This compact deba is a classic shape - a heavy, thick blade originally intended for fish filleting, though it serves equally well for poultry butchery. The deba first appeared during the Edo period in Sakai. Its thickness and the obtuse angle at the back of the heel let it cut through fish heads without damage, while the rest of the blade rides along the bones to separate the fillet cleanly.
This knife carries some genuine heft, measuring about 7mm at the heel. It has a single bevel set for right-handed users, with a very slight concave grind on the back side and a nice primary bevel with a small micro bevel at the edge on the front. Yuzou Tani, a second-generation craftsman working out of his shop in Sakai City, makes every knife in this line from Hitachi White #2 steel, and we have been consistently impressed with the results. The octagonal magnolia wood handle with buffalo horn ferrule matches the look and balance of the blade perfectly.
Care Instructions: White #2 is a reactive carbon steel and will develop a natural patina with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use to prevent rust. Hand wash only. Apply a light coat of camellia oil for long-term storage.
This knife carries some genuine heft, measuring about 7mm at the heel. It has a single bevel set for right-handed users, with a very slight concave grind on the back side and a nice primary bevel with a small micro bevel at the edge on the front. Yuzou Tani, a second-generation craftsman working out of his shop in Sakai City, makes every knife in this line from Hitachi White #2 steel, and we have been consistently impressed with the results. The octagonal magnolia wood handle with buffalo horn ferrule matches the look and balance of the blade perfectly.
Care Instructions: White #2 is a reactive carbon steel and will develop a natural patina with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use to prevent rust. Hand wash only. Apply a light coat of camellia oil for long-term storage.
- Blacksmith: Mr. Tani
- Location: Sakai, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, Ni Mai
- Edge Steel: White #2
- Cladding: Soft Iron
- Finish: Migaki (Polished)
- Edge Grind: Even
- Weight: 9.7 oz (276 g)
- Blade Length: 160 mm
- Total Length: 298 mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 7 mm
- Blade Height: 51 mm
- Handle: Octagonal Magnolia Wood
- Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
