Touroku Sakai Yanagiba 300mm – Shirogami #2 Carbon Steel | Magnolia Octagonal Handle

Chosen by Sharp Knives Malta

The traditional choice for chefs who demand the cleanest possible slice.

Handcrafted in Sakai, Japan, the Touroku Sakai Yanagiba 300mm represents the pinnacle of traditional Japanese fish-slicing knives. Forged from Shirogami #2 (White Paper Steel #2), this long-bladed Yanagiba is designed to produce flawless sashimi and sushi cuts with extraordinary precision and minimal resistance.

Its 300mm blade allows long, uninterrupted slicing strokes that preserve the texture, appearance, and flavour of delicate fish—exactly as Japanese chefs have done for generations.

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

For more than 600 years, Sakai has been at the heart of Japanese knife making. Renowned for producing some of the world's finest sushi and sashimi knives, Sakai craftsmen continue to forge blades using techniques passed down through generations.

Every Touroku Sakai knife reflects this heritage, combining traditional craftsmanship with the precision demanded by modern professional kitchens.

Who This Knife Is For

Perfect for:

• Sushi chefs
• Professional fish preparation
• Japanese cuisine specialists
• Serious home enthusiasts
• Culinary schools
• Collectors of traditional Japanese knives

Why You'll Like It

Shirogami #2 (White Paper Steel #2)

Forged from Shirogami #2, one of Japan's most respected 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

Favoured by professional sharpeners and sushi chefs, Shirogami steel is capable of taking an incredibly keen edge with remarkable precision.

Professional 300mm Blade

The long 300mm blade is designed for uninterrupted slicing.

It provides:

• Long, smooth slicing strokes
• Cleaner sashimi cuts
• Reduced tearing of delicate proteins
• Superior presentation
• Greater efficiency when portioning larger fish

A single pull cut preserves the structure of the fish, resulting in cleaner slices and a better eating experience.

Traditional Single-Bevel Geometry

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

This geometry allows:

• Minimal cutting resistance
• Extremely clean slices
• Excellent food release
• Outstanding edge precision
• Professional-level control

It's the preferred grind for authentic sushi and sashimi preparation.

Magnolia Octagonal Wa Handle

The knife is fitted with a traditional octagonal magnolia wood handle, providing:

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

The lightweight handle shifts the balance slightly forward, enhancing precision during long slicing motions.

Specifications

Brand: Touroku Sakai
Knife Type: Yanagiba (Sashimi & Sushi Knife)
Blade Length: 300 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 300mm combines the extraordinary sharpness of Shirogami #2 carbon steel, authentic Sakai craftsmanship, and the professional blade length required for flawless sashimi preparation. It's a specialist knife built for chefs who understand that perfect slicing begins with the right tool.

Traditional carbon steel. Professional precision. Pure Sakai craftsmanship.