Deba – light precision to fish
A tall 48mm blade with a single-sided (right-handed) grind gives you full control when filleting: from cutting off the head, to guiding the blade along the bone, to skinning. This version of the Deba is exceptionally agile and light- the 2-mm back and 125 g weight allow you to cut with confidence, but with less hand fatigue. The traditional handle fits flawlesslyin the hand and promotes “on-blade” balance.
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Single-sided cut – clean, smooth cut at the backbone
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172 mm blades – great maneuverability on small and medium-sized fish
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High wedge 48 mm + lightweight 125 g – board comfort
Product description
Deba is a Japanese classic for handling fish. This model combines the Deba’s form with a lighter geometry: a thin 2mm ridge reduces resistance in the material, and a high wedge stabilizes the knife’s knuckle guidance on the board. The single-sided grind makes it easier to guide the blade along the bone and achieve a smooth cutting surface. It’s a great choice for precision filleting, portioning and skinning.
Key strengths
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Single-sided grinding (right-handed) – precise, controlled cutting at the bones.
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Thin back 2 mm – fast entry into the product, less resistance.
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High wedge of 48 mm – comfortable guidance on the board and safety of knuckles.
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Handle wa* – lightweight wooden handle with cap; natural “on blade” balance.
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Deba profile – for filleting, portioning, cutting off heads and cutting “to yourself”.
* Wa handle – a traditional Japanese handle (round/oval/eartagonal) made of wood, usually with a cap. It is lighter than the Western handle (known as yo), easy to service and provides a more “frontal” balance to the knife.
Application
Fish (filleting, portioning, skinning), seafood, small boneless poultry, tougher vegetables.
Do not use for cutting long bones, frozen foods or for undermining.
Maintenance
Hand wash, dry immediately. Store in a scabbard/leaf/block. Sharpen on water stones (e.g. #1000 → #3000/6000). Avoid dishwasher and roller sharpeners.
Translation of the engraving (kanji on the wedge)
The close-up shows a vertical inscription:
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「登録」(tōroku) – “registered [trademark]”.
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「拓弘」. – most likely to read Takuhiro (the name of the master or forge).
All: “[Registered trademark] – Takuhiro.”
Technical Specifications
Type: Deba (one-sided cut, right-handed)
Overall length: 302 mm
Blade length: 172 mm
Blade width: 48 mm
Spine Thickness: 2 mm
Steel: high-carbon, forged – San Mai – three-layer construction in which a hard high-carbon steel core is protected by two layers of softer steel, combining sharpness with crack resistanceWeight: 125 g
Handle: wa (wood, metal cap)
