Usuba Japanese Knife 18.3 cm NJU012

Price: 1.200,00 

Usuba – heavier, stable precision for vegetables

The 48mm tall blade runs evenly across the board, and the 4mm ridge and 230g weight hold the cutting line in even the toughest product.
The 183 mm length combines maneuverability with performance – from long daikon ribbons to perfect julienne.
The balance of the traditional wa handle facilitates long series of repetitive movements.
It’s a tool for mirrored cuts and absolute repeatability in Japanese cuisine and modern fine dining.

In stock

Product Information

Usuba

A classic Usuba for precision work on vegetables – the high, flat edge glides along the board like a rail, and the solid back gives great stability for push cuts and katsuramuki-type techniques. The working length of 183mm ensuresa compromise between maneuverability and reach, and the impressive 48mm blade height guarantees comfortable finger clearance. The thickness of the back 4 mm and the solid weight of 230 g reflect the “tool” nature of this usuba – the blade does not key and cuts straight even with deep cuts in hard vegetables. The traditional wa handle with a cap gives a natural grip and balance closer to the hand, facilitating long, repeatable cuts. It’s a tool for perfectly smooth, shiny surfaces – from daikon ribbons to microgreens and precision brunoise.

Etymology and type of wedge

Usuba (薄刃) = “thin blade(usu – thin, ha/ba – edge). The name refers to the thin, high-precision edge and the tall, almost rectangular blade created for board work without swinging.

Translation of kanji on the cuneiform

  • 田村 – reading most likely “Tamura” (a popular Japanese name).

  • 義宗別打 – reading “Yoshimune – betsu-uchi,” which in industry usage means “special / separately forged product” (a batch made with increased care).

Why you should
  • High 48mm blade = great cutting line control and ankle support.

  • 4 mm back + 230 g weight = stability and zero “runaway” of the blade in a harder product.

  • 183 mm working length – nimble, yet efficient cutting of long vegetables.

  • Traditional wa handle with cap – comfortable, secure grip and good balance.

  • Ideal for katsuramuki, julienne, brunoise, thin slices and decorative finishing.

Maintenance

Hand wash only, dry thoroughly after use. Do not cut bones, frozen foods or very hard stones. Sharpen on water stones; keep the ura side flat (if one-sided) and refresh the working microphase regularly.

Specification

  • Overall length: 333 mm

  • Blade length: 183 mm

  • Blade height (width): 48 mm

  • Back thickness: 4 mm

  • Steel: High-carbon, forged – Ni Mai – two-layer construction, where a hard core forms one side of the blade, and the other is made of more ductile steel for better control.
  • Weight: 230 g

  • Handle: traditional wa with cap

  • Geometry: usuba, flat edge to push cut

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