Are you looking for the best Nakiri knife that can help you quickly chop the seedless vegetables into paper-thin pieces? If so, I have everything ready for you!
Our review of the best vegetable Nakiri knives will help you choose the one that matches your needs. I picked only the best models to make your job easier.
01. Mac Knife 6.5-inch Vegetable Cleaver
Blade Materials & Performance
The Mac Knife Japanese Vegetable Cleaver is an excellent choice to enhance your culinary skills.
The performance and blade of this Japanese knife are like no other! Being equipped with a 2.5 mm blade, the knife can easily split vegetables, especially onions into pieces within seconds.
The introduction of a molybdenum steel blade has made this knife different from traditional Japanese knives. Molybdenum offers extreme strength to the knife and allows it to cut through the meat.
Thus, you don’t have to worry about spending extra money on different knives. Because the Mac Knife Cleaver will chop all the vegetables and cut meat into pieces without much effort.
Thus, you will get finely chopped veggies that will enhance the look of your salads!
Handle Design & Usability
The Mac Knife Japanese Series Vegetable Cleaver is also well-known for its comfort. While the robust blade offers ultimate durability, the Pakkawood handle is perfectly designed to provide comfort while cutting.
Unlike other knives, it can efficiently fit a feminine hand and makes cutting a lot easier!
Final Verdict
The exceptional cutting properties of the Mac Knife Japanese Series Vegetable Cleaver make it the best vegetable Nakiri knife of all time. It is portable, functional, and stands the test of time.
02. Shun Cutlery Classic 6.5-inch Nakiri Knife
Blade Materials& Performance
The Shun Cutlery Classic 6.5’’ Nakiri slicing knife will make your vegetable-chopping experience a lot more fun in the kitchen.
The double-bevel blade of this knife allows you to cut vegetables into thin sheets and efficiently dice your onions. The performance and excellence make it perfect for both chefs and new cooks.
The 6.5’’ stainless steel blade is the most impressive feature of this Japanese knife. The VG-MAX steel blade is clad with 68 Damascus stainless steel layers, making it a highly robust and smooth knife for slicing vegetables.
By seeing the length and corrosion resistance of the blade, I cannot question its performance!
Handle Design & Usability
Like traditional knives, this one is also blessed with a D-shaped Pakkawood handle. It is an excellent choice as the Pakkawood handle is lightweight and offers optimum grip. Thus, it ensures your safety as you enjoy cutting your vegetables.
Final Verdict
The Shun Cutlery Classic 6.5’’ knife comes with a fine double-bevel blade and a secure handle to make your slicing game easier. It is equipped with several features that make it worth your money.
03. Dalstrong Nakiri 6-inch Vegetable Knife
Blade Materials & Performance
If you are looking for an all-around perfect knife with an excellent design, the DALSTRONG knife will be your stop! The blade materials and performance of this knife are awe-inspiring!
Being equipped with 66 layers of premium high-carbon stainless steel blade, it will help you dive the onions and cut through the meat in one sharp cut. The 55mm blade width also enhances the final result of your sliced vegetables.
The cutting-edge breakthrough technology also makes it highly efficient in providing a paper-thin slice of your vegetables.
Thus, whether it’s dicing onions or slicing tomatoes, you can never go wrong with the DALSTRONG Nakiri Vegetable knife in hand!
Handle Design & Usability
The Pakkawood handle also offers excellent control while you grip on the knife. The handle is straight with no curves and still manages to stay firm in your hand.
The handle design and finely polished blade with the Honbazuke method provide a sharp look to the knife.
Thus, the knife will work perfectly for years and always sparkle while relaxing in your tool collection!
Final Verdict
The unique design and stunning performance of the DALSTRONG Nakiri Vegetable knife will make you love slicing vegetables. Unlike others, the premium design is to make it last longer.
04. Wusthof Classic 7-inch Nakiri Chef Knife
Blade Materials & Performance
The ergonomic design of the Wusthof Classic knife keeps you safe as you slice your vegetables with fun. The long and durable blade of the Wusthof Classic knife is an impressive feature.
It comes with a 7’’ high-carbon steel blade, making it the best choice for restaurants and professional cooks.
The introduction of the PEtec technology makes it even more genuine and impressive. This technology is unique to Wusthof and offers extreme sharpness to the blade. Thus, the blade will not get dull even if you use it several times a day.
Handle Design & Usability
The handle design of this cleaver is the best feature. It is designed in such a manner that offers extreme maneuverability and safety while cutting vegetables.
The handle is equipped with finger guard technology for extra protection as you are working with sharp blades.
In this way, the knife fits your hand easily, and you keep cutting the vegetables like a pro!
Final Verdict
The extra-long blade and ergonomic handle design of the Wusthof Classic vegetable knife make it the best Nakiri vegetable slicing knife of all time! Although a bit pricey, I can say your money will not go wasted.
05. Yoshihiro 6.5-inch Nakiri Vegetable Knife
Blade Materials & Performance
The Yoshihiro VG-10 Nakiri Vegetable knife comes with several useful features. The stainless steel blade of this Japanese knife makes your daily chores in the kitchen a lot easier.
The flat cutting edge and robust blade combine to give the best cuts while slicing vegetables.
The flatness of the blades allows you to make the whole cutting board meet with the knife. In this way, you will slice vegetables in a single stroke.
The blade is also designed to eliminate the imperfect cuts of new cooks and give an exceptionally smooth finish.
The 16 layers of hammered Damascus stainless steel provide a sleek look and performance.
Handle Design & Usability
The longer handle, perfectly handcrafted in Japan, is known to offer the best grip while ensuring excellent cuts.
The wood handle has very slight curves to fit your hand and prevent any injury with the sharp blade. In this way, it is easy to use for almost all chefs and cooks.
Final Verdict
The durability, performance, sharpness, safety, and usability of the Yoshihiro VG-10 Damascus-style knife make its way into an impressive vegetable knife. It can smoothly cut vegetables in a single stroke with no roughness.
06. Findking-Dynasty Series 7-inch Gyuto Knife
Blade Materials & Performance
The 7-inch beautiful Gyuto Knife by Findking is the best of the Dynasty Series, making it the perfect choice for cutting vegetables daily in your home.
The introduction of Forging technology in the knife has made it one of the most durable knives of all time.
Besides using high-quality steel, the company also introduced three layers of 9Cr18Mov clad steel.
This feature makes it highly portable for your everyday tasks in the kitchen.
The V-shaped and hand-polished blade is also sharp enough to cut through meat in a single stroke.
So, when it comes to vegetables, I know how this knife will perform. The 7-inch blade will certainly make your task quick and easy.
Handle Design & Usability
The handle design of this cleaver makes all the difference. The octagonal shape of this Rosewood handle offers the perfect grip without the knife slipping from your hand.
In this way, the knife combines beauty with functionality and delivers incredible results.
I also like the clad dimples in this knife. It performs well to remove any stuck pieces of vegetables or meat and offers extreme convenience.
Final Verdict
The patent technologies in the 7-inch cleaver knife by Findking-Dynasty Series give an excellent design and functionality to the knife. While making smooth cuts, it makes sure you stay comfortable.
07. TUO 6.5-inch Nakiri Vegetable Knife
Blade Materials & Performance
The affordable price and durable construction of the TUO Osprey vegetable slicing knife make it perfect for chefs and commercial use.
This Japanese knife is equipped with German DIN1.4116 stainless steel. This kind of steel blade is well-known for its extreme sharpness and durability, making you slice your vegetables in seconds!
I like how the company pays utmost attention to the sharpness. The 6.5-inch blade is long enough for slicing vegetables in bulk and completing the task quickly.
The razor-sharp blade and edge can also slice meat in a single stroke. Thus, you don’t have to keep several knives for different uses. This vegetable cleaver is enough alone!
Handle Design & Usability
The overall construction of the handle is impressive. Professional artisans have crafted it with a smooth finish and an attractive look. The handle is larger because the knife is specially designed for chefs in restaurants.
That makes it an ideal fit for male hands. Like traditional Japanese knives, this cleaver also comes with a Pakkawood handle.
It is also round in shape and offers a robust grip while you slice your vegetables and meat.
Final Verdict
The TUO Osprey slicing knife is packed with durable features at an affordable price. While the stainless steel blade provides smooth cuts, the ergonomic handle offers extra safety while slicing vegetables and meats.
What Is a Nakiri Knife?
A Nakiri knife is a Japanese-style knife designed especially for cutting vegetables. This cleaver is much thinner and comes with a straight blade edge.
The blade edge allows for easy cutting as you don’t have to strike the knife on the cutting board while slicing vegetables.
The thin blade and razor-sharp edge also help in cutting vegetables into paper-thin slices.
The long and thin blade of a Nakiri vegetable knife also allows for chopping and slicing long veggies in a single stroke.
Their convenience and functionality have convinced many chefs to use them. I would like to say, if you’re not familiar with this knife you can use the Santoku knife instead.
What Are the Advantages of a Nakiri Knife?
The functionality and speed of the Nakiri knife are the most significant advantages of using it.
Unlike other knives, they have long and thin blades. The handle is also perfectly designed for a firm grip and comfortable feel.
The blade allows you to slice vegetables and fruits smoothly into thin pieces. In this way, you get the perfect salad dressings to boost your skills as a chef.
Many professional chefs also praise the speed of this Japanese knife. The long blade allows for quick slicing, and the handle helps maintain a smooth motion while you’re constantly slicing veggies.
Nakiri Knife vs. Usuba Knife: What Are the Key Differences?
The following are the key difference between the Nakiri knife and the Usuba knife.
- A Nakiri vegetable knife is lightweight, while the Usuba is a bit heavier.
- The Nakiri knife has a double-bevel blade, while the Usuba is almost always a single-bevel knife.
- The handle of a Nakiri slicing knife follows the western style. On the other hand, the Usuba knife is designed according to the Japanese style.
- The Nakiri chopping knife sharpens quickly. On the other hand, the Usuba knife takes professionals to sharpen.
- The Nakiri knives come at affordable prices in general. While Usuba knives are also reasonably priced, the premium and high-quality knives can be expensive.
Buyer’s Guide – Things to Consider
The following buying guide will help you determine the features that need your consideration while choosing the best Nakiri knife.
Blade Material
Nakiri vegetable chopping knives come with a thin and rectangular blade. However, the blade material can differ based on the overall design. If you want paper-thin vegetable slices, you need a thinner blade with a straight edge.
Stainless steel is the most common material used in the blade of a Japanese knife. High-carbon steel and molybdenum are also excellent materials to increase the durability and performance of the blade.
Blade Length
The blade length is perhaps an essential factor to consider in a Japanese knife. Short blades can take more time in slicing vegetables and also increase the risk of rough cuts.
Ideally, the blade length should be more than 5 inches to chop and slice more vegetables quickly. Luckily, all the knives in our review have long blades, with lengths up to 7 inches.
Handle Comfort
Who likes hitting their knuckles on the chopping board while cutting vegetables and fruits? The discomfort of the handle is a nightmare for chefs.
Therefore, an ideal Japanese knife should have a smooth handle with the perfect grip. The handle type will depend on your hands.
Knives come with long and large handles, while you will also find some with smaller handles for feminine hands.
Cutting Performance
The smooth cuts of a Nakiri chef’s knife determine its performance. Some low-quality knives have thick and rough blades that affect the cuts of the vegetables.
Luckily, our review contains all the Japanese cleavers with the best cutting performance. They have thin and long blades made of high-quality materials to ensure paper-thin slices of your vegetables.
Durability
The warranty of a Japanese Nakiri vegetable knife somehow determines durability. However, you also have to maintain the blade to increase its life.
In general, knives with stainless-steel blades are more durable because they can resist corrosion. If you opt for some other material, make sure it is corrosion-resistance to enhance durability.
Versatility
The versatility of a Nakiri slicing knife lies in the blade and handle. The blade should be long and sharp enough to slice the vegetables in a single stroke.
Besides, the handle needs to offer an optimum grip to prevent your knuckles from hitting the board. Only in this way you can ensure fast and uniform cuts.
Price Range
Nakiri vegetable slicing knives are available at a variety of prices. Some are less than $50, while others may cost more than $100.
The price affects the quality and features of the knife. However, some knives may cost more but offer poor results.
Luckily, our review contains knives with different price ranges. The one you choose will depend on your preference and budget.
Conclusion
The best Japanese vegetable-slicing knives are highly functional and portable due to their durable features. After a detailed review of several cleavers, I conclude the Shun Cutlery 6.5’’ knife as the best Nakiri knife.
The 68 layers of Damascus stainless steel blade provide smooth cuts like no other knife. Also, the D-shaped handle perfectly fits every hand and offers an optimum grip.
While this was our favorite knife among all the ones reviewed, your preference might be different according to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What characteristics should I be mindful of when selecting a Nakiri knife?
Choosing the right Nakiri knife boils down to a few key details. First and foremost, you’ll want to seek out a Nakiri that features a **straight cutting edge**. This unique feature is what makes Nakiris suitable for push-chopping, a method often practiced by professional chefs. The knife’s exceptional performance in this regard is due, in part, to its straight cutting edge. This straight edge ensures that the entire length of the blade comes into contact with the cutting board at the same time, making push-chopping easier and more uniform.
In terms of materials, while most Nakiris are crafted using high-carbon alloys, the specific composition isn't as vital as proper maintenance. Quality knives, just like any tool, require consistent care to stay in top shape. Therefore, remember to always keep your knife clean, dry, and well-sharpened. As someone who has worked in professional kitchens, I can't stress enough the importance of maintaining the cleanliness and sharpness of your tools. Not only does it directly impact the quality of your food preparation, but it also assures your safety in the kitchen.
What task is a Nakiri knife best suited for?
A Nakiri knife, with its straight, square-shaped blade that resembles a small cleaver, is a powerhouse when it comes to vegetable preparation. I have found it particularly effective at executing precise vegetable cuts such as julienne, brunoise, and allumette. Its design allows for exact cuts, making it a favorite in many professional kitchens.
The Nakiri earns further points in my culinary kit for its ability to handle dense, hard-skinned vegetables such as pumpkins, squash, and various root vegetables. With a good grip and an evenly controlled pressure, you can easily slip right through the toughest of these with precision and ease. It truly shines in a vegetable-focused kitchen.
Which Nakiri knife would you recommend for someone with smaller hands?
As a professional chef, I am always looking for tools that make my work easier and this search led me to Tojiro knives. Weighing in at a mere 4.6 ounces, the Tojiro nakiri halves the MAC’s weight of 5.6 ounces, making it a considerably **lighter choice, ideal for smaller hands** or for individuals with limited grip or arm strength.
Tojiro knives are well-regarded in the culinary world for their superior quality coupled with an affordable price, making them a win-win for any chef or culinary enthusiast. In my experience, the Tojiro nakiri is a reliable, efficient, and comfortable choice that won't disappoint in a professional setting or a home kitchen.
Should I choose a Santoku or a Nakiri knife?
The choice between a Santoku and a Nakiri knife largely depends on your specific culinary needs and preferences. If your main cooking tasks involve chopping vegetables, a Nakiri could be the better choice for you. Its design will allow you to chop with greater ease and precision. In my numerous hours spent in professional kitchens, I often notice the Nakiri being chosen over other knives for these tasks.
However, if you're in search of a multi-purpose knife that can handle a wider array of tasks, including cutting vegetables, a Santoku becomes a worthy contender. Santoku can efficiently take on many types of food items, making it a more versatile choice if you need to prepare a variety of ingredients. Understanding the tasks each knife excels at can help you make the right decision for your specific needs.
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