Tojiro Deba Shirogami Tsuchime Kuro-uchi 150mm (5.9")
🚩 This blade will develop patina with use, while improper maintenance may lead to rust formation.
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✔︎ No import fees & duties - worldwide |
- Description
- Specifications
- Knife Care
- Shipping
The TOJIRO Deba Shirogami Tsuchime Kuro-uchi 150mm (5.9") is a versatile, medium-sized deba knife made for fish lovers and professional chefs alike. Its hammered kuro-uchi finish gives the blade a rustic, hand-forged appearance, while helping reduce food sticking to the surface. Crafted with a traditional octagonal Japanese (wa) handle from magnolia wood and a durable resin ferrule, it feels light, agile, and well-balanced in the hand.
Best suited for: Right-handed users preparing small to medium fish or poultry.
BLADE SHAPE:
Deba is one of the “big three” traditional Japanese knives, alongside usuba and yanagiba. Designed specifically for preparing whole fish, the deba excels at:
- Cleaning and gutting
- Filleting with minimal flesh damage
- Portioning
- Cutting through smaller bones, fins, and heads
The 150mm version offers a perfect balance: compact enough for precise work, yet sturdy enough to tackle whole fish with ease. It sits right between the nimble 135mm and the heavier-duty 165mm sizes — making it the go-to size for many cooks.
STEEL AND LAMINATION:
The blade is forged from Shirogami #2 (White #2) carbon steel, prized for its purity, sharpness, and ease of sharpening. It’s clad in soft iron using the traditional ni-mai (two-layer) construction, where the hard steel core is backed by a single layer of softer iron for durability and easier sharpening. Heat-treated to 61–62 HRC, this knife delivers excellent edge retention and clean, confident cuts.
⚠️ Note: Shirogami is a reactive carbon steel. Expect the blade to develop a patina with use — and remember to keep it clean and dry to prevent rust.
BLADE FINISH:
While traditional single-bevel knives are often polished to a high gloss (migaki finish), this kuro-uchi deba stands out with its more rustic appearance. The hira side (flat side of the blade) is left with a kuro-uchi finish — a layer of raw black patina that gives the knife a traditional, hand-forged character and offers protection against rust and external elements. In contrast, the urasuki side (concave back of the blade) is polished, ensuring low friction and precise, clean cuts.
HANDLE:
The oval-shaped handle is made from magnolia wood, paired with a resin ferrule for added durability. This traditional Japanese (wa) handle offers excellent grip and maneuverability, especially during long prep sessions.
ABOUT TOJIRO:
TOJIRO is one of Japan’s top five knife makers — renowned for producing high-performance blades at excellent value. With a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing techniques, Tojiro continues to push the boundaries of sharpness and quality. Their commitment to continual improvement and passion for the cutting edge (literally and figuratively!) makes their knives a staple in kitchens across the world.
Bonus: Their team is one of the most welcoming and passionate in the business — always a pleasure to talk to! 😊
Blade shape: Deba
Steel type: Shirogami #2
Blade construction: Ni-mai / kuro-uchi, tsuchime
Hardness (HRC scale): 61-62
Overall length: 291mm (11.5")
Blade length: 150mm (5.9")
Blade height: 53mm (2.1")
Spine thickness: 7.8mm (0.31")
Weight: 250g (8.8 oz)
Handle length: 124mm (4.9")
Handle type / wood: Japanese / Magnolia, Resin
Kanji on the blade:
Blacksmith: TOJIRO
Location of the smithy: TSUBAME-SANJO / Niigata Prefecture / Japan
☝️ Japanese kitchen knives in our store are handmade from natural materials. Slight variations in color, texture, weight and other dimensions are possible. We try to give a good photographic representation of our products, however computer screen resolution and colors do vary, so products might not look exactly as they are seen on screen.
☝️ THIS KNIFE MAY DEVELOP PATINA
Knives made of carbon steels can, due to their low chromium (Cr) content, discolor and develop patina. The knife is the most sensitive when it is still new and a patina had not developed yet, but later, patina will protect the blade. These types of knives require a touch more care:
✔ Wipe it regularly with a clean and dry cloth (you can also do this during use).
✔ After use, rinse it with lukewarm water and wipe it dry.
✔ Coat it regularly with knife maintenance oil or plain refined sunflower oil.
✔ Store the knife by wrapping it in paper which will absorb moisture and protect the blade.
A patina is a thin layer that forms on the surface of oxidized steel and protects it from further oxidation. The patina should not be confused with rust. Patina protects the blade, while rust causes corrosion and deterioration of material, so it should be removed (see Rust erasers).
→ For in-depth information about patina, read our dedicated post on patina.
GENERAL KNIFE CARE TIPS:
Blade wear depends on the quality of steel, usage and maintenance of the blade. Japanese knives are made of high-quality steels. Follow these tips to keep your Japanese knife in top-notch shape:
✔ Use a wooden, plastic or rubber cutting board.
✔ After use, wash the knives and wipe them dry.
✔ For storage, use a knife holder or a protective knife sheath (saya).
✔ A good cutting technique is your best bet to prolong sharpness.
✔ Use sharpening stones to sharpen the knife.
❗️Don’t leave the knife in the sink. Wash it by hand.
❗️Don’t wash the knife in the dishwasher.
❗️Don’t use the knife on glass, ceramics, marble or steel surfaces.
❗️Don’t scrape the food off the cutting board with the edge of the blade. Use the spine of the knife instead.
❗️Knife is a tool intended for specific use - cutting food. It is not a can opener, screwdriver, trowel, wire cutter, hammer etc.
→ For more details, read our guide
on Maintenance of Kitchen Knives.
🤙 Contact us if you need some help. We reply within 1 business day.
SHIPPING RATES:
- €10 - flat worldwide rate with DHL Express (express delivery, 2-5 business days).
- FREE - all orders over €300 (DHL Express).
EXCEPTIONS:
See our Shipping page for more details.
DUTIES AND IMPORT TAXES:
We ship all orders DDP (duties & taxes paid). This means you will not be charged for any import fees and taxes (including VAT). All our prices are final. The price you see at checkout is the final price, no hidden costs.
DELIVERY TIME:
- Europe: 1-2 business days
- US & Canada: 2-4 business days
- Rest of the World: 3-5 business days
RETURNS:
Our return policy lasts 30 days. If more than 30 days have gone by since the day you received your order, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
→ Read our SHIPPING & RETURNS policy for more info. We strive to solve any issues fast and with as little hassle for you. If you have some additional questions, please contact us.
Each knife comes with:
✔️ Instructions and knife care leaflet.
✔️ A preventive Band-Aid – the knives are very sharp! 😉
✔️ Original box from the blacksmith, which we wrap in an old Japanese newspaper sheet – so every knife is ready to be passed on as a gift as soon as it hits your doorstep!
✔️ We also offer a special gift wrapping option with the traditional Japanese washi paper.
Quiz
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