Japanese- HOME
- About Us
- Swordsmith Blog
- Why Is the Yanagiba Knife So Long?
About Us
Why Is the Yanagiba Knife So Long?
The Philosophy of Beauty in Japanese Knives
The Yanagiba knife, the quintessential tool for slicing sashimi, is strikingly long and slender compared to ordinary kitchen knives. In this article, I’ll explore why the Yanagiba is so long, how it reflects the aesthetics of Japanese cuisine and the spirit of ichigo ichie (treasuring each once-in-a-lifetime moment), and the dedication we put into every blade at TERUYASU FUJIWARA EDGED TOOL CRAFT.
Table of Contents
The Historical Background of the Yanagiba’s Length
The Yanagiba knife took shape alongside the sashimi culture that developed during the Edo period. In sushi and kaiseki cuisine, the guiding principle was to highlight the natural flavor of ingredients and present them beautifully. To achieve this, a special design was required. The long blade allows chefs to slice fish in a single, smooth pull without crushing the flesh, establishing the Yanagiba as an indispensable knife that supports the refined beauty of Japanese cuisine.
Beautiful Slices Created in a Single Pull
The primary reason for the Yanagiba’s length is to make it possible to slice sashimi in one single pull. By drawing the blade forward just once, the fish is cut cleanly without damaging the cells, resulting in a smooth surface. If a shorter knife were used with repeated sawing motions, the flesh would be crushed, causing moisture and flavor to escape. The length of the Yanagiba is, in essence, a physical expression of Japan’s philosophy of bringing out the natural beauty of ingredients.
The Spirit of Ichigo Ichie and the Yanagiba
Cutting sashimi also embodies ichigo ichie, a concept deeply rooted in Japanese culture that originated in the tea ceremony. It means “treasuring each encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” The act of cutting a single slice of sashimi is a unique, unrepeatable moment.
• Concentration: Devoting full attention to a single pull of the blade.
• Perfection: Practicing a one-chance-only aesthetic where no second attempt
is possible.
• Respect: Expressing gratitude and reverence for the ingredient itself.
The length of the Yanagiba symbolizes this spirit of ichigo ichie. Chefs pour their hearts into each slice, delivering a perfect moment to those who enjoy the dish. At TERUYASU FUJIWARA EDGED TOOL CRAFT, we support this sacred act by forging each blade as an ittcho nyukon (一丁入魂) creation.
Features of Yanagiba Knives by TERUYASU FUJIWARA EDGED TOOL CRAFT
Since our founding in 1870, TERUYASU FUJIWARA EDGED TOOL CRAFT has inherited the traditions of swordsmithing, carefully hand-forging Yanagiba knives one by one. We use high-carbon steels such as Shirogami (White Steel) and Aogami (Blue Steel) as the core, clad in stainless steel to combine sharpness with resistance to rust.
Our Yanagiba knives are available primarily in 240mm lengths, with longer 270mm models also offered to suit the preferences and techniques of professional chefs.
Conclusion
The Yanagiba knife is long so that sashimi can be sliced in a single pull, creating a flawless surface. Its design embodies the respect for ingredients and the spirit of ichigo ichie that Japanese cuisine holds dear.
At TERUYASU FUJIWARA EDGED TOOL CRAFT, we have been forging Yanagiba knives
for over 150 years with the spirit of ittcho nyukon (一丁入魂). Please visit our
official website （https://www.teruyasu.net/）to find
your very own ittcho.
This is Miho from Fujiwara Teruyasu Blade Craftsmanship Customer Support.
FAQ
-
Why is the Yanagiba longer than other knives?Its length allows sashimi to be cut in a single pull. This produces a smooth surface without breaking the cells, preserving the fish’s flavor and beauty.
-
What cultural background led to the Yanagiba’s length?It developed from the sashimi culture of the Edo period and the philosophy of kaiseki cuisine, which values presenting ingredients beautifully. The Yanagiba is a tool that embodies this Japanese aesthetic.
-
What spirit does the Yanagiba represent?It embodies the spirit of ichigo ichie—treasuring each once-in-a-lifetime moment. Each slice of sashimi is unique and unrepeatable, and the Yanagiba supports this important act.
