Japanese Deba Knife 15 cm NJD015

Deba – compact knife for filleting fish and precision processing

This Hon-Deba model is designed for precision work with smaller fish and small pieces of meat. Despite its small size, it retains all the features of a full-size Deba – massiveness, balance and unparalleled cutting control. The single-sided sharpened blade allows for smooth and clean cuts without delaminating meat, making this knife indispensable in Japanese cuisine.

Features:

Type: Deba (Hon-Deba) Overall length: 286 mm Blade length: 150 mm Blade height: 48 mm Back thickness: 8 mm Weight: 225 g Sharpening: one-sided (for right-handers) Steel: high-carbon, forged – Honyaki – solid knife forged from a single piece of high-carbon steel, differentially hardened, offering maximum sharpness at the cost of greater maintenance requirements Handle: Wa-Handle style natural wood with ferrule ring Finish: raw, with natural patina and traces of artisanal forging

What is Hon-Deba?

The Hon-Deba is the original, heaviest form of the Deba knife, designed for filleting fish, cutting bones and precise portioning. Its massive blade and pronounced profile provide full control over cutting. In Japanese cuisine, it is considered the primary knife for working with fish, combining strength and delicacy in a single tool.

Kanji on the wedge:

忠 (Tada) – “loyalty”, “devotion”, a symbol of consistency and craftsmanship. 光 (Mitsu) – “light”, “shine”, a reference to the cleanliness of the blade and the masterful finish. In its entirety, the notation 忠光 (Tadamitsu) can be read as “Light of Devotion.” – a metaphorical term for a blacksmith who creates knives with complete dedication and attention to detail.

Maintenance of high-carbon steel:

After use, wash the knife by hand in lukewarm water, without strong detergents. Dry immediately with a cloth and store in a dry place. Regularly apply a thin layer of camellia or mineral oil to prevent corrosion. Do not wash in the dishwasher, do not leave in water and do not use on frozen products. Sharpen only on water stones, maintaining a single-sided blade profile.  

This Deba is quintessential Japanese craftsmanship – simple in form, powerful in function, created for those who value precision and tradition.