About the Shape - The Yanagiba is a slicer’s dream. Graceful, sexy, and capable of amazing sharpness, you’ll find a Yanigiba in the hands of every sushi chef worth their salt. Yanagi means “willow leaf” and refers to this knife’s long, narrow shape. The Yanagiba is a traditional Japanese blade that is only sharpened on one side. This is called “single bevel.” Traditionally used for slicing sashimi, they are equally at home with a roast beef, ham, or calf’s liver. Once you go Yanagiba, you’ll never go back.