Sushi is often seen as a skill reserved for seasoned chefs, but with the right tools, anyone can create fresh, beautiful sushi at home. The process becomes more enjoyable, more precise, and far less intimidating when you have equipment designed for the task. Whether you're slicing delicate cuts of fish, shaping rice with care, or rolling nori into tight cylinders, having the proper setup makes a noticeable difference.
Even small upgrades like a sharper knife or a better cutting board can improve your results. These eight tools are used by professionals and trusted by home cooks who want consistency, control, and a smoother experience from start to finish.
8 Tools to Make Sushi
Chef’s Knife
A sharp knife will improve nearly every task in the kitchen. If you were only able to use one knife, we recommend an 8” Gyuto, a Japanese-style chef’s knife that can be used for portioning fish or other ingredients and also to cut completed rolls. A popular option among sushi chefs is our Kazan Ginsan Nashiji 210mm Gyuto.
Deba – Fish Butchery Knife
If you are starting with a whole fish, a deba is the perfect choice to remove the head and break down the fish into more manageable cuts. The size of the fish you are working with will determine the appropriate deba to choose. A top choice is our bestselling Sakai Takayuki Kasumitogi 165mm Deba.
Slicing Knives – Yanagi + Sujihiki
If you’ve ever sat at a sushi counter and watched the sushi chef at work, the star of the show is likely to be the yanagi. A long, single-edged Japanese knife—taking its name from the willow leaf—is the go-to for cutting precise slices of raw fish for nigiri sushi. Single-edged knives take some effort and experience to master. For a more general-purpose option, a sujihiki, or Japanese slicer, is a great choice. A sujihiki is a go-to knife for carving roasted poultry, slicing cooked steaks, or slicing raw fish for crudo or sashimi.
Cutting Board
A good quality cutting board is essential for not only keeping knife edges in top condition, but also setting the stage for handling the fish. We recommend choosing something on the softer side, made from a material that can easily be sterilized. Our High Contrast Black Cutting Board is a favorite with sushi chefs because it helps the user work with precision and looks pristine in front of guests.
Sharpening Stone
Razor-sharp edges are essential when cutting fish for sushi. The sharper the knife, the less cellular damage will be experienced by the fish. A double-sided sharpening stone is a top choice for professional chefs, both for their kitchens and kits on the go. Learn more about using a sharpening stone here.
Sushi Rolling Mat
A makisu, or sushi rolling mat, is an essential tool for shaping uniform, tightly packed sushi rolls. Traditionally made from thin bamboo sticks woven together with cotton string, a makisu provides the flexibility and support needed to guide rice and fillings into clean, even rolls. The natural texture of bamboo helps prevent sticking, especially when the mat is wrapped in plastic wrap for easier cleanup. Look for one made from high-quality bamboo with tightly woven, reinforced stitching for durability and repeated use. While plastic alternatives exist, many sushi chefs and home cooks prefer the traditional feel and performance of bamboo.
Fish Scalers + Bone Tweezer
Preparing fish properly is one of the most important steps in making high-quality sushi, and small tools like a fish scaler and bone tweezer can make a big difference. A fish scaler quickly removes stubborn scales without damaging the skin or flesh, helping to preserve the clean look and texture that sushi demands. Once scaled, the fish often contains tiny pin bones that can affect the texture and eating experience if left behind. A pair of precision bone tweezers allows you to remove these bones with care, ensuring a smooth bite and a polished final presentation.
While these tools may seem minor, they help maintain both the quality and integrity of your ingredients, allowing your sushi to reflect the same attention to detail found in professional kitchens.
Moribashi
Moribashi are long, stainless steel chopsticks traditionally used by sushi chefs for plating and precise handling of ingredients. A staple in professional Japanese kitchens for centuries, these tools allow for delicate movements that would be difficult to achieve with fingers or standard tongs. Whether placing a thin slice of sashimi, adjusting a garnish, or arranging microgreens, moribashi offer accuracy and control without disturbing the surrounding elements on the plate.
Many chefs prefer them for their clean, minimalist look and the precision they bring to a final presentation. While they may not be necessary for casual home meals, moribashi are a favorite among sushi enthusiasts who value the ritual and artistry of Japanese cuisine.
Sushi Kit FAQs
What are the sushi rollers called?
A makisu is the name for the flexible bamboo rolling mat used for making sushi rolls.
What knives are used for sushi?
Generally, the knives used in making sushi include a deba for butchering fish, a yanagi or sujihiki for filleting fish, and a gyuto or chef’s knife for a variety of tasks and to cut sushi rolls.
What knife is best for cutting sushi rolls?
Any sharp knife can be used to cut sushi rolls. We recommend an all-purpose Japanese Gyuto knife for most kitchen tasks, but any sharp knife can be a sushi knife.
What other tools help make great sushi?
Aside from fish, rice is an important part of sushi making. A good rice cooker, a shamoji or rice paddle/rice spreader, and high-quality rice vinegar are important sushi tools.
What’s an easy sushi recipe to make at home?
Temaki, or handrolls, can be made without any kitchen gadgets. You can lay out all the toppings, and even beginners can make their own hand rolls step-by-step. A temaki party is great for all types of sushi fillings without a bamboo makisu roller.
What is nori?
Nori is the dried seaweed used in rolled sushi, temaki, and some types of nigiri.
What food ingredients should you put in a sushi kit?
Sushi rice, high-quality soy sauce, nori, rice vinegar, and wasabi are great ingredients for DIY sushi makers. A few pairs of chopsticks and sauce dishes help complete sushi sets.
Next Steps For Great Sushi at Home
Even if we can’t all be sushi masters, having the right tools will go a long way in improving the sushi you make at home. Starting with the right Japanese knives, keeping them sharp with the right sharpening stones, and using a good cutting board will elevate your results. A fish scaler, bone tweezer, and moribashi for plating can take your sushi to the next level.
Take your homemade sushi to the next level with professional-grade tools. Shop Japanese knives, kitchenware essentials, and more at chuboknives.com.