Bevel Type Analysis
Single Bevel (Kataba)
Traditional blades are flat or slightly concave on the back ( ) and beveled only on the front. This enables clean, razor-sharp surgical slices without pushing or squeezing foods—highly favored by Japanese sushi and sashimi chefs.
Single vs Double Bevel Cut Mechanics
Usuba (Traditional Vegetable Knife)
Usuba (薄刃)
Description
The Usuba is the professional single-bevel vegetable knife of Japan. Meaning 'thin blade', it features a completely straight edge with no belly curve, allowing it to make flat contact with the cutting board. Its single-bevel geometry is designed for paper-thin precision cuts, such as Katsuramuki (rotary peeling of daikon radish).
Best For
Blade Characteristics
- Single-bevel (Kataba) with a flat backside (Urasuki) for friction-free slicing.
- Perfectly straight cutting edge for clean cuts straight down to the board.
- Blade height is tall, keeping knuckles safe from hitting the board.
- Requires advanced sharpening skills due to single-bevel geometry.
Choosing steel
Blade shape alone does not determine the best steel. Compare corrosion resistance, sharpening requirements, blade geometry and the individual maker's instructions.
Compare carbon and stainless steel or see our steel-family guide.
Famous Regions
This cutlery type is famously forged and crafted in:
Choose and care for this knife
Blade shape is just one part of the decision. Compare your workspace, sharpening routine, steel preference and the exact maker specifications.
Six Japanese kitchen knife shapes compared
Use these approximate ranges to make a shortlist; the dimensions and grinds of individual models vary. These are not product tests or universal specifications.
On narrow screens, scroll the comparison table horizontally to see all columns.
| Shape | Typical uses | Indicative length | Limits | Bevel and upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santoku | Everyday vegetables, boneless meat and fish | Usually 165–180 mm | Less tip reach than many Gyuto designs; not for bones | Usually double. Model-dependent; check steel and edge |
| Gyuto | Versatile prep, longer slicing strokes | Often 180–240 mm | Long blades need board clearance; not for bones | Usually double. Model-dependent; avoid twisting thin edges |
| Nakiri | Vegetable chopping and slicing | Often 150–180 mm | Limited pointed-tip work; not for bones | Usually double. Avoid hard cutting surfaces |
| Petty | Small produce, trimming and detail work | Often 90–150 mm | Not a substitute for a full-size main knife | Usually double. Protect small tip and edge |
| Deba | Whole-fish preparation with appropriate technique | Often 120–210 mm | Not chip-proof; avoid hard impacts and twisting | Traditional versions: single. Handedness and bevel-specific sharpening |
| Yanagiba | Draw-slicing boneless fish and sashimi | Often 210–330 mm | Not a chopping or bone-cutting knife | Traditional versions: single. Handedness and bevel-specific sharpening |
If you are undecided, usethe buying guide, knife typesandcare.