Vintage Feather Usuba Knife 150mm Carbon Steel 2158

Experience the Precision of a Single-Bevel Usuba Forged for the Art of Japanese Vegetable Work

Feather is a name most associated with precision instruments, and their knives carry that same exacting philosophy. Produced in Japan during an era when single-bevel vegetable knives were a staple of every serious Japanese kitchen, this vintage Usuba represents the craft at its most disciplined. The Usuba - meaning "thin blade" - is the traditional Japanese vegetable knife, designed for the push-cut technique and capable of producing paper-thin slices and intricate katsuramuki (rotary peeling) that a double-bevel knife simply cannot match.

The Specs

• Brand: Feather
• Steel: Carbon Steel
• Blade Length: 150mm
• Bevel: Single bevel
• Handle: Timber
• Construction: Fully forged
• Origin: Made in Japan
• Condition: Second hand
• Original box: Included

Why This Knife Works

A single-bevel carbon steel Usuba is one of the most specialised tools in the Japanese kitchen - and one of the most rewarding to master. The flat grind on the back keeps the blade tracking true, while the hollow or flat bevel on the front allows for effortless release of thin vegetable slices. Carbon steel sharpens to a keener edge than stainless and responds beautifully to whetstone work. At 140mm, this is a compact, nimble Usuba suited to precision prep work and smaller cutting boards. A rare find in original box.

Care and Maintenance

• Hand wash only - never dishwasher
• Dry immediately after washing to prevent rust on the carbon steel blade
• Apply a light coat of food-safe oil to the blade if storing long-term
• Sharpen on a whetstone - single-bevel geometry requires care on the bevel side only; keep the back flat
• No honing rod - professional sharpening recommended if unsure
• Store in a knife roll or protective sleeve - never loose in a drawer