Shun Premier Nakiri Knife

The Nakiri is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife designed specifically for chopping, slicing, and dicing produce. Its straight blade edge and flat profile make it ideal for clean, vertical cuts through vegetables without the need for a rocking motion.

The hammered finish creates small air pockets between the blade and the food you are cutting. This helps reduce friction and prevents ingredients from sticking to the side of the knife, allowing for faster, more efficient prep work.

The 16-degree angle provides exceptional sharpness, but it is thinner than standard Western knives. You will need to use a whetstone or a compatible sharpening system designed for Japanese-style edges to maintain its performance over time.

While it excels at vegetable prep, the thin, sharp blade is not designed for cutting through bone, frozen foods, or hard rinds. Using it for these tasks can chip or damage the high-performance VG-MAX steel core.

To preserve the integrity of the wood and the sharpness of the steel, this knife must be hand-washed and dried immediately after use. Avoid the dishwasher, as the high heat and harsh detergents can damage the handle and dull the blade edge.

VG-MAX is a high-carbon, high-chromium stainless steel that offers superior edge retention and corrosion resistance compared to standard alloys. It allows the blade to be ground thinner for a sharper, more precise cut while remaining durable enough for daily kitchen use.