Kiritsuke Knife

A Kiritsuke knife is a specialized kitchen knife – it’s predominantly used by professional and executive chefs, but there’s no reason an amateur chef with a passion for cooking can’t have one too!

It’s often described as a mixture between a Yenagoa knife (commonly known as a sashimi knife) and a Usuba knife (similar to a Santoku knife which is a Japanese vegetable knife). A Kiritsuke knife can be used for slicing fish and some vegetables too, but it can also be used to work with some other types of meat (boneless proteins only).

All in all, a Kiritsuke knife is renowned as a special kitchen tool, and for good reason. We’re going to tell you all about the most important properties of a Kiritsuke knife, as well as the different things it can be used for. That way, you can make an informed decision about whether or not you want to invest in a proper Japanese Kiritsuke knife for your kitchen.

The Properties of a Kiritsuke Knife

We know that it’s special and it has a very particular design, but what exactly are the features that make a Kiritsuke knife different from ordinary knives and other special Japanese kitchen tools?

• Blade Shape: A Kiritsuke knife stands out immediately due to its unique blade shape – it has an angled tip and a flat edge which is designed to be good at slicing extra thin slices of vegetables. However, it does require specific techniques to get this right.
• Single Bevel Blade: Much like other Japanese knives, the Kiritsuke knife has a single beveled blade. This is what makes it ultra sharp and it allows the knife to cut very thin and precise cuts of veggies and fish too.
• Multi-Purpose Use: A Kiritsuke knife may be difficult to use, but it’s actually surprisingly versatile. It can be used to slice, dice, and chop vegetables and proteins too. However, you need to get your technique right!
• A Requirement of Skill and Technique: The unique shape of the blade means that the knife requires some special techniques – this includes how to hold the knife properly as well as how to slice with it.
• Quality Materials: Since it’s such a specialized kitchen tool, it’s no surprise that it’s made from top-quality materials. Most of all, the blades are made from high-quality steel.

Kiritsuke Knife Use: What It’s For

As we’ve said, Kiritsuke knives are actually pretty versatile, especially in comparison to other Japanese knives. It can be used for slicing, chopping, and dicing, and it can be used on vegetables and proteins too.

A Kiritsuke chef knife is intended mostly for professionals and experienced users who are comfortable Japanese knife techniques. For someone who knows what they’re doing, a Kiritsuke knife is an ideal knife that can be used for performing multiple tasks in the kitchen.

Find the Best Kiritsuke Knives in Our Selection

If you’re ready to step up and get yourself a really special knife, browse our selection of knives and find yourself the best Kiritsuke knife today.