Kitaoka Blue #2 Deba 165mm Lefty

Deba knives are one of the three most popular traditional knife shapes in Japan, mainly used for cleaning and filleting fish, and dressing poultry and other meats. The heavy, wide spine lends the stability needed to cut through tough joints and bones, while the spine thins gradually toward the tip, giving real control when filleting fish and guiding the blade along bones. This version is ground specifically for left-handed users, a genuinely rare configuration in the deba format.

This deba is made from Blue #2 Hitachi steel, a very popular alloy for kitchen knives that is essentially White #2 with added chromium and tungsten, giving the alloy improved corrosion resistance and edge retention. As with any carbon steel, careful cleaning and drying after use is essential. Blue #2 outperforms White Steel in a couple of meaningful ways - better edge retention and the ability to take a more acute edge geometry - and Kitaoka-san tempers his Blue Steel to 62-63 HRC, a sweet spot for the alloy. This strong, beautifully finished blade is fitted with an upgraded rosewood octagonal handle and black pakka wood ferrule.

What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer who has used this knife nearly daily for a year reports it retains a great edge throughout a full work day and takes a very fine edge. A second reviewer, after a week or two of use, calls it hefty, sharp, and a knife that holds a good edge - he appreciates the small hollow grind on the flat side both for food release and for helping him see exactly where his sharpening stone makes contact, and as his first single bevel knife found the learning curve well worth it given the quality and reasonable price.

Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel and will develop a natural patina with use - this is normal and helps protect the steel. Wipe the blade dry immediately after each use and avoid leaving it wet or in contact with acidic foods. Hand wash only. Apply a light coat of camellia oil for long-term storage.

Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.

Blacksmith: Hideo Kitaoka

Location: Echizen, Japan

Construction: Hammer Forged, Left-Handed Grind

Edge Steel: Blue #2

HRC: 62-63

Handle: Rosewood Octagonal

Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood

Weight: 10.5 oz (296 g)

Blade Length: 170 mm

Total Length: 308 mm

Spine Thickness at Base: 7 mm

Blade Height: 51 mm

Please Note: We only ship Kitaoka knives within the USA