Mercer CulinaryM24012 Asian Collection Yanagi Sashimi Knife, 12-Inch, Wooden Handle

I had seen some positive reviews for Mercer knives on YouTube. I was worried, because of the low price, that it would be a very thin, flimsy knife given the 12 inch length. However, It is nice heavy stainless, of a good weight and stiffness for this application (sushi related or similar slicing). It seemed pretty sharp out of the packaging, but I stropped it on leather with 1 micron DMT paste for about 15 minutes. Now it push cuts a phonebook page, just like the YouTube sharpeners do ... oh boy. Anyway. I am very happy with this Yanagi. I did not expect such a good knife for the price. For a home cook like me, it is an excellent tool. I was having trouble with a different order and forgot to order the plastic sheath. You need it to protect yourself and the knife, I ordered it the next day and am relieved to have it. Thanks Mercer, for this excellent product. I need to replace a santoku that cracked, and I will be getting the Mercer Asian Collection knife next month. This Yanagi has given me high expectations for that.

I am a chef by trade. I prepare sushi daily, and train the sushi artists at our establishment. I have owned one of these knives for two and a half years, and aside from having the blade serviced by a pro (had the backside edge removed) this has been one of the best purchases I have ever made on Amazon. It holds an edge all day and hones easily to razor sharpness on a clay stone. I have never had to have it mechanically sharpened since then. The length is impressive (12" blade) and the design is simple.Others in my employ have spent upwards of $200-$300 for other knives and I will state for the record that none of their blades stand up to this Mercer. That's not to say that some more expensive knives may have harder, heavier or fancier appearance or feel. This knife has out performed any other sushi knife I've ever held and is the envy of the kitchen (even after I tell them how little I spent on it). I COULD tell anybody that I spent hundreds of dollars on it, but I prefer to explain that you don't need to show off with a fat wallet, just make wise purchases and save your money.Amazon sells hundreds of knives that are more expensive, so if you have more money than common sense, buy one of those. If you have pride in your work and don't want to cry if you drop a knife or have it stolen, this is the perfect purchase. I am going to buy an extra for myself and maybe a few extra for gifts.

I mean, for the price you really can't go wrong. I purchased this knife entirely out of curiosity because of it. Surprisingly the edge is sharp and holds well. It's huge though and takes some practice to get used to compared to a regular chefs knife. Clean cuts and little resistance when slicing fish, and also easily cuts through skin and scales when breaking down large filets. My main gripe is the handle. It's raw sanded wood without any sort of polish or coating that makes it difficult to use for long periods because of the rough and unpleasant texture. Also the text on the blade really seems to be scribble made to look like oriental text but really it says nothing which I find kind of funny. Overall though a solid knife for if you want to try out a sashimi knife without blowing a huge wad of cash.

Got this knife and use it for months.Totally bang for a buck.Compare with traditional handmade in same size.This knife almost lighter than half of weight.I can say it's light and fast.Hold edge well and easy to touch-up sharpening.Look like not easy to get rust.Come with wooden box and made in Taiwan.Over all it is worth for money.I use it make Sashimi, a ton of slicing fishes.Cut like hot knife trough butter.Great price for it's class.Come with razor sharp, be careful!Best recommended.

The handle's finish (a right handed D grip) is a bit rough, as is the overall fit and finish. But this thing is psychotically sharp out of the box. I wish I had a say a or knife block that fit this, because I use it constantly for carving roasts and slicing fish.My quibbles are tiny. This thing is mind blowing for the money.

Nice knife, but got rusted a little bid right away. A coupe of stains after cutting fish.

I love this knife. If gets the work done. Its as good as the $400 knife that I have but much much cheaper. Before using it make sure to sharpen it first. Maybe it's just me, but I feel that it's dull when not sharpened prior to usage. In addition, due to its price, length and sharpness, I use it on everything. From cutting vegetables and meat, not just sushi and sashimi, it's pretty much an all rounder knife to me.

Very nice knife for the price, came pretty sharp and was able to get it even sharper with a 6000 grit stone and a leather strop. Unless you buy a real carbon steel knife I can't imagine finding something better for the price.

Me gusto mucho para el precio supera 100 veces mis espectativas es una maravilla. Buen material se afila excelente. Perfecto.

Excelente producto, económico y versátil. Quede satisfecho con mi compra.

Cuchillo de buena calidad y ligero para el la longitud que tiene, el precio es bastante accesible, apenas lo estoy probando, viene en un "blister", me hubiera gustado que viniera empacado en una cajita para su mejor conservación,

The blade is flawless. The handle is very rudimentary. But then again, with proper care, this knife will last. Very long, so for professional only!

That's a fantastic knife for this price. It's huge for my small kitchen. But that's what I bought. If you have a small kitchen and drawers I'd recommend the 10''.