A good nakiri knife is an essential tool for any chef, especially those who love to prepare vegetables. This traditional Japanese knife is known for its straight blade and sharpness, making it perfect for precise cuts and clean slices. Nakiri knives are specifically designed for chopping vegetables, making them the ideal choice for those who want to make the most out of their produce.
When looking for the best nakiri knife, there are a few things to keep in mind. The type of steel used in the blade is crucial, as it can affect the knife’s sharpness and durability. The handle is also an important factor to consider, as it can affect the knife’s overall balance and comfort. Additionally, the size and weight of the knife can make a significant difference in how it feels in your hand and how easy it is to use.
At our testing facility, we spent countless hours researching and testing various nakiri knives to find the ones that offer the best performance and value. Our goal was to identify the knives that can handle any vegetable with ease and precision, while also being comfortable to use and maintain. After rigorous testing, we have narrowed down the top choices for the best nakiri knife on the market.
Best Nakiri Knives
We have researched and tested various nakiri knives to bring you a list of the best ones available on Amazon. Nakiri knives are Japanese-style knives that are specially designed for chopping vegetables with precision and ease. With their straight and thin blade, they can easily cut through vegetables without crushing them, making them a must-have tool for any home cook or professional chef who loves to cook Asian cuisine. In this roundup, we have included a variety of nakiri knives that vary in price, blade material, and design. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced chef, you are sure to find a nakiri knife that suits your needs and budget.
Shun Classic Nakiri Knife
If you’re looking for a versatile vegetable and fruit prep knife, the Shun Classic 6.5″ Nakiri Knife is an excellent choice. We highly recommend it.
Pros
- The straight blade, edge, and spine make this Japanese knife perfect for simple push cuts.
- The blunt end makes it extra safe to use.
- The D-shaped, ebony-finished Pakkawood handle is durable, beautiful, and comfortable to use for both left- and right-handed users.
Cons
- Hand washing the knife is recommended.
- The knife is on the expensive side.
- The blade may be too small for some users.
We’ve been using the Shun Classic Nakiri Knife for several months now and we’re impressed with its performance. The knife is handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce a blade of unparalleled quality and beauty. The VG-MAX cutting core with 68 layers of stainless Damascus cladding makes the knife strong, corrosion-resistant, stain-resistant, and razor-sharp. The blade glides through food effortlessly, making it perfect for everything from stir fry to salads.
The D-shaped, ebony-finished Pakkawood handle is comfortable to use for both left- and right-handed users, and it doesn’t harbor bacteria. The offset stainless-steel bolster is designed for ergonomic comfort and maximum safety, while a stainless-steel end cap provides the finishing touch.
Overall, the Shun Classic Nakiri Knife is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality vegetable and fruit prep knife. It’s a bit on the expensive side, but we believe it’s worth the investment for its quality and performance.
WÜSTHOF Classic IKON 7″ Hollow Edge Nakiri Knife
If you’re looking for a high-quality nakiri knife, the WÜSTHOF Classic IKON 7″ Hollow Edge Nakiri Knife is a great choice. With its sleek black handle and double bolster design, this knife is not only beautiful but also provides exceptional balance and a comfortable grip.
Pros
- Precision forged from high carbon stainless steel and tempered to 58-degree HRC for a 20% sharper blade with twice the edge retention than previous models.
- The hollow edge is crafted with evenly spaced vertical indentations, which create small air pockets between the blade and the food.
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is crafted to resist corrosion and dulling.
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe.
- The handle may be too light for some users.
- Expensive compared to other nakiri knives on the market.
We were impressed with the WÜSTHOF Classic IKON 7″ Hollow Edge Nakiri Knife’s sharpness and precision. The blade is thinner than a traditional cleaver, making it perfect for slicing through vegetables and fruits. The hollow edge also helps to prevent food from sticking to the blade, making it easier to use and clean.
The knife’s handle is made of Polyoxymethylene (POM), which is a highly durable synthetic material that resists fading and discoloration. The shape of the handle is designed for a comfortable grip, but some users may find it too light compared to other knives in the WÜSTHOF Ikon series.
Overall, we highly recommend the WÜSTHOF Classic IKON 7″ Hollow Edge Nakiri Knife for anyone who is serious about cooking and wants a high-quality nakiri knife that will last a lifetime.
PAUDIN Nakiri Knife
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable nakiri knife, the PAUDIN Nakiri Knife is a great option.
Pros
- The razor sharp blade makes cutting through food effortless.
- The waved pattern design reduces friction and makes cleaning easy.
- The comfortable handle provides a secure grip.
Cons
- The knife is a bit heavy.
- The blade could be thinner for more precise cuts.
- The Damascus pattern is not real.
We recently purchased the PAUDIN Nakiri Knife and have been impressed with its performance. The ultra-sharp blade makes slicing and dicing a breeze, and the waved pattern design not only looks beautiful but also reduces friction and makes cleaning easier. The handle is ergonomically designed and provides a comfortable grip, even during extended use.
One downside to note is that the knife is a bit on the heavy side, which may take some getting used to. Additionally, while the blade is sharp, it could be thinner for more precise cuts. Lastly, it’s important to note that the Damascus pattern is not real, but it still looks great.
Overall, we highly recommend the PAUDIN Nakiri Knife for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable kitchen knife.
FINDKING Dynasty Series Japanese Nakiri Knife
If you are looking for a high-quality nakiri knife, we highly recommend the FINDKING Dynasty Series Japanese Nakiri Knife.
Pros
- The 9CR18MOV steel blade is of excellent quality and can hold an angled edge for a long time with general maintenance.
- The African rosewood handle is not only beautiful, but it also provides stability and allows for full manipulation of the blade.
- The balance point of the knife runs heel to spine up the billet, making it comfortable to grip and use for precise cuts.
Cons
- The knife is not suitable for cutting frozen products as it may damage the knife’s edge.
- The handle may not be comfortable for those with larger hands.
- The blade may require sharpening more frequently than other knives.
We found the FINDKING Dynasty Series Japanese Nakiri Knife to be an excellent choice for cutting vegetables, fruits, fish, and meats. The clad dimple allows for easy food release while slicing or dicing, making food prep a breeze. The blade length is 18.5cm, and the handle length is 15.3cm, with an overall length of 33.8cm. When using a pinch grip, the blade length is considered a “true 7” inch, allowing for maximum maneuverability of the blade’s cutting edge.
The design of the knife is beautiful and showcases the beauty of eastern chef’s knives. It is also designed for comfort and efficiency for everyday use. As a promise to its customers, FINDKING focuses on quality and ensures that the price will not be affected by their strive for the highest quality in their products.
Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality nakiri knife that is beautiful, comfortable to use, and efficient, we highly recommend the FINDKING Dynasty Series Japanese Nakiri Knife.
EANINNO Japanese Nakiri Knife 7″ Inch
We highly recommend the EANINNO Japanese Nakiri Knife 7″ Inch for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile kitchen knife.
Pros
- The knife is made of 1.4116 German high carbon steel and has excellent rust resistance, sharpness, durability, and hardness.
- The craftsman grinds the cutting knife blade angle to 15°, making the Japan knife have razor sharp performance, and you can easily chop, slice, and cut kitchen foods like vegetables, meat, fish, chicken, sushi, fruits, and beef, etc.
- The knife has an ergonomically designed natural texture, burr-free, comfortable, and durable wooden handle.
Cons
- The top of the knife needs to be rounded so that it is smooth and does not hurt when you are cooking quite a bit of food that might need some force to cut.
- It is not dishwasher safe.
- The knife is relatively heavy.
We were impressed with the EANINNO Japanese Nakiri Knife 7″ Inch. The knife’s high-quality materials and traditional craftsmanship make it a reliable and durable kitchen tool. The sharp blade and comfortable handle make it easy to use for a variety of tasks, and the hammered pattern ensures that food is easy to release while slicing or dicing. The knife is also a great gift, as it comes in a beautiful presentation box. Overall, we highly recommend the EANINNO Japanese Nakiri Knife 7″ Inch for anyone looking for a versatile and high-quality kitchen knife.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best nakiri knife, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right product for your needs. In this section, we’ll cover some of the key features to look for when shopping for a nakiri knife.
Blade Material
The blade material is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a nakiri knife. The most common blade materials are stainless steel and high-carbon steel. Stainless steel is more resistant to rust and corrosion, but high-carbon steel is generally sharper and holds its edge better. Consider your needs and preferences when choosing between these two materials.
Blade Length
The blade length of a nakiri knife can vary between 5 and 7 inches. A longer blade may be more versatile and allow for more precise cuts, but a shorter blade may be easier to control and maneuver. Consider the types of fruits and vegetables you will be cutting to determine the best blade length for your needs.
Blade Thickness
The thickness of the blade can also impact the knife’s performance. A thicker blade may be more durable and better for cutting through tougher vegetables, but a thinner blade may be sharper and better for precision cutting. Consider your cutting needs and preferences when choosing between a thicker or thinner blade.
Handle Material
The handle material is also an important factor to consider when choosing a nakiri knife. The most common materials are wood, plastic, and metal. Wood handles are comfortable and provide a good grip, but can be more difficult to clean. Plastic handles are durable and easy to clean, but may not provide as good of a grip. Metal handles are durable and easy to clean, but can be slippery.
Blade Design
The blade design can also impact the knife’s performance. Some nakiri knives have a flat blade, while others have a slight curve. A flat blade may be better for chopping and slicing, while a curved blade may be better for rocking motions. Consider your cutting needs and preferences when choosing between a flat or curved blade.
In summary, when choosing a nakiri knife, consider the blade material, length, thickness, handle material, and blade design. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose the best nakiri knife for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nakiri knife is the best for home cooks?
The best nakiri knife for home cooks depends on your personal preferences and needs. However, some of the best options for home cooks include the Shun Classic Nakiri Knife, WÜSTHOF Classic IKON 7″ Hollow Edge Nakiri Knife, and the PAUDIN Nakiri Knife.
What is the difference between a nakiri knife and a santoku knife?
The main difference between a nakiri knife and a santoku knife is the blade shape. A nakiri knife has a straight blade that is perfect for chopping vegetables, while a santoku knife has a curved blade that is better suited for slicing and chopping meat.
What are the key features to look for when choosing a nakiri knife?
When choosing a nakiri knife, it is important to look for a sharp blade made from high-quality steel, a comfortable and ergonomic handle, and a durable construction. Additionally, you may want to consider the blade length, weight, and balance of the knife.
