Morihei is a knife and whetstone supplier based in Asakusabashi, Tokyo with over 100 years of history. At one point, more than 20 groups of blacksmiths and sharpeners worked under the name Morihei. Famously known for its extensive collection of whetstones and natural stones, the president Mr. Akimitsu Oguro is also an advisor for natural stone researchers from various universities and government groups. To this day, Morihei is one of the few remaining companies in Japan that has maintained the relationship between its blacksmiths and stonemakers for this long.

Compared to other yanagibas we carry such as ones by Kikuchiyo Manzo, Morihei Hisamoto yanagibas are lighter by nearly 50% in some cases. As a result, these are remarkably light and agile for their size, bringing a more balanced feel in the hand. The White #2 carbon steel used in its construction offers excellent edge retention, while remaining relatively easy to sharpen and able to take an edge fairly quickly.

For some users, one of the drawbacks to owning single-bevel knives is the necessity of flattening the cutting edge (kireha) to reduce low spots, a very time consuming endeavor. Fortunately, Morihei’s craftsmen have already completed this painstaking process and went even further by hand sharpening this blade on natural stone, enhancing the already superb cutting performance. For sushi chefs with smaller hands and those who work on busy lines with high volumes of sashimi to process, the Morihei Hisamoto yanagiba will delight you time and time again.

A Yanagiba is a traditional Japanese fish slicing blade that is single-sided (bevelled), often simply referred to as a “sushi knife.” These slicers may not be as versatile as its double-sided cousin, Sujihiki, but when it comes to pure slicing tasks of boneless protein (and not just fish), a well-sharpened Yanagiba is unmatched in performance. It is a great addition for any cooks working with sashimi and other delicate, raw seafoods.

Brand: Morihei 森平
Profile: Yanagiba
Size: 270mm
Steel: Yasuki White (Shirogami) #2, Soft Iron Clad
Handle: Ho Wood & Buffalo Horn Ferrule Right-Handed D-Shape
Total Length: 450mm
Edge Length: 306mm
Handle to Tip Length: 291mm
Blade Height: 35mm
Thickness: 4.1mm
Handle Length: 144mm
Weight: 220g
Hand Orientation: Right-Handed