Japanese Deba Knife 16.6 cm NJD009 LEFT-HANDED

Deba 166 mm – compact knife for filleting fish and small kitchen work

This model is the classic *Hon-Deba* in a smaller edition – ideal for everyday use, filleting smaller fish and precise portioning. It retains the characteristic solidity, single-sided sharpening and balance that give full control with every cut.

Features:

Type: Deba (Hon-Deba) Overall length: 310 mm Blade length: 166 mm Blade height: 54 mm Back thickness: 8 mm Weight: 296 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: natural wood, Wa-Handle style Finish: raw, with visible traces of forging and natural patina, highlighting the handmade workmanship

What is Hon-Deba

Hon-Deba is the original, classic form of the Deba knife – massive and designed for working with whole fish. Its thick blade and high profile allow you to cut off heads, portion and fillet without damaging the meat. Compared to lighter varieties, Hon-Deba offers greater stability and durability, remaining an essential tool in sushi and sashimi cuisine.

Translation and interpretation:

• 米 (kome / yone). – “rice,” but in personal names it often appears as an element of the surname.
• 泉 (izumi / sen) – “Source” or “spring” – in the names and names of workshops means purity, beginning, source of quality.
• 元 (moto / gen) – “beginning,” “foundation,” “original” – often used by blacksmiths as part of an artistic name or the name of a knife line.

Summary 米泉元 can thus be read as “Komeizumi Moto” or more naturally in Japanese as “Yoneizumi Moto” – the name or mark of a blacksmith shop.

Maintenance of high carbon steel

After each use, wash the knife by hand in lukewarm water and dry thoroughly. Never wash in the dishwasher or leave in a humid environment. Sharpen only on water stones, maintaining the angle characteristic of Deb.   This compact Deba combines tradition, strength and precision – an ideal choice for cooks who appreciate Japanese craftsmanship in its most authentic form.