About the Shape - The Yanagiba is a slicer’s dream. Graceful, sexy, and capable of amazing sharpness, you’ll find a Yanigiba in the hands of every sushi chef worth their salt. Yanagi means “willow leaf” and refers to this knife’s long, narrow shape. The Yanagiba is a traditional Japanese blade that is only sharpened on one side. This is called “single bevel.” Traditionally used for slicing sashimi, they are equally at home with roast beef, ham, or calf’s liver. Once you go Yanagiba, you’ll never go back.