Collection: Deba Knife-Fish

The deba is a thick, heavy single bevel knife for breaking down whole fish. It removes heads, fillets along the spine and works through small fish bones, and it is equally useful for poultry. Smaller debas suit small fish; larger ones handle salmon and bigger catches.

Despite its weight, a deba is not a cleaver. Avoid large bones and frozen food. Western-style yo-deba versions are double bevel and a little more forgiving.