10 Best Nakiri Knives: Chop and Slice Vegetables FAST!

By Kristy Warren •  Updated: 01/26/21 •  16 min read

 

Chopping vegetables can be a cumbersome task when you are in short of time. Preparing a meal after coming back home from a long tiring day feels like hell but a nakiri knife can make easier to prepare your meal. To make cooking enjoyable, these knives come in handy and do a superb job of cutting or chopping veggies.

Of course, chopping can be done efficiently with a normal knife but a good nakiri knife differentiates chef-like meals and your meals. To get that perfection in chopped vegetables, this knife cut through without pulling or pushing. Also, nakiri knife has squared off tips and a blade with straight edge so chopping is no more a problem.

By picking a good nakiri knife for your kitchen, you can be unique and special from others. It is because your food will have totally accurate chopped vegetables with each piece in same shape and size.

Since nakiri knife can cut thinner than others, it is easy to give your veggies a consistent size. We are here to review the best nakiri knife models you can get from the stores after studying various products from different brands.

Each of the knives is distinct in their own way so it depends on your requirements which one suit you best.

Comparison on 10 Best Nakiri Knife in 2021

Image

Product Name

Weight

Blade Length

Price

DALSTRONG Nakiri Vegetable Knife

DALSTRONG Nakiri Vegetable Knife Phantom Series AUS8 Japanese

22.56 Ounces

6″

 
Vegetable Japanese Chef Knife

Usuba-Cutter-Slicer-Cleaver-Nakiri

8 Ounces

7″

 
Shun TDM0742 Premier Nakiri Knife

Shun TDM0742 Premier Nakiri Knife

8.2 Ounces

5.5″

 
DALSTRONG Nakiri Vegetable Knife - Shogun Series X

DALSTRONG Nakiri Vegetable Knife Shogun Series X – VG10

10.2 Ounces

6″

 
Kotobuki Teruhisa Nakiri Japanese Kitchen Knife

Kotobuki Teruhisa Nakiri Japanese Kitchen Knife

5.4 Ounces

6″

 
Kai 6716N Wasabi Black Nakiri Knife

Kai 6716N Wasabi Black Nakiri Knife

8.8 Ounces

6″

 
Wusthof Classic 7-Inch Nakiri Knife with Hollow Edge

Wusthof Classic Nakiri Knife with Hollow Edge

4.8 Ounces

7″

 
Mercer Culinary Genesis 7-Inch Forged Nakiri Vegetable Knife

Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Nakiri Vegetable Knife

9.8 Ounces

7″

 
Shun Classic Stainless-Steel Nakiri Knife

Shun Classic Stainless-Steel Nakiri Knife

7.5 Ounces

6″

 
Mercer Culinary Asian Collection Nakiri Vegetable Knife with NSF Handle

Mercer Culinary Asian Collection Nakiri Vegetable Knife

6.4 Ounces

7″

 

10 Best Nakiri Knife in 2021 – Unbiased Review

1. DALSTRONG Nakiri Vegetable Knife: Best Japanese Nakiri Knife

DALSTRONG is a brand that enhances your kitchen decor with innovative design and improvements. This nakiri vegetable knife is a powerhouse of awesome features like elegance, balance, sharpness and exceptional performance.

To make chopping an enjoyable experience, this knife is extremely sharp which is designed by experts. For perfect hardness, the blade is made from cool nitrogen to further keep it corrosion resistant.

Crafted for minimal push and pull, this blade cuts precisely as it boasts strength, durability and edge retention. Plus, the knife looks beautiful since the blade is equipped with hand polished spine and ergonomic bolster shape.

To make gripping easy, this nakiri is one of the choicest knives, manufactured expertly which fits in your palm to give excellent control. Featuring a distinct mosaic pin of copper and brass add a luxurious touch to your kitchen as the knife looks stunning on the countertop. What’s more, it is made of high carbon material at 58+ Rockwell hardness, with rich black Spanish pakkawood handle for added appearance.

Pros

Cons

2. Vegetable Japanese Chef Knife – Usuba-Cutter-Slicer-Cleaver-Nakiri

Say goodbye to those poor quality low carbon stainless steel knives when you have this vegetable Japanese chef knife. Featuring 7 inch length, if this nakiri can be used right, it can do jobs of a cutter, slicer and cleaver altogether. 

Switch to Usuba Nakiri as it is a classic Japanese style knife with thin blade. To chop tomatoes, this knife is perfect as the blade is so sharp that you don’t have to worry about the damage of its soft skin. For the meals requiring paper thin veggies, this knife is an ideal choice.

Made from high carbon German steel, this nakiri knife is rust resistant and strong. Talking about the handle, it is crafted of solid and identical Pakkawood to ensure durability and moisture protection. Next, due to its slim appearance and convenience to hold, this knife is absolutely a right choice for all the kitchen people.

The blade shape and comfortable handle gives proper control over the chopping, dicing, mincing, and cutting fresh fruits or vegetables. Want to enjoy seamless chop? Never miss on this firm and safe nakiri knife which will give you good manoeuvrability while chopping.

Pros

Cons

3. Shun TDM0742 Premier Nakiri Knife  

Yet another incredible nakiri knife from the house of Shun! This one is the leading brands when it comes to culinary creation and no wonder the nakiri knives are superb. Featuring amazing features, this nakiri is one of its kinds with a beautiful hammered finish, curved toe and a pakkawood handle.

To allow the knife to chop evenly, the curved toe comes in scene that rock against the cutting board. With its thin and ultra sharp blade, slicing veggies and fruits is easy like never before. Plus, the 5.5 inch blade glides through perfectly to cut the food without damaging your skin.

Its hand hammered finish and layered Damascus steel for strength, the knife makes sure that no vegetables get stuck while chopping. To provide comfortable grip to your palms, the handle is crafted of pakkawood in nice walnut finish that looks simple yet elegant.

Since the logo is embossed on the end cap, the knife looks really beautiful boasting its sharp blades and stylish detailing. You will love this nakiri knife in your kitchen owing to the Japanese styling it is featured with! More than anything, the thin body makes this product superior than others.

Pros

Cons

4. DALSTRONG Nakiri Vegetable Knife Shogun Series X – VG10

I am really glad that I am reviewing Dalstrong nakiri vegetable knives. Featuring an outstanding designing and cutting-edge breakthrough technology, this knife is a must have to ramp up the decor of your kitchen.

You will be surprised by how this knife will give you proper control over chopping with its slightly curved handle. Designed to perfection, this sharp scalpel like edge is finished to a mirror polish and to add corrosion resistance, it is made with cool nitrogen.

The straight edge and nose of the knife is specially crafted to make cutting and chopping of fruits, veggies and leafy greens easy. Wouldn’t you like to add this smart nakiri knife to your cutlery collection? Wait no more and grab this knife as it is made of 66 layers of high carbon quality material with razor sharp blade.

Also, its ultra premium handle offers lifelong durability with superior looks. Do your hands pain while holding a knife? Worry no more as this knife is engineered for incredible control and comfort while you chop the vegetables giving a natural grip over the handle.

Pros

Cons

5. Kotobuki Teruhisa Nakiri Japanese Kitchen Knife

Made in Japan, Kotobuki Teruhisa nakiri knife is one of my favourites. Although this is a nakiri knife, the shape resembles a santoku knife. With flatter cutting edge, this knife delivers good consistent chopped vegetables to make nice meals. As compared to a traditional western knife, this nakiri Japanese knife has a very little upward curve at the tip.

It is no doubt a good choice for cooking as the preparation is commendably done including slicing, dicing and mincing. Vegetables that require a single downward cut rather than a rocking motion are perfect with this nakiri knife from Kotobuki.

Boasting a magnolia wooden handle, it is quite comfortable to hold while chopping. Would you like to miss on this one at such an affordable price and incredible features?               

Pros

Cons

6. Kai 6716N Wasabi Black Nakiri Knife

For those buyers who like economically priced knives with most of the chef-like knife features, this wasabi black nakiri knife from the house of Kai can be an ideal choice. Want a quality product? Go for Kai as this product has the potential to chop vegetables thoroughly and quickly.

To get a perfect nakiri knife, Kai can be considered the choicest product. Made of high quality Daido 1K6 carbon stainless steel, it has an exceptionally designed blade that looks smart in your kitchen. Also, the blade delivers superior edge retention to cut vegetables with utmost precision.

Additionally, the blades are bead blasted to lend an impressive finish. Plus, the handle is quite robust and sturdy to keep your hands at comfort while you chop the vegetables or fruits.

Furthermore, this nakiri knife is embellished with Japanese character on the blade that looks very beautiful. Since this knife meets your kitchen needs, you should definitely consider buying it, why? The price is affordable and is covered under lifetime warranty.

Pros

Cons

7. Wusthof Classic Nakiri Knife with Hollow Edge

Wusthof Classic Nakiri Knife with Hollow Edge

Among all kitchen cutlery brands, Wusthof holds a special place given its excellence and superiority in manufacturing products. This 7 inch nakiri knife with hollow edge is considered as the market leader because of the characteristics you can expect from this product.

Made for easy chopping and slicing, this knife has been featured with a granton edge blade angled on each side. Designed to perfection, it is made of high carbon steel material. Also, the air pockets are lined up on each side of the blade to make sure that food doesn’t stick while chopping.

Additionally, its full tang design ensures complete control over the knife. Do you know what? This nakiri knife has received an excellent rating and review from across the world. Since the knife feels good in the hand, chopping becomes really easy even if you are going to prepare meals for a bunch of people. If you want to compliment your kitchen tools, Wusthof Classic nakiri knife is a solid choice.

Pros

Cons

8. Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Nakiri Vegetable Knife

Meet Mercer culinary genesis 7 inch nakiri knife and get surprised with the results it offers. Featuring an ergonomic santoprene handle, it delivers extreme comfort to your palms while chopping.

Also, with its non slip grip built, you can chop and cut the vegetables even with wet hands. Capable to withstand hot and cold temperatures, this knife from Mercer will not break down at any cost. Constructed with high carbon forged German steel material, it is rust and corrosion resistant. To ensure better strength and durability, this knife is definitely the top choice and also provides optimum balance.

For added stability and long lasting sharpness, Mercer nakiri knife has a tapered ground edge. Also, it ensures efficiency and efficacy when cutting and chopping vegetables to prepare luscious meals to invite friends over for a small get together.

Enjoy lifetime warranty when you own this nakiri knife and don’t forget, washing it in a dishwasher will reduce the performance because of the harsh detergents. Wash with hand carefully and store in a cutlery block to avoid injuries due to its sharp edges.

Pros

Cons

9. Shun Classic Stainless-Steel Nakiri Knife

Shun is one of the finest brands when it comes to kitchen cutlery items. This stainless steel nakiri knife is designed precisely and beautifully to uplift the appearance of your kitchen. It is an ideal choice for everyone who is looking for a quality knife at an affordable price.

The cutlery from this brand is often used by many professional chefs and cooks. Crafted to perfection, this nakiri knife has an outstanding shape and innovative designing. The blade core consists of high carbon VG-10 super steel material best known for its edge retention. Also, this knife features wood grain pattern that further adds beauty to the appearance as well as make it durable and stain resistance.

Sharper than traditional European blades, this nakiri knife is also easy to maintain. Plus, the microscopic air pockets reduce friction during slicing. What’s more, its handle perfectly fits in the palm to lend utmost comfort and control whilst keeping the knife secured when in use.

Since the pakkawood handle is made of resin impregnated hardwood, it is an ideal choice for commercial kitchens given the ease it provides to the user. To make it serve you longer, wash it with hands and let dry before use.

Pros

Cons

10. Mercer Culinary Asian Collection Nakiri Vegetable Knife

Synonymous with professional culinary creations, Mercer is a top-notch brand in the food industry. With a wide variety of tools and high quality cutlery, this brand leaves no stone unturned in delivering exceptional items at affordable prices.

Now cut and slice with ease as you have Mercer nakiri knife that is designed with high carbon stainless German steel. Since this steel is rust and corrosion resistant, you need not worry its washing. Also, it glides smoothly through vegetables and meat as well to give you tasty food.

Mercer is known for paper thin slicing as its comfortable non slip Santoprene handles are balanced to keep control over slicing and cutting. To make it serve longer, never wash the knife in dishwasher as harsh detergents cause harm to the blade. Also, don’t soak it in water for long or else it will cause discoloration.

Pros

Cons

Things to Consider Before Buying a Nakiri Knife

What’s so special in a nakiri knife, many of us think, don’t you? Well, it is special which is why we have decided to write this detailed review to let you understand the features of a nakiri knife properly.

Blade Material

A nakiri knife must be made of a high carbon stainless steel material to ensure longevity. It is because, comapared to high carbon steel, low carbon stainless steel gets dull and wears out really fast due to softness. But high carbon don’t need much maintenance and also easier to sharp as well resulting in a greater lifespan.

Price

Price of any product is a considerable factor so when it comes to a knife, there is no exception to that as well. To buy a quality knife, you need to pay more so set your requirements accordingly. As already mentioned about a high carbon stainless steel knife is better than a low carbon one. However, to get that quality knife, get ready to spend somewhere between $100 and $200.

Handle

Although the price and material matters a lot, the handle quality also cannot be overshadowed. Since it is the handle from where you hold the knife, it should be of premium quality to offer complete comfort. Look for a curved handle which makes it easy for your hands to form a nice grip while you are using it.

Finishing quality of the blade

It’s the blade design and quality that sets nakiri knife apart compared to other Japanese knives. Lastly, it is essential to check the finish of the blade because food pieces stick to a low quality blade. However, choosing a right finish will make sure this thing will not happen again. For your knowledge, most nakiri knives have hammered finish which doesn’t let food stick to the blade while cutting. During the chopping process, finish is important to consider if you want to enjoy cutting. When you are looking to purchase a nakiri knife, these things are must to pay attention on.

Blade length

Other than above, the blade length is also an essential thing. The minimum length of a nakiri knife is 5 inches so chopping becomes easy. However, while shortlisting any knife, make sure to check the length.

Best Nakiri Knife Review

Coming to the today’s topic, a nakiri knife can be found in household kitchens all over the world. However, we have compiled this list to enlighten you on to different nakiri knife models from various brands. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What knives you need in your kitchen for making the best cuisines?

There are some knives that we always have in our kitchens for regular use. But if we want to cook different continental cuisines we need to have some specific knives in our collection. Such as santoku knife, nakiri knife, carve knife etc.

What is the difference nakiri between usuba knife?

Both nakiri knife and usuba knife are meant for cutting. Nakiri has a straight blade. Which is great for cutting or chopping vegetables. Whereas a usaba knife is a bit more sharper which is used for cutting vegetables more precisely.

How to preserve a nakiri knife?

To preserve your nakiri knife for it to last longer you need to clean it and store it properly on a good knife holder. Clean the knife with soap and water. Dry it with a towel and store it in a dry place or hang it in a magnetic knife holder.

Conclusion

To sum up, I would like to say that picking a quality nakiri knife is quite tough a task without some basic knowledge. This product review will help you in making a fair decision after considering your requirements from where you can take it further.

Talking about a good nakiri knife, it would be from the house of SHUN as it offers professional chopping and slicing alike. Plus, your budget, your personal preferences and usage frequency are the deciding factors when it comes to choosing the best nakiri knife for you.

If you want to land on the right product, there are many brands offering good nakiri knives which you can choose from. As I have written down the best products, you can pick the one that suits you the most.

Simply read the review thoroughly and make a checklist of your requirements to settle down on the best nakiri knife from your point of view. With this review list, you will definitely get the right product at your disposal. Apart from SHUN, the nakiri knife from Mercer and Dalstrong are also considerable but then again it depends on your choice. Happy nakiri shopping!

 

Kristy Warren

Hello, I’m Kristy and the person behind KitchenPicker.com. I regularly post daily life kitchen-oriented things like kitchen hacks, kitchen tools, utensils, and related articles. The purpose of this blog is to make an archive and share my ideas and knowledge with my followers.