About the Shape -Yanagibas are long, thin, single-bevel knives ground and sharpened on one side. Translating to “willow’s leaf,” they’re graceful and elegant like their name suggests. Yanagibas are commonly used for slicing sashimi, but can also be used for carving other meats like roast beef and prime rib.

About Sakai Takayuki AUS-8 INOX- Sakai Takayuki is well-known as the largest knife maker in Sakai. The company hosts a number of blacksmiths and craftsmen who work together to create a huge array of knives. Although the Sakai region traditionally specializes in single-bevel blades, Sakai Takayuki makes many different shapes.

The AUS-8 INOX is perfect for a young sushi chef or amateur home cook wanting to break into the world of sushi. These are forged out of AUS-8, stainless steel that is harder than your average kitchen knife but not quite as hard as some of the carbon and high-tech steels of Japan. In normal speak, it will keep an incredible edge for a long time but is more durable than some higher-end knives.