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Deba Knives (Butchery Knives)

The Japanese Butcher Knife

Deba are single-bevel Japanese butcher knives. In Japanese, the word Deba means “pointed carving knife.” This type of Japanese knife is used for cleaning and cutting fish and poultry. The blade has an increased thickness, and often a more dull angle behind the heel allowing it to cut off the heads of fish or through bones without damage.

It is ideal for actions such as chopping, slicing, and disjointing. When used correctly, Deba knives are great for delicate prep work, such as removing and splitting crustacean legs or carving specific cuts of fish.

A Deba is not necessarily recommended for cutting through large bones as this might lead to chipping or cracking its single-bevel blade. In general, one should be careful to employ the correct chopping technique for a Deba chef knife or any quality kitchen knife to prevent breaks, chips, and other damage. While the single-bevel blade of a Deba allows for easier cutting, if used improperly it is also more prone to chipping as the angle of the blade is less than most double-bevel knives.

The Japanese Butcher Knife

Deba are single-bevel Japanese butcher knives. In Japanese, the word Deba means “pointed carving knife.” This type of Japanese knife is used for cleaning and cutting fish and poultry. The blade has an increased thickness, and often a more dull angle behind the heel allowing it. . . Show More >

History of the Deba Knife

The Deba, also called the Hon-deba (“true Deba”), means pointed carving knife. It originally appeared during the Edo period in Sakai, Osaka, and has since become an integral part of Japanese kitchens. In Japanese tradition, it’s nearly inconceivable to filet fish without using a Deba.

As with most traditional Japanese knives, the Deba has a single-beveled blade and a length of anywhere between 150-330mm. The length of your Deba should match the size of the fish you want to prepare. Most users prefer a 180mm long Deba knife. These knives are made of high-quality materials including molybdenum stainless steel and Shironiko or White Steel #2

Shop Handcrafted Japanese Kitchen Knives at Hasu-Seizo

The Deba is an excellent example of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Everything from its thick spine to its sturdy build and highly-honed edge has been designed for a specific style of chopping. In fact, its tip is so sensitive that you can even feel when the blade touches fish bones, allowing you to carve a perfect bone-free filet.

For a more slender knife to help with butchery check out the great selection of Japanese boning knives. Find an extensive collection of Japanese butcher and kitchen knives at Hasu-Seizo, including Gyuto, Santoku, Petty, Yanagiba, and more. Shop from a range of materials, including high-carbon, stainless steel, and Blue Steel #2 among others. Each blade has been handcrafted by traditional artisans in Japan. Take your cooking skills up a notch with Hasu-Seizo.

History of the Deba Knife

The Deba, also called the Hon-deba (“true Deba”), means pointed carving knife. It originally appeared during the Edo period in Sakai, Osaka, and has since become an integral part of Japanese kitchens. In Japanese tradition, it’s nearly inconceivable to filet fish without using a Deba.

As with most traditional Japanese knives, the Deba has a single-beveled blade and a length of anywhere between 150-330mm. The length of your Deba should match the size of the fish you want to prepare. Most users prefer a 180mm long Deba knife. These knives are made of high-quality materials including molybdenum stainless steel and Shironiko or White Steel #2

Shop Handcrafted Japanese Kitchen Knives at Hasu-Seizo

The Deba is an excellent example of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Everything. . . Show More >

Frequently Asked Questions