Global G-14 Classic Series Yanagi Sashimi Knife, 8.25" Cromova 18 Stainless Steel, Hollow Handle

Single pull cuts through salmon and tuna without tearing, exactly what a yanagi should do. The hollow handle balances the long blade surprisingly well. My homemade nigiri finally looks like the restaurant version.

Sliced a block of sushi-grade tuna into paper-thin sheets on the first use. No streaks, no tearing. Stunning knife.

This is not an all-purpose knife and it's not trying to be — the single-bevel style edge is for draw cuts through raw fish, and it's phenomenal at that. Handle with care and never rock it. Lost a star only because it's single-purpose, but if sashimi is your thing, this is the tool.

I'd been using a cheap santoku for sashimi for years and the difference is night and day. Long clean strokes, no compression of the flesh, and the weighted handle gives you real control on delicate angles. Regret waiting so long.

The knife itself is well made and takes a great edge. My first several attempts produced ragged slices because yanagi technique is genuinely different — you have to commit to long single draws. Once I watched a few videos and adjusted, results improved dramatically, but beginners should expect some practice.

My wife does monthly sushi nights with friends and this knife made her the star of the last one. The long blade slices a full rainbow roll width in one stroke, and the Cromova steel has stayed sharp through three sessions with just a strop. The hollow handle keeps it light for a blade this length, which her wrists appreciate. At $88 it feels like we got away with something.