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Chef Maezaki's Top 6 Recommended Japanese Sushi Knife for Private Sushi Making Class

Updated: Feb 10

Crafting sushi at home is an art, and the cornerstone of that art is the sushi knife. A proper sushi knife is engineered for precision—essential for achieving the clean, effortless cuts that define restaurant-quality sushi. For the delicate task of slicing raw fish, a sashimi knife is indispensable. Its design allows for the finesse needed to create those iconic thin slices without tearing the delicate flesh.


The best sushi knife is often a Japanese sushi knife, revered for its razor-sharp edge and balanced handling. These knives are not just tools but a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship, making them a favorite among sushi aficionados. With a quality Japanese sushi knife, your slices are precise, your presentation is impeccable, and the natural flavors of the fish are preserved.


Investing in the right sushi knives means elevating your home sushi experience, bringing a touch of professional sushi chef's skill to your kitchen. So, without further ado, let's take a look at Chef Maezaki's top 6 recommended Japanese sushi knives:


Best Japanese Sushi Knives


Mac Knife Professional Series 8"

The MAC Knife Professional Series 8" Chef's Knife stands out as the best overall sushi knife in our roundup, boasting an exceptional 4.7-star average from over 1,600 reviews. Its unique dimpled blade effortlessly glides through sticky ingredients, embodying the harmonious blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern design. Crafted with a 2.5mm blade and a Pakka wood handle, this knife promises both precision and comfort. Although requiring hand washing and careful maintenance, its longevity and performance justify the extra care. It's sharp and easy to handle, too, with many highlighting its superiority over comparable Western brands. The MAC Knife, while on the pricier side, is lauded as a worthy investment for both professional chefs and home cooking aficionados, delivering unmatched cutting experiences and durability. Whether expertly filleting fish or finely slicing vegetables, the MAC Knife is the quintessential tool for anyone serious about sushi and more, truly a cut above the rest.

Pros

Cons

  • Balanced feel/weight

  • ​Not dishwasher-safe

  • Hollow notches to release sticky items

  • Requires proper care as it can easily rust

  • No-slip handle

  • Easy usage for all ingredients


Lucky Cook Sashimi Sushi Knife 10"

The Lucky Cook Sashimi Sushi Knife emerges as a standout choice for budget-conscious culinary enthusiasts. This 10-inch marvel is celebrated for its exceptional sharpness, a feature frequently lauded by users for its precision in slicing sushi and sashimi, as well as its versatility in filleting fish and chopping vegetables. The high-quality stainless steel blade promises durability and resistance to corrosion, ensuring that this knife is not only an immediate asset but a long-term investment. Its ergonomic wooden handle is designed for comfort, allowing for extended use without fatigue, which is particularly beneficial for beginners. While some users noted the knife's weight and a few minor issues with the handle design when wet, the overwhelming majority of reviews praise its value for money, giftable packaging, and overall performance. This knife is not just a tool but an experience, offering a reliable and enjoyable culinary journey for both novices and seasoned chefs alike, making it an excellent addition to any kitchen where cost and quality must meet.

Pros

Cons

  • Accurate and super sharp

  • Can become slippery when wet

  • Budget-friendly


  • Easy for beginners to use

  • Comes with gift box


MITSUMOTO SAKARI 9"

The MITSUMOTO SAKARI 9 inch Japanese Kiritsuke Chef Knife is a testament to the fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern technology. Designed for professional use, this high carbon stainless steel kitchen knife boasts a 4.6-star rating, reflecting its popularity and quality. Its 3-layer laminated steel blade, treated with precision quenching and vacuum cold nitrogen, ensures exceptional sharpness, corrosion resistance, and toughness, with a hardness of 58±2HRC. The ergonomically designed octagonal rosewood handle offers a comfortable grip, reducing wrist tension and allowing for versatile cutting angles. Packaged in an elegant gift box, it makes an ideal present for culinary enthusiasts. While it is a mass-produced item with manufacturing in China, it retains the essence of Japanese blade-making tradition, offering a professional-grade tool without the exorbitant price tag. This knife is not just a cutting implement but a piece of art, perfect for those who appreciate the aesthetic and functional aspects of their culinary tools.

Pros

Cons

  • Sturdy and high-quality

  • Requires frequent sharpening under heavy usage

  • Beautiful craftsmanship


  • Comes with proper storage box

  • Sharp and precise


TUO Boning Knife 7"

The TUO Boning Knife from the Falcon Series stands out in the world of sushi knives, particularly for its exceptional sharpness. Crafted with German high carbon stainless steel, this 7-inch knife boasts a 56+ Rockwell hardness, ensuring both durability and a long-lasting edge. Its precision is further enhanced by the blade's meticulous tapering to an 8-12 degree angle, making delicate tasks like filleting fish or de-boning poultry feel effortless. The ergonomic Pakkawood handle is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides a comfortable grip, reducing fatigue during extended use. This knife isn't just a tool but an experience, offering a balance of functionality and elegance that both professional chefs and home cooks can appreciate. With its wide usage and easy maintenance, complemented by a lifetime warranty and premium customer service, the TUO Boning Knife is a top-tier choice for anyone serious about the art of sushi making.

Pros

Cons

  • Extremely sharp and can be used to cut almost any ingredient with no problem

  • Pins in the handle may not be perfectly flush, which could lead to discomfort during prolonged use

  • Sturdy and very smooth blade


  • Inexpensive and good value


Kitchen + Home Non-Stick 8"

The Kitchen + Home Non-Stick Sushi Knife emerges as a top contender in the realm of sushi knives, particularly for those who prioritize precision slicing. With its 8-inch stainless steel blade, this knife is celebrated for its non-stick Teflon coating and aerated design, which together minimize friction and prevent food from adhering to the blade. This feature is a game-changer for sushi enthusiasts, ensuring clean cuts without tearing delicate rolls. Users rave about its lightweight nature and ergonomic handle, which combine to offer ease of control and reduce fatigue during extended use. While it shines as a sushi knife, its versatility extends to other kitchen tasks, making it a multipurpose tool. Despite some concerns about the longevity of the non-stick coating and the knife's durability with heavy use, the overwhelmingly positive reviews, coupled with its affordability, make it an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned sushi chefs. The lifetime warranty is the cherry on top, promising customer satisfaction and confidence in this kitchen staple.

Pros

Cons

  • Thin and lighweight

  • Non-stick coating may scratch over-time

  • Easy to use for beginners


  • Dishwasher-safe and non-stick

  • ​Very "slicey" and smooth


Gourmetop Sushi Knife 10.5"

The Gourmetop Sushi Knife is a standout choice for sushi enthusiasts seeking a knife with superior grip. Its premium octagonal ebony handle is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides a comfortable and secure grip, making it the best for grip in our top 6 sushi knives list. The high-end Japanese VG10 stainless steel blade promises exceptional sharpness and durability, with a single-bevel design that ensures precise and clean cuts, essential for perfect sushi slices. The urasuki feature on the backside of the blade is a thoughtful addition, reducing drag and preventing food from sticking. With overwhelmingly positive reviews praising its ergonomic design and value for money, this knife is a gift-worthy investment for both professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts. Despite a few concerns about the magnetic set's installation and the knife's initial sharpness, the Gourmetop Sushi Knife's quality and performance for its price point are highly regarded by users.

Pros

Cons

  • Good, comfortable grip

  • May require sharpening initially

  • Budget-friendly


  • Magnetic holder

  • Sharp


In conclusion, Chef Maezaki's top 6 recommended Japanese sushi knives are essential for anyone serious about their sushi-making craft. While Chef Maezaki's expertise is the guiding light for sushi enthusiasts, these knives are the tangible tools that will bring his teachings into your kitchen. Although chefmaezaki.com does not directly sell these knives, the site provides invaluable insights and directs you to where you can purchase the right tools for you. Alongside these recommendations, Chef Maezaki offers a plethora of services, including private sushi making classes that can transform even a novice into a skilled sushi artisan. By following Chef Maezaki's guidance and equipping yourself with the right tools, you're setting yourself up for sushi success. Visit chefmaezaki.com to delve deeper into the world of Japanese cuisine. Embrace the precision and artistry of sushi making with tools and teachings from a trusted source – Chef Maezaki. Disclosure:

This blog post may contain some affiliate product links. This means that as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.


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