Vintage Japanese Ko Deba Knife 100mm Carbon Steel Magnolia Handle Made in Japan 1750

Experience Precise Small-Fish Preparation with a Vintage Ko Deba

This pre-owned Japanese Ko Deba pairs a compact 100mm carbon steel blade with an octagonal magnolia wood handle. Its recorded single-bevel geometry suits controlled small-fish preparation and filleting.

The Specs

• Knife type: Ko Deba
• Steel: Carbon steel; exact alloy not recorded
• Blade length: 100mm
• Bevel: Single bevel; handedness not recorded
• Handle: Octagonal magnolia wood
• Recorded hardness: 58 HRC
• Origin: Made in Japan
• Condition: Vintage, pre-owned

A Compact Japanese Specialist

Ko Deba means small Deba. The original listing describes its role as a compact alternative to a larger Deba for small fish, including sardines, and delicate filleting work. The short blade provides a manageable format for close, controlled preparation, while the octagonal magnolia handle retains a traditional Japanese style.

No maker, production date or exact steel grade is recorded. Its vintage character is retained without unsupported rarity claims or a more specific condition assessment than pre-owned.

Care & Maintenance

• Hand wash only, never in the dishwasher
• Dry immediately after washing
• Do not soak the magnolia wood handle
• Apply a light coat of food-safe oil to the dry carbon steel blade to help prevent rust
• Avoid routine honing on a steel; preserve the existing single-bevel geometry
• Sharpen on a whetstone, with professional sharpening recommended for single-bevel geometry
• Do not assume handedness or convert the blade to a double bevel
• Store on a magnetic rack or in a knife roll to protect the edge