Touroku Sakai Yanagiba 270mm – Shirogami #2 Carbon Steel | Magnolia Octagonal Handle

Chosen by Sharp Knives Malta

Traditional Sakai craftsmanship for chefs who demand absolute precision.

The Touroku Sakai Yanagiba 270mm is a classic Japanese sashimi knife handcrafted in Sakai, Japan. Forged from Shirogami #2 (White Paper Steel #2), it delivers exceptional sharpness, effortless sharpening, and the refined cutting performance that has made traditional Japanese carbon steel the preferred choice of sushi chefs for generations.

Designed specifically for long, clean slicing strokes, this Yanagiba preserves the texture, appearance, and flavour of delicate fish, making it the ideal knife for sushi, sashimi, and fine seafood preparation.

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

For over 600 years, Sakai has been one of Japan's most respected centres of knife making. Many of the country's finest sushi 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 required in professional Japanese kitchens.

Who This Knife Is For

Perfect for:

• Sushi chefs
• Professional kitchens
• Fish preparation specialists
• Serious home cooks
• Japanese knife enthusiasts
• Anyone looking for an authentic traditional Yanagiba

Why You'll Like It

Shirogami #2 (White Paper Steel #2)

Forged from Shirogami #2, one of Japan's purest traditional carbon steels.

Hardened to approximately 61–62 HRC, it offers:

• Exceptional sharpness
• Extremely fine grain structure
• Easy sharpening
• Outstanding edge refinement
• Traditional Japanese cutting feel

Its purity allows the blade to take an incredibly keen edge, making it a favourite among professional sharpeners and sushi chefs.

Traditional Single-Bevel Geometry

The Yanagiba features a traditional single-bevel edge, designed specifically for precision fish slicing.

This geometry provides:

• Cleaner cuts
• Reduced cutting resistance
• Excellent food release
• Superior presentation
• Professional-level slicing performance

The blade glides through fish in one smooth drawing motion, helping preserve delicate flesh without tearing.

Professional 270mm Blade

The 270mm blade offers the ideal balance between control and slicing efficiency.

It allows:

• Long, uninterrupted slicing strokes
• Cleaner sashimi cuts
• Better control when portioning fish
• Reduced sawing motions
• Professional versatility

Perfect for preparing sushi, sashimi, and other delicate proteins.

Magnolia Octagonal Wa Handle

The traditional octagonal magnolia wood handle provides:

• Lightweight balance
• Comfortable grip
• Excellent blade control
• Reduced fatigue during extended prep
• Classic Japanese aesthetics

Its balanced construction makes the knife feel agile despite its generous blade length.

Specifications

Brand: Touroku Sakai
Knife Type: Yanagiba (Sashimi & Sushi Knife)
Blade Length: 270 mm
Steel: Shirogami #2 (White Paper Steel #2) Carbon Steel
Hardness: Approximately 61–62 HRC
Edge: Traditional Single Bevel
Handle: Magnolia Octagonal Wa Handle
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 soaking
• Apply 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 protective blue-grey patina. This is a normal characteristic of traditional carbon steel and helps protect the blade.

Complete Your Setup

Pair it with:

• Touroku Sakai Deba for Fish Preparation
• End-Grain Cutting Board
• Traditional Wooden Saya
• Japanese Whetstones
• Leather Strop
• Camellia Knife Oil

Why We Chose This Knife

At Sharp Knives Malta, we believe traditional Japanese knives should honour the methods that made them legendary.

The Touroku Sakai Yanagiba 270mm combines the exceptional sharpness of Shirogami #2 carbon steel, authentic Sakai craftsmanship, and the specialist geometry required for flawless sushi and sashimi preparation. It is a knife built for chefs who value precision, technique, and the pure cutting experience that only a traditional Japanese blade can deliver.

Traditional carbon steel. Professional precision. Crafted in Sakai, Japan.