Are you looking for the most effective Nakiri knife on the market today?
We know there are numerous options in the market, so we've cut through the clutter to identify the best options.
A good Nakiri Knife will last you a lifetime and is a great addition to any kitchen. The Nakiri Knife is mostly used in Asian countries like Japan and China.
We have listed the best nakiri knives and included a guide on picking the best nakiri knife for your needs. The nakiri knife is considered one of the best kitchen knives in the world, and you should consider buying one for your kitchen.
Whether new at cooking or the new Iron Chef, this review will help you choose the best nakiri knives for your requirements. From cutting capabilities to balance to long-lasting, our team of reviewers examine various crucial factors determining the quality of knives and then place each one onto the cutting block.
How We've Made Our Selection
There are a lot of nakiri knives on the market these days and it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
With so many options to choose from, how do you know that you're getting a quality knife? All of the different brands and materials can be confusing.
We've done the research for you. Our editors have taken the time to learn about each product and its company, so that they could select only the best nakiri knives for our customers. We want to make sure that you're happy with your purchase, so we offer a no questions asked return policy.
1. Mercer Culinary Nakiri Knife
What We Love About It
- Anti-rust coating.
- Full-tang blade forging.
- It can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
- The handle is comfortable and easy to grip.
This knife is more obscure if you're looking for a nakiri knife to cook your food. The material for the handle is composed of Delrin, a plastic that doesn't take in water. This material helps the handle not absorb water and also makes it stronger.
This knife is mid-range on the spectrum in price and has just 50 reviews, but it does earn 4.5 out of 5 stars. I would suggest this knife is suitable for those who want a sturdy knife but don't want to shell out for the price of Shun or Dalstrong.
What You Should Know
A tough 7-inch knife constructed with a full-tang blade made of forged high carbon stainless steel for greater strength. Mercer Culinary Millennia can be cleaned using the dishwasher, though it is not recommended. The blade is sharp right out of the box. However, it will require regular sharpening using a tool for sharpening knives.
Its handle feels comfortable and helps keep the entire knife in a perfect balance, which allows you to chop, slice, and dice effortlessly. Furthermore, the edges are round to prevent food from adhering to the blade. Additionally, the blade is covered with an antirust coat made from resin that is FDA-approved.
2. Zelite Alpha-Royal Nakiri Infinity Knife
What We Love About It
- Durable and strong Damascus steel
- Coated with a non-sticking resin coating that the FDA accepts
- Available in vibrant colors
What You Should know
Zelite Infinity 7-inch Nakiri Knife was designed using carbon-coated Damascus stainless steel. It is believed to be extremely durable and durable, able to withstand the rigors of usage in the kitchen, regardless of whether you are at home or in a professional kitchen. It is, however, half-tang, which means the handle may become unstable.
To solve the perpetual problem of the blade getting stuck onto food bits while cutting, the maker has coated the blade using an FDA-approved resin substance that will not transfer to food items and is not washed out.
The coating can be found in various colors customers can pick from, but the choice of color is simple.
3. Oxford Chef Knife 6.5 Inch - Damascus
What We Love About It
A perfect knuckle clearance allows one to use the blade without interference from the knuckles. A rounded handle and tapered pinch grips encourage natural hand-to-hand handling with the perfect balance. Rosetta rivet puts an extra touch of elegance to this fantastic cooking tool.
These angles on this knife represent the top of the line in design and an accumulation of years in chef knife design progress. It is polished to a mirror finish of 8 and 12 degrees angle per side with the standard Honbazuke technique of three steps. Thus, the Oxford Chef created a sharp blade.
The curvilinear tapered edge of the knife is great for slicing, mincing, and cutting vegetables, slicing meat, and separating large cuts.
What You Should Know
The knife is crafted from high carbon stainless steel and has a full-tang design for maximum durability. It is radically hardened by their unique cryogenic nitrogen cooling method. This knife is strong and has an impressive score of 62 on the Rockwell hardness scale.
It is clad with 33 layers on each side of real Damascus steel. Smooth-rolling waves are distinctive to each blade and intrinsic to the steel - not just etched or stamped on like the majority of imitations.
The g-10 ergonomic handle of military grade is impervious to heat, cold, and humidity. Nonporous and resistant to germs and bacteria. This bolster can sharpen the entire blade to the heel of the blade.
4. Wusthof Nakiri Knife - 7" Hollow Edge
What We Love About It
- Fully forged and forged, full-tang high-carbon stain-resistant stainless steel with half bolster. This bolster means the knife can be sharpened the whole blade length, and the heel bolster will provide balance.
- Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) produces a 20% sharper blade with more edge retention.
- A 58 Rockwell Hardness 10deg blade angle on each side provides exceptional clarity.
- The triple-riveted Polyoxymethylene (POM) handles are resistant to discoloration and fading.
- Made by Solingen, Germany, with a lifetime warranty.
The Wusthof Classic Nakiri Knife with Hollow Edge is designed for slicing or dicing large vegetables and fruits. Combining the functions of a chef's knife with the flexibility of the vegetable cleaver. Every Wusthof Classic knife features a computer-controlled cutting edge that can ensure that the edges of the blades are sharp and even from the point up to its heel.
What You Should Know
The shape of the blade is believed to have its roots in Japan. The wide and thin blade creates very precise and smooth cuts. The blade has a hollow edge that reduces drag when cutting.
The Wusthof PEtec angle and tapered cutting edge minimize the drag of cutting food, allowing for seamless and easy cutting. Every knife blade is polished and buffed by hand. Wusthof Classic knives are made in Solingen, Germany, with a lifetime guarantee.
Wusthof Classic fully-tang knife made with precision from one piece of Wusthof stainless steel with high carbon. The handle design is constructed from a tough synthetic material called Polyoxymethylene (POM) and is characterized by a stronger molecular structure that resists discoloration and fading.
5. Yoshihiro NSW 46 Layers Hammered Damascus
What We Love About It
- Thin blades maintain a sharp edge.
- Hammered finish.
If you're looking for a lightweight knife that still has the performance, it's impossible to go wrong with this model.
The Yoshihiro VG-10 46 Layer Hammered Damascus is a razor sharp light knife with a strong chop. The double-bevel blade features a soft Hammered Damascus finish, redwood and mahogany handle, and an orange blade cover. The blade's thin, partially-tang edge retained its razor-sharpness and was no issues juggling carrots or cutting onions or other herbs.
What You Should Know
The Yoshihiro has a 46-layer VG-10 Hammered Damascus stainless steel blade, giving this knife a razor sharp edge. This blade has asymmetrically dual-edged and is 6.3 inches long. Its outer Damascus steel, as well as the VG-10 steel core, are stain-resistant.
It has an HRC which is higher than that of the majority of knives made of stainless steel. The high hardness of the blade allows it to be more compact and sharper, so chefs can expose it to any knife usage.
It requires a higher level of care to ensure that edges don't break or scratch, and the handle does not appear to be waterproof, which means it could be prone to weathering with time.
What is a Nakiri Knife
Nakiri knives are Japanese vegetable knives. A wide, symmetrical, and straight flat-edged blade is the main characteristic of the nakiri knife for vegetables. It is also slim and user-friendly, which makes it the ideal Japanese vegetable knife.
The blade's shape lets you cut vegetables straight upward and downward. The upward and downward motion lets you cut tender vegetables easily and swiftly. You can also use the back and forward motions without moving the knife.
The flat edge allows the Japanese Nakiri knife to fully interact with the cutting surface, which means that cuts are cleaner. So, you don't have to be concerned about the knives not cutting all vegetables, as is the case when using curved-blade shaped knives.
Nakiri's blade knives have additional steel in the front, giving them more heft and forward stability. It is also possible to use the blade's wide section to cut vegetables and place them in the pan or bowl. Nakiri is certainly one of the most effective Japanese knives.
What Should You Think About When Buying a Nakiri Knife
Here are some factors to help you select the ideal nakiri.
Blade Finish
The blade's finish is important, especially when selecting a nakiri vegetable knife. Vegetables are known to be a stick for the knife.
However, some nakiri knives come with the hammered look, also known as tsuchime in Japanese. Tsuchime reduces the drug and prevents food from sticking to the blade.
When it comes to cutting vegetables to prepare Japanese recipes, the nakiri knife is the best chopping tool. It is, therefore, important to pay careful attention when picking this knife.
Blade Construction
When selecting a nakiri blade, one important aspect will be the materials used to make the blade. Artists utilize stainless steel to create the most modern knives. There are two kinds made of stainless steel.
- Steel with low carbon, which is less elastic and requires regular sharpening. Additionally, low carbon wears down the blade faster.
- High carbon steel keeps its edge for longer. It is also easy to sharpen and needs less maintenance.
Price
The top Japanese knife for nakiri will not be inexpensive as the high quality is always a sign. But the price is always an aspect to consider when buying any product. It is essential to find the ideal equilibrium between quality and price.
Handle
A quality handle should not just be durable but user-friendly and comfortable. A knife that has an ergonomic grip that conforms to the palm's curves is the best choice. The handle should give you a solid grip. A loose grip can result in injuries.
Tips for Cleaning and Maintenance A Nakiri Knife
Cleaning
Nakiri knives need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried after each use. Because the blade isn't constructed of stainless steel, water residues and food particles could cause it to become rusty.
Using water and soap to wash the knife is the best option; however, be careful not to wash the blade using your fingers to avoid cuts. After you have cleaned the knife, dry it clean with a dry towel.
Sharpening
It is possible to choose to sharpen the knife like other knives. They can be sharpened using a stone or by using an electric sharpener.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for a Nakiri Knife is Great for cutting vegetables?
There is a Japanese name for the leaf cutter, "Nakiri" this should provide you with a clear understanding of why this knife is ideal for cutting vegetables.
The Nakiri knife is great for cutting vegetables and is regarded as the top Japanese vegetable knife because its thinner blade provides a clean and smooth cut.
Most knives can cut vegetables perfectly initially, but they tear them in the later stage and produce an uneven shape; however, the Nakiri knife provides a flawless look.
Therefore, if you require an ideal chopping knife for slicing it, you should consider the Nakiri knife highly recommended.
What do you cut with the nakiri knife?
There is no doubt that the knife you are using is different in comparison to other knives. The most important thing is to make the most of the knife's flatness and cut with precision and stability.
The Japanese vegetable knife comes with an edge that curves, which is what gets to the cutting board first before the vegetable is cut.
Make sure to hold the knife firmly, hold the handle near the end of the handle using your thumb and pointer finger, and then cut through food, meat, and other vegetables. Holding the knife in this manner lets you maneuver the knife more efficiently than gripping the handle.
It's a very sharp knife, and speed shouldn't be the primary goal for an initial step.
When you slice, hold the food with the opposite hand and create a claw with your fingers to cut. The knife's side will brush your knucles and protect you from any accident on your fingers. Move the knife slightly forward and downwards to make your perfect slice.
When you chop items such as herbs, make gentle "tapping" movements left and right over the herbs, until you have the desired size. Due to the knife's sharpness and size, you don't need excessive force.
What can the nakiri knife be used to do?
A nakiri knife is a specially designed knife specifically to cut vegetables. Although it is also employed for cutting other foods, such as garlic, its primary function is to cut vegetables evenly.
Do you think a knife made of nakiri is suitable for cutting meat?
No. Although it can technically cut meat items, Nakiri knives aren't designed to cut chicken, meat, or fish.
Do you think a knife from Nakiri is worth it?
It's a personal preference. A quality nakiri knife may be costly. But the durability and quality of a high-quality nakiri knife are worth the cost. You don't need to cook Japanese to utilize the nakiri knife. The use of it as a veggie knife is suitable for all recipes.
Can Nakiri cut chicken?
Nakiri knives are designed for vegetables and not so much for chicken. With that said, they can still be used to chop up a chicken, but it is not the ideal knife to use. You would be better off using a Santoku or a Chef's Knife for chicken.
What size is the nakiri knife best?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best size Nakiri knife for you may vary depending on your individual cooking needs. A general recommendation is that a Nakiri knife should be around 170-180mm in length. This will allow you to use it for various slicing and chopping tasks in the kitchen.
What is a Nakiri knife best used for?
A Nakiri knife is a type of vegetable knife. It's best used for cutting vegetables into thin strips or slices. The straight blade and squared-off edge are perfect for precise cuts without shredding or tearing the vegetables.
Can you sharpen a Nakiri knife?
Yes, you can sharpen your Nakiri knife just like all other knives. You could use a honing rod, diamond sharpener, or a whetstone. You could also get your knives sharpened by a professional.
What does Nakiri mean in Japanese?
The word "Nakiri" means "leaf cutter" in Japanese, which is the main purpose of a Nakiri knife: to cut vegetables.
What's the difference between Santoku and Nakiri?
Santoku knives are Japanese-style knives typically used for slicing meat and fish. Nakiri knives, on the other hand, are Japanese-style vegetable knives that are typically used for chopping vegetables.
A Santoku knife has a triangle-style blade and a curved blade shape, whereas Nakiri knives have a straight blade that is wide and blunt. Santoku knives are also usually shorter in length than Nakiri knives.
What is the difference between Nakiri and Usuba?
Nakiri knives are double-edged, whereas usuba knives are single-edged. Nakiris are also taller and have a more rectangular shape, whereas usubas are more curved and thinner. Finally, nakiris are designed for chopping vegetables, while usubas are designed for slicing vegetables.
What Nakiri Knife is Best for You?
In the world of knives, there are plenty of choices available. If you're a seasoned cook or looking to purchase your first chef's knife, we hope this review will help you prepare to chop vegetables for your next stew, stir fry, or roast.
Our Top Pick is the Mercer Culinary Nakiri Knife - it's a great all-rounder that won't disappoint.
If you're looking for a more budget option, look no further than The Zelite Alpha-Royal Santoku Infinity Knife. It has a fantastic value.
We hope you enjoyed our article about finding the best nakiri knife. With this knowledge, we know you can now make the most of your kitchen cutting experience using kitchen cutlery like nakiri knives.
Here is the list of items reviewed:
1. Mercer Culinary Nakiri Knife
2. Zelite Alpha-Royal Nakiri Infinity Knife
3. Oxford Chef Knife 6.5 Inch - Damascus Japanese
4. Wusthof Nakiri Knife - 7" Hollow Edge
5. Yoshihiro NSW 46 Layers Hammered Damascus
