What Is a Single-Bevel Knife?
Sep 27, 2026
A single-bevel knife is ground primarily on one side rather than symmetrically on both sides. Traditional Japanese single-bevel knives also commonly have a shallow hollow on the back called the urasuki.
What does the bevel side look like?
The main bevel runs from the shinogi line down toward the edge. This wide bevel forms most of the cutting geometry.
What is on the back?
The back, or ura, is typically mostly flat around the perimeter with a shallow hollow in the centre. That hollow reduces contact and is important during sharpening.
Why does a single-bevel knife steer?
Because the geometry is asymmetric, the blade can pull or guide in one direction. In specialist cutting this can be useful, but it takes practice.
Are single-bevel knives handed?
Yes. Right- and left-handed versions are different. A right-handed single bevel is not simply flipped for left-handed use.
What are they used for?
Traditional examples include specialist fish and vegetable knives where controlled slicing, surface finish or precise separation matter.
How are they sharpened?
Most work is done on the large bevel, while the ura is maintained very lightly and flat. The process is different from sharpening a normal V-edge.
