This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Nakiri Knife originates in Japan and is a knife specifically designed to cut vegetables in the most perfect way possible. Nakiri Bocho, as it is natively called in Japanese, is one of a set of three knives used by professional Japanese chefs. These include the Nakiri Bocho, the Usuba Bocho, and the Deba Bucho.
Each knife is used for a specific function; however, the Nakiri Bucho is a common household utensil, used by everyday Japanese cooks. As much as the perfect meal’s quality is reliant on the quality of the ingredients, the craftsmanship and preparation that goes into every meal will make a great difference.
Using the correct utensils and appliances will drastically improve the skills of even less capable cooks. For your convenience, we have comprised a list of the best Nakiri Knives available for purchase. If you want to improve the quality of your cooking, then feel free to invest in the best Nakiri knife for preparing your vegetables.
Table of Contents
Comparison Chart
Shun Cutlery Classic 6.5” Nakiri Knife
Yoshihiro VG-10 16 Nakiri Knife
KAI Wasabi Black Nakiri Knife
Miyabi Mizu SG2 6.5-inch Nakiri Knife
Shun Classic 5-inch Hollow Edge Nakiri Knife
Best Nakiri Knife Reviews
Shun Cutlery Classic 6.5” Nakiri Knife
Shun Cutlery is a brand of the KAI group and is manufactured in Seki City, Japan. Shun specializes in the creation and design of numerous knives, which include the Nakiri kitchen knife, razors, and folding knives, made under the classification of multiple lines that include the classic design, the classic pro, and several specialty lines. Shun’s origins were established in 1908, and in 2002 the company began exporting its high-quality knives to the rest of the world.
Today, Shun knives are sold in more than 30 countries. In the USA, import and sales are managed by the KAI Group, headquartered in Tualatin, Oregon. Their products are considered among the finest in the world and have gained the recognition of the annual Blade Show of Atlanta, Georgia.
The company has also been awarded the iF Product Design Award by the International Forum Design in 2005. Like all their products, only the finest materials are used, and the best designs are implemented in their creation. The Classic Nakiri Knife is one of their finest products and is made with the same dedication as their award-winning cutlery.
Review
The Shun Classic Nakiri Knife is handcrafted in Japan, made with the finest grade of hard steel. Each knife goes through a process that includes a hundred different processes to ensure that only the most exceptional quality is shipped to their consu,ers. Although the process is time-consuming, Shun uses the best modern techniques and equipment to speed up production but does not compromise the quality of their products.
The steel is heat-treated to harden and temper the steel to perfection. As the name suggests, Shun refers to the perfect state of ripeness in fruits, vegetables, and meat, and implies that their products are at an equivalent state of perfection.
Due to the use of hardened steel, Shun knives can be sharpened to a finer edge, which is perfected at a 16-degree angle, and will also hold its keen edge for far longer. This also provides the knife with a refined light weight without compromising its quality.
The steel is further treated with 68 layers of Damascus steel, that is fitted with a high-quality Pakkawood handle. The blade provides a keen edge and will never corrode, allowing life-long use for a variety of purposes. It is specifically designed to precisely cut vegetables and fruits, and it handles with ease due to its perfected design. However, with such a keen edge, extra care should be taken to prevent self-harm.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Handcrafted in Japan using only the finest quality of material
- Steel is processed through a long and dedicated manufacturing tradition to provide the finest quality
- Is both light and durable without compromising the blade quality
- Super sharp edge that is sharpened at a finer angle
- Sturdy handle and corrosion-proof blade
Cons
- Will require extra care and some level of skill to use safely
Yoshihiro VG-10 16 Nakiri Knife
Yoshihiro is a traditional Japanese kitchen knife manufacturer that has over the span of a hundred years been the leading provider of kitchen knives in Japan. Their manufacturing dates back to the fourteenth century medieval Japan when swordsmiths crafted the finest Japanese weaponry.
But since the turn of the new age, their skill with fire, iron, and water has been dedicated to the crafting of the finest knives. Although established for many years in Japan, Yoshihiro only started exporting its fine quality to the rest of the world in 2008.
All of their excellent products, including the VG-10 Nakiri Knife, are handcrafted and made with the same excellence and dedication. Made under the company philosophy, Ichigo Ichie, which means every moment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, their products promise life long use that will never disappoint.
Review
The VG-10 is made from high-quality stainless steel that will not corrode nor lose its keen edge and is further layered with 16 layers of Damascus Steel to provide the top quality that Yoshihiro is trusted for. It is among Yoshihiro’s best selling products and combines performance with beauty and excellent versatility.
It is a proud creation that is fitted with a western-styled handle, perfected for ergonomic handling and use, making it both comfortable and easy to use even for home cooks. The hammered texture of the blade is crafted to provide a smooth surface that prevents vegetable slices from sticking to it, allowing seamless and effortless use of the knife.
The blade is sharpened to an extreme extent, using a VG-10 core with an HRC 60, which provides it with its high-performance edge retention, durability, and keen edge. It is recommended to sharpen the blade only with water whetstones, and not to use it to cut bones or frozen foods.
It will also require immediate rinsing if working with acidic foods to protect the quality of the blade. Being both light and durable, it is the perfect knife to improve the quality of your vegetable slicing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Light but still extremely durable blade that provides perfect slicing
- Superior handcrafted Japanese quality
- Keen edged that will retain its sharpness for a long time
- Ergonomically made to handle with ease
- Non-stick blade surface that is improved for easy slicing
Cons
- Requires specialized equipment to keep sharp
KAI Wasabi Black Nakiri Knife
KAI is a Japanese company founded in the Seki City of Japan, focused on providing cutting edge cutlery that will change the way people live. With over 800 years of experience in designing and creating the finest quality of blades and kitchen utensils, KAI has used its skills to provide top quality products to kitchens, hospitals, and numerous other professions all over the world.
The KAI group is also a global distributor of many brand names, which includes the high-end knife manufacturer Shun, but they also produce their own fine quality cutlery, as well as other kitchen products. KAI has also been a long time supporter of the grooming and beauty profession.
Their corporate philosophy will always put the interest of their clients first, aiming to provide satisfactory products that will make their lives delightful and easier. The KAI Wasabi Nakiri Knife is one of their many popular and trusted products.
Review
The Wasabi Nakiri Knife is made from 1K6 high-carbon stainless steel and fashioned in the traditional Japanese style that is most commonly used to create Nakiri Knives. The stainless steel is sharpened to the keenest possible extreme, and will hardly ever lose its keen edge. The blade features a double beveled edge, and the handle is uniquely made from polypropylene that is blended with bamboo.
This provides the knife with both superior cutting performance and a grip that is ergonomic and lighter than traditional Nakiri knives. The blade is further treated with enhancements that provide it with a non-stick surface, allowing easy use of the knife by preventing vegetable slices from sticking to its surface.
The handle is treated with an infused anti-bacterial agent that is non-harmful, which prevents rot and other defects from forming in the handle due to washing. Combined with the corrosion-resistant stainless steel, it is a highly durable knife that provides excellent performance and a balanced weight for comfortable application. Perfect for slicing and chopping veggies, it is a must-have for any kitchen.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made from the best grade high-carbon stainless steel to provide lasting quality
- A superfine edge that will retain its sharpness and is further improved with a double bevel
- Anti-bacterial infused handle provides both clean and ergonomic comfort
- Light design that is easy to use
- The blade is treated to provide a non-stick surface
Cons
- Not handcrafted like the other masterpieces KAI sells
Miyabi Mizu SG2 6.5-inch Nakiri Knife
At Miyabi, it is believed that the knife is the soul of the chef, and the tradition of the manufacturer is to create knives that explore the beauty of sharpness. Made in the legendary Japanese sword’s traditions, Miyabi has provided chefs and home cooks with the excellent sharpness that can only be expected by the traditions of the Japanese.
They know that the demand for the perfect cut is the difference between good food and excellent cuisine, as is traditional in Japanese cooking. For this reason, Miyabi has perfected the art of creating the finest knives to enchant the global market.
Review
For many years, the precision crafting and balanced design of Miyabi knives have fascinated chefs from all over the world. The Mizu SG2 is one example of their fine products.
The Mizu is handcrafted in Seki City, Japan, and is made from Micro Carbide steel that is layered with a Damascus finish. This provides the knife not only with top-quality performance and durability but also gives it a beautiful look that is unparalleled. It is then put through a unique Criodur ice-hardening process to further enhance the steel’s properties, giving it the kind of quality that will last a lifetime.
Combined with a fine edge sharpened to a 9 to 12-degree angle, it boasts a sharp edge that has no equal. The blade is also hammered to provide it with a non-stick surface and is fitted with a D-style micarta handle that is both beautiful and ergonomic.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made from superior quality powder steel to provide high-quality
- Specially treated to enhance its durability and hardness
- Beautiful design combined with high-end performance
- The ergonomic handle makes it a breeze to use
- Exceptionally well balanced with a non-stick blade
Cons
- The extremely sharp edge that will need extra care to use safely
Shun Classic 5-inch Hollow Edge Nakiri Knife
Shun is undoubtedly one of the best Japanese manufacturers and deserves at least two positions on this list of the finest Nakiri Knives. The Classic Hollow Edge is no different than any of their other opulent products, and like all their knives, are made in the traditional, handcrafted techniques that they practice.
Review
The Classic Hollow Edge is made from the same VG-10 stainless steel core as all the knives in their classic range but is layered with 32 layers of Damascus steel, which provides it with a tougher and harder blade that is more flexible than other traditional Nakiri knives. The edge is then also hollowed to provide it with a non-sticking surface to enhance the comfort of its application further.
The knife also provides it with greater sharpness and durability. It is fitted with a D-Style Pakkawood handle that is laminated for comfortable use. Like all of their products, the Shun Classic Hollow Nakiri Knife is handcrafted at their facilities in Seki City, Japan. It is made with the superior dedication that Shun has been known for.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The extremely sharp edge that is further enhanced by the hollow design
- Provided with a non-stick surface that easily slices vegetables
- Superior quality made to perform and last a lifetime
- Comfortable D-Style handle that feels as good as it looks
Cons
- The extremely sharp edge will require intense care to apply safely
FINAL VERDICT
If you want to drastically improve your cooking quality, especially the quality of your vegetables, then trash your regular styled knives for the keen edges of a Nakiri knife. It will certainly be worth it, but with such a high-quality knife and keen edge, it would be wise to practice the safest possible slicing you can to prevent self-harm. These knives have all the quality you need, even if you are a qualified chef.
