Best Nakiri Knife

When it comes to cutting vegetables, a knife expert won’t suggest any other knife except a Nakiri Knife. Japanese “Na” means Vegetable, and “Kiri” means chopper. This knife is made especially for perfect chopping, dicing, or slicing vegetables. 

In this comprehensive guide, you are about to get what the best Nakiri knife is? How to choose the top Nakiri knife? Also, you will get some frequently asked question answers that will help you to purchase the right one for you.

Are you ready? 

Let’s dive right into it.

Buying Guide For Nakiri Knife

Nakiri Knife is a Japanese style knife made especially for chopping vegetables. Although nowadays there’s some type of Nakiri Knife that can be known for its versatility. It doesn’t matter if you are a chef or home cook, Nakiri Knife should be your companion while it comes to prepare vegetables for soup or slicing, mincing or dicing jobs. The straight blade edge is perfect for cutting vegetables all the way to the cutting board and can offer a paper-thin slice.

Some Nakiri Knife has some extra features like some of them come with a hollow edge blade that can prevent sticking food on the blade and provide a hassle-free vegetable cutting experience. 

In this section of the article, we are going to write about what key points you should look for before purchasing a brand new Nakiri Knife.

Blade Material

It is undoubtedly the most crucial part of a knife. As the Nakiri Knife is made only for cutting vegetables; therefore, most of the Knife is lightweight and pretty good for chopping less heavier vegetables. Though some manufacturers make slightly heavy knives so that it can deliver some heavy tasks as well, meaning it can cut heavier vegetables like carrots.

There is no doubt that everyone wants to get the perfect Nakiri knife for their vegetables, which is made of highly durable material. In that case, most of the company constructed its blade by using high carbon stainless steel. However, some of them made their knife using low carbon stainless steel. These are the two types of mostly used material. 

The High Carbon Stainless steel is more durable than the low carbon stainless steel; besides, it can retain the sharpness for an extended time where low carbon made knives have to sharpen more often.

Blade Finish

It’s easy to assume that you don’t want to see food items sticking to the knife while cutting them. Indeed, this is super annoying and can easily ruin your effortless vegetable cutting enjoyment. To eliminate this, some knives come with a hammered finish that can save you from this condition. The hollow edges technology can create vertical air pockets between the food and the blade, which helps reduce food sticking to the blade. So, make sure you have this in your mind while going to purchase a new knife.

Price

The Nakiri knife that is made with high carbon stainless steel comes with a higher price tag. This high price is reasonable as the high carbon stainless steel materials are more durable and can retain their sharpness for a long time compared to low carbon stainless steel. If you don’t want to see your investment in vain, consider going for high carbon material.

Sometimes it’s true that the higher price range means top-notch quality. For getting a better quality Nakiri knife, it’s a wise move to spend 100 to 200 bucks or even slightly more.

Handle

No doubt, a handle has a significant amount of importance on a knife. It is a must that the handle has made of highly durable material also should be comfortable to use. There are plenty of materials out there, and you should choose the right one for you. 

Make sure you pick the right material along with appearance and grip comfort. We have already discussed the handle material, so make sure you read that.

Sheath

The Sheath is like a pocket where you can place your knife. It is a must if you want to put your razor-sharp blade away from your kid. Although this is not 100% relatable with a knife, you should consider this term before getting a new Nakiri Knife. 

In-depth Review for Nakiri Knife

Here is the in details guide on the top Nakiri Knife in the market.

Shun Cutlery Classic 6.5” Nakiri Knife

The Classic Nakiri Knife manufactured by Shun is one of the best knives you can find on amazon. This Nakiri knife comes with high durability, lightweight, and the razor-sharp blade that will ensure you for the perfect slice of vegetables just as you need. 

The blade of this knife is made using VG-MAX steel clad with 68 layers of Damascus stainless steel that makes the knife highly durable and helps to stand out from the rest of the others. Classic Nakiri Knife is excellent when it comes to chopping vegetables. For slicing tomatoes or dicing onions, you just need a simple push cut of the knife’s sharp edge.

As a handle, the manufacturer used PakkaWood, which is ideal for knives handles. The handle is waterproof, durable, easy to use, and very strong to help you enjoy your vegetable chopping times. Therefore, the classic 6.5″ Nakiri Knife could be a go-to companion for new cooks and chefs. 

Key Features

• Item Dimensions: 12.01 x 1.97 x 0.98 inches
• Weight: 7.5 ounce/ 0.21 Kg
• Blade Length: 6.5 Inches
• Blade material: VG-MAX steel clad with 68 layers of Damascus stainless steel.
• Handle material: PakkaWood
• Warranty: Lifetime Warranty

If you are interested in the Best Chef Knife Under $100, you could read here.

Tojiro Kitchen Knife F-502

Tojiro Kitchen Knife is the flagship model of Tojiro. VG-10 stainless steel has been used as the core material of this knife. Besides, the Tojiro Kitchen Knife comes with full-tang and 3-ply clad construction features. Such constructions make the knife professional and easy maintenance.

This type of construction makes the knife a budget-friendly option for dicing, slicing, or mincing vegetables. At this price range, it could be a great option to choose if you are looking for a vegetable chopping knife for your home or even if you are a chef. 

Let’s look at the handle of the knife. Handle made with reinforced, laminated stainless steel, which is pretty durable and not easy to deform. 

Key Features

• Item Dimensions: 11.5 x 2.7 x 0.8 inches
• Weight: 6.7 Ounces
• Blade Length: 6.5 Inches
• Blade material: VG-10
• Handle material: Reinforced Laminated Material

Chef Gyutou Knife 67 Layers VG 10 Forged High Carbon Damascus

This incredibly sharp 7-inch Nakiri knife from BIGSUN has 73 layers of VG-10 Damascus steel. Its flat, super sharp, and thin blade edge will ensure that the vegetables can slice perfectly. 

No matter if you are looking for a knife for chopping vegetables, or you are a chef, this elegant hammered blade could be your go-to companion because of its construction and functionality at this price point. This traditional Japanese knife can fulfil your desire if you are a salad or soups lover and look for a knife to perfectly chop the vegetables.

Besides, its hand-polished and ergonomic handle shape lets you use this super sharp knife comfortably and enjoy your kitchen time without any hassle.

Key Features 

• Item Dimensions: 12.01 x 1.97 x 0.98 inches
• Weight: 17.6 ounce/ 0.50 Kg
• Blade Length: 7 Inches
• Blade material: VG-10  Damascus with 73 layers of super steel.
• Handle material: Ultra-premium acrylic resin and PakkaWood handle

Wusthof Classic 7″ Nakiri Knife – Personalized Rotary Engraving Available

The Classic 7 inch Nakiri Knife from WÜSTHOF is made with exclusive high-carbon stainless steel. The stainless steel makes the knife more durable that can distribute heat correctly.

The manufacturer made this 7” Classic Nakiri knife by using their Precision Edge Technology; therefore, the knife is super thin and extremely sharp. Besides, the knife comes with a hollow edge structure that creates some vertical air pockets between the blade and food; this feature can reduce the friction and drag to offer effortless dicing, chopping, or slicing job. 

For precise control, this classic knife is designed with full tang features. The material used for the handle is Polyoxymethylene, which is a highly durable synthetic material. This material has a tighter molecular bond that is pretty awesome to resist fading and discoloration. Lastly, It could be great for Mother’s Day, Christmas, or even Father’s Day gift.

Key Features

• Item Dimensions: 12 x 3 x 1 inches
• Weight: 5.9 ounce/ 0.16 Kg
• Blade Length: 7 Inches
• Blade material: High carbon stainless steel
• Handle material: Polyoxymethylene
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Shun Premier Nakiri Knife, 5.5 Inch Tsuchime Finished Blade

The Premier Nakiri Knife from Shun is made of layered Damascus Steel for strength and durability. Its hand-hammered finish helps with hollow edge features and helps to release vegetables while you are chopping them.

This Nakiri Knife is super thin, extremely sharp, and perfect for chopping, slicing, or dicing vegetables as it is made of highly durable material. That’s why you don’t need to worry about quality. Such configuration will let you enjoy every single moment of your kitchen time.

Let’s look at the handle of this knife. The handle is made of water-resistant and highly durable material PakkaWood. Apart from the quality, with walnut finish, this material makes a perfect and comfortable grip. Therefore, if you are looking for a knife that would be pretty good for vegetable chopping, slicing, or dicing jobs and also comfort, consider taking a look at Shun Premier Nakiri Knife at Amazon.

Key Features

• Item Dimensions: 12.63 x 2.4 x 0.78 inches
• Weight: 1.6 ounce/ 0.04 Kg
• Blade Length: 5.5 Inches
• Blade material: Stainless steel.
• Handle material: PakkaWood
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

DALSTRONG Nakiri Vegetable Knife – 6″ – Shogun Series X – Japanese

Shogun Series X 6″ Nakiri Knife from Dalston made 66 layers of premium high carbon stainless steel that can make you sure for ultimate durability, strength, and stain resistance. Comes with genuine Damascus Layers, the knife is sharp enough and perfectly balanced. 

With this kind of configuration, the knife is called a push-cut specialist. Worried about your kid? It’s time to say bye to all of your worries as the knife comes with a nice sheath where you can place your knife after the use. 

This Nakiri knife has an elegant hammered finish that reduces the sticking of vegetables with the blade by creating some tiny air pockets. While you have this fantastic weapon, you don’t need to worry about chopping, slicing, or dicing even if the vegetables are harder than others like carrots.

Let’s take a look at how user-friendly the handle is. With military-grade strength and lifelong durability, the handle is made of ultra-premium G-10, which is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate. This material is favored, especially for its strength and low moisture absorption. The primary purpose of making this handle is to give comfort while using the knife. 

Key Features

• Item Dimensions: 11.18 x 2.32 x 0.09 inches
• Weight: 10.3 ounces/0.29 Kg
• Blade Length: 6 Inches
• Blade material: Premium High Carbon Stainless Steel
• Handle material: G-10
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Yoshihiro VG-10 16 Layer Hammered Damascus Stainless Steel Nakiri

Yoshihiro 6.5” Nakiri Knife from Yoshihiro, made with 16 layers of Damascus steel with VG-10 core. This type of construction makes the knife a bit more beautiful and exceptional on functionality. 

If you are a vegetable lover, this knife can add some aesthetics with your chopping, slicing, or dicing by delivering effortless usability. Also, the hammered texture can take responsibility for not sticking any of the vegetables sliced with the knife.

Though the knife is made in Japan, it has come with a western-style handle that is full tang configuration. After all, it could be a perfect addition to your kitchen if you are a soup, salads, or vegetable lover.

Key Features

• Item Dimensions: 11.75 x 0.06 x 1.75 inches
• Weight: 6.6 ounces/0.19 Kg
• Blade Length: 6.5 Inches
• Blade material: VG-10 16 Layer Hammered Damascus Stainless Steel.
• Handle Material: Mahogany

KYOKU Daimyo Series – Damascus Nakiri Knife with Sheath & Case – Japanese VG10 Steel

KYOKU Daimyo Series Nakiri Knife is manufactured by KYOKU using VG10 Japanese Damascus steel cutting core. This type of construction provides incredible edge retention to the knife. 

The knife is ergonomic and well balanced that can deliver ease of use condition when you are going to prepare vegetables for your favorite soup. Its G-10 material makes the handle a bit more durable than the others.  

The knife is very sharp and excellent for your vegetable chopping needs. Wash and dry by hand is recommended.

Key Features:

• Item Dimensions: 12.2 x 2.2 x 1 inches
• Weight: 20.8 Ounces
• Blade Length: 7 Inches
• Blade material: VG-10 Damascus stainless steel
• Handle Material: G-10
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Miyabi Birchwood Sg2 6.5″ Nakiri Knife,

Miyabi Birchwood Nakiri knife is the perfect choice for right-handed chefs. The blade is made of SG2 micro-carbide steel, which provides an excellent hardness of 63 HRC. The core is surrounded with hammered stainless steel with Damascus textured finish.

It is designed for mincing, slicing, and dicing vegetables for stir-fry, salads, soups, and more. People love to use this knife for extreme sharpness, and it’s well crafted impressive design. Besides, the D-shape of a natural Masur birch handle creates a comfortable grip and ensures tireless cutting. 

Key Features:

• Item Dimensions: 20 x 11 x 4 inches
• Weight: 16 ounces/0.45 Kg
• Blade Length: 8 Inches
• Blade material: SG2 steel-high hardness of 63 HRC
• Handle material: Micarta
• Warranty: Lifetime

TradaFor Nakiri Knife – Japanese Chef Vegetable Knife

Here we come to our very last pick, which is a vegetable knife from TradaFor. The knife is made of German high carbon stainless steel that makes the knife high quality. The blade is pretty tough that can keep the sharp edge for an extended period.

This 7 inches well-balanced vegetable knife has a PakkaWood Handle that is highly durable. The ergonomic grip can reduce the tension in the wrist and let you enjoy a perfect and comfortable vegetable cutting time in the kitchen.

Key Features

• Item Dimensions: Item Dimensions: 12.01 x 1.97 x 0.98 inches
• Weight: 8 ounce/ 0.23 Kg
• Blade Length: 7 Inches
• Blade material: High carbon stainless steel
• Handle material: PakkaWood

FAQ

What is a Nakiri Knife?

Nakiri knife is a Japanese-style vegetable knife. It is different from some other knives out there in their shapes. Characterized by its straight blade edge and squared-off tip. The straight blade edge which is suitable for cutting all the way in your chopping board. 

Nakiri vs. Usuba vs Santoku: How Different Each Style is?

All these three knives originated from Japan. Among them, both the Nakiri and Usuba knives are vegetable knives. They are precisely the same type of knife except a simple difference depends on their bevel blade.  The knife, which has a double-bevel edge called the Nakiri knife, on the other hand, Usuba knives come with a single bevel blade. 

Moreover, the remaining santoku knife is much sharper than the other two knives. It has a double-bevel blade and straight edge. Santoku knife can be applicable for not only cutting vegetables but also slicing boneless meat, mincing herbs, etc.

How do you use a Nakiri knife?

Firstly, make sure your knife is sharp enough. It requires less force to use. Keep your vegetables on the chopping board. Maintain a firm grip for holding your knife. This grip will help you to get precise control, and slicing will be accurate.
Keep in mind Nakiri knife is made for chopping vegetables with an up-and-down motion.

Horizontal pushing and pulling are not contextual for this knife. Also, while cutting, you should apply considerable force; otherwise, excess force may ruin the edges of the blade.

Why Do You Need A Nakiri Knife?

If you are interested in cutting and chopping different veggies like a professional chef, then a Nakiri knife can be the best option. These knives are lighter than traditional kitchen knives.

Nakiri Knives are great for slicing, chopping vegetables, greens and fruits without using a horizontal push or pull. The rectangular shape blade with a thin cutting edge and lightweight advantage make Nakiri best for both home and professional use.

How do you sharpen a Nakiri knife?

You can sharpen your Nakiri knife by applying these several ways.

1. Using Whetstone Or Diamond Stone

First of all, make sure you know the knife angle. If you fail to figure out the right angle, contact your manufacturer. Generally, the angle varies from 8 to 12 degrees. Once you get the exact angle, place a diamond stone or whetstone and start dragging your knife at the same angle. Use a little amount of mineral oil to prevent unnecessary friction.

2. Honing Rod

You can use a honing rod holding it 20 degrees with your Nakiri knife and dragging it in a one-way direction.

3. Ceramic Mug

It is a conventional way to sharpen any knife. You can sharpen your knife temporarily by dragging your knife along the ceramic mug’s downside edge.

How to preserve a Nakiri knife?

You should clean the knife after every single use. After cleaning, let it air dry or wipe it out with a dry towel. Then you can store your knife in a dry place. Don’t leave it for a time without cleaning it. Make sure the blade is dry before you put it in the storage. Don’t try to use this knife for anything except chopping like bend the knife or to open a glass bottle cap. 

Advantages of Using a Nakiri Knife

Nakiri knife has all three attributes: thinner, harder, and sharper of a perfect kitchen knife. It is used for getting a finely chopped, even and thin slice each time. The sharp blade with a flat cutting edge helps to get a straight slice every time, no horizontal pull or push is needed. 

This knife is lighter compared with other regular knives. All of these attributes make this knife best for both home and professional uses.

Final Thoughts

I hope this detailed guide will help you to choose the best Nakiri knife for effortless vegetable cutting. Hopefully, you have already picked your favorite Nakiri knife. If not, don’t worry and let me help you. Our number 1 pick is Shun Premier Nakiri knife. 

The reason is that the knife is made of highly durable Damascus stainless steel, and its thin edge is perfect for offering paper-thin vegetable slices. Moreover, this super sharp knife has a hand-hammered finish that can prevent sticking food to the blade.

Lastly, the handle is made of PakkaWood, which is pretty durable and water-resistant as well.