preparing whole fish
• Japanese knife enthusiasts
• Users who appreciate traditional carbon steel performance

Not intended as a general-purpose chef's knife.

Why You'll Like It

Shirogami #2 (White Paper Steel #2)

The blade is forged from Shirogami #2, one of Japan's purest and most respected carbon steels.

Hardened to approximately 61–62 HRC, it offers:

• Exceptional sharpness
• Extremely fine edge formation
• Easy sharpening
• Outstanding cutting feel
• Traditional Japanese performance

Its fine grain structure allows the blade to achieve an incredibly refined edge that many chefs still prefer over modern stainless steels.

Traditional Deba Construction

Unlike a standard chef's knife, a Deba features a thick, rigid blade built specifically for fish preparation.

Ideal for:

• Breaking down whole fish
• Removing heads
• Cutting through small fish bones
• Filleting
• Portioning seafood
• Precise butchery work

The heavy spine provides strength where it's needed, while the finely ground edge delivers remarkable precision.

Traditional Kurouchi Finish

The blade retains its traditional Kurouchi finish, leaving part of the forged surface intact.

This finish:

• Reflects traditional Japanese craftsmanship
• Gives each knife a distinctive rustic appearance
• Helps protect the blade surface
• Highlights the hand-forged character of the knife

No two blades are exactly alike.

Magnolia Wa Handle

The knife is fitted with a traditional magnolia wood wa handle and black resin ferrule.

It provides:

• Lightweight balance
• Comfortable grip
• Excellent blade control
• Traditional Japanese aesthetics
• Easy replacement if required

Its lightweight construction naturally shifts the balance towards the blade, improving control during fish preparation.

Specifications

Brand: Touroku Sakai
Knife Type: Deba (Fish Butchery Knife)
Blade Length: 240 mm
Steel: Shirogami #2 (White Paper Steel #2) Carbon Steel
Hardness: Approximately 61–62 HRC
Finish: Traditional Kurouchi
Edge: Traditional Single Bevel
Handle: Magnolia Wood Wa Handle
Ferrule: Black Resin
Made In: Sakai, Japan

Care Instructions

Because the blade is made from carbon steel:

• Hand wash only
• Dry immediately after use
• Never leave the blade wet or dirty
• Apply a light coat of camellia oil before long-term storage
• Sharpen using quality Japanese whetstones
• Store in a saya or blade guard

Over time, the exposed carbon steel will naturally develop a blue-grey patina. This is normal and helps protect the blade while giving it its own unique character.

Complete Your Setup

Pair it with:

• Japanese Whetstones
• End-Grain Cutting Board
• Traditional Wooden Saya
• Rust Eraser
• Camellia Knife Oil
• Fish Bone Tweezers

Why We Chose This Knife

At Sharp Knives Malta, we value knives that preserve the traditions that made Japanese craftsmanship famous.

The Touroku Sakai Deba 240mm combines the outstanding cutting performance of Shirogami #2 carbon steel, traditional Sakai craftsmanship, and the specialist geometry required for serious fish preparation. It's a knife built for professionals and enthusiasts who appreciate authentic Japanese blades and the precision they deliver.

Forged in Sakai. Traditional carbon steel. Built for professional fish preparation.