Vintage Sakai Tokusei Deba Knife 120mm Carbon Steel Magnolia Wood Handle 2256

Experience the authority of a Sakai-forged deba - a vintage Tokusei carbon steel blade in a compact 120mm format, built for breaking down whole fish with precision and control.

The Specs

• Steel: Carbon steel
• Blade type: Deba (single-bevel, right-handed)
• Blade length: 120mm
• Handle: Magnolia wood (wa-style)
• Origin: Sakai, Osaka, Japan
• Condition: Pre-owned
• Designation: Tokusei (特製, "special make")
• SKU: 2256

The deba is the workhorse of the Japanese fish kitchen - a thick-spined, single-bevel blade designed to cut through bone and cartilage without damaging the edge, then pivot to precise filleting work on the same fish. The Tokusei designation (特製, "special make") marks this as a blade made to a higher standard than standard production - better steel selection, more refined geometry, and closer attention to the grind. At 120mm this is a compact deba, ideal for smaller fish and home kitchen use without sacrificing the authority of the full single-bevel grind. Carbon steel takes a keener edge than stainless and develops a natural patina with use. The magnolia wood wa-handle keeps the feel authentically Japanese. A serious tool from Sakai's finest tradition.

Care & Maintenance

• Hand wash only - never dishwasher
• Dry immediately after use to prevent rust
• Hone on the flat (ura) side only - single-bevel geometry
• Sharpen on Japanese water stones (1000/3000 grit)
• Store on a magnetic rack or in a knife roll - never loose in a drawer