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10 Best Nakiri Knives 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

PAUDIN Nakiri Knife - 7" Razor Sharp Meat Cleaver and Vegetable Kitchen Knife, High Carbon Stainless Steel, Multipurpose Asian Chef Knife for Home and Kitchen with Ergonomic Handle

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,321
Weight and Balance

Most important from
4015 reviews

Weight and Balance
This knife has become my go-to for chopping vegetables and slicing meat, offering a quality feel with ideal weight.

The PAUDIN Nakiri Knife is a versatile kitchen tool designed for tasks like slicing, dicing, chopping, and mincing. With a 7-inch blade made from 5Cr15Mov high carbon stainless steel, it provides a razor-sharp cutting edge that's easy to maintain. This steel is known for its durability and rust resistance, similar to materials used by well-known cutlery brands. The ergonomic pakkawood handle ensures a comfortable grip and balanced control, making it easier to handle even for extended periods. The knife weights 7.9 ounces, which provides a good balance without feeling too heavy or too light.

The wave pattern on the blade not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also helps reduce food friction, making it easier to clean. However, the knife is not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand washing. It's also important to note that the blade is not genuine Damascus steel, which might be a consideration for some users. With a high customer rating and a lifetime warranty against defects, this knife could be a valuable addition to any kitchen, especially for those who need a reliable, multipurpose knife for various cooking tasks.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,321
Weight and Balance

Most important from
4015 reviews

Weight and Balance
This knife has become my go-to for chopping vegetables and slicing meat, offering a quality feel with ideal weight.
#2

Shun Classic 6 1/2" Nakiri Knife

Rating
9.8
Weight and Balance

Most important from
932 reviews

Weight and Balance
The knife is well-balanced and easy to handle, even though it has a reassuring heft.

The Shun Classic 6.5" Nakiri Knife is a standout choice for anyone passionate about preparing vegetables, whether at home or in a professional kitchen. One of its key strengths is the blade material; made with VG-MAX steel and 68 layers of Damascus cladding, it offers incredible sharpness and durability. The 16-degree edge provides precision cutting, making it ideal for slicing and dicing with ease. The comfortable D-shaped Pakkawood handle ensures a secure grip, accommodating both left and right-handed users, which enhances the user experience.

A significant benefit of this knife is its craftsmanship. Handcrafted in Japan, it reflects a legacy of traditional knife-making, ensuring that each piece is not only functional but also a work of art. The limited lifetime warranty and free sharpening service add to the appeal, as they promise lasting use and support.

The Shun Classic Nakiri Knife is a superb choice for vegetable preparation, offering excellent sharpness and beautiful craftsmanship. It's perfect for serious cooks who appreciate quality tools, but if you're looking for a more versatile or lower-maintenance option, you might want to explore other knives.

Rating
9.8
Weight and Balance

Most important from
932 reviews

Weight and Balance
The knife is well-balanced and easy to handle, even though it has a reassuring heft.
#3

HOSHANHO 7 Inch Nakiri Knife, Japanese High Carbon Stainless Steel Chef Knife, Multipurpose Meat Vegetable Sharp Kitchen Knife with Ergonomic Pakkawood Handle

Rating
9.6
Weight and Balance

Most important from
614 reviews

Weight and Balance
It provides perfect balance and fits comfortably in hand, offering great control.

The HOSHANHO 7 Inch Nakiri Knife stands out for its exceptional sharpness and versatility, making it a great addition to any kitchen, particularly for those who enjoy preparing vegetables and meats. Crafted from high-quality Japanese AUS-10 high carbon stainless steel, the blade boasts a hardness of 60HRC, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance even with frequent use. Its ultra-sharp 15-degree edge allows for effortless slicing, dicing, and chopping, which can significantly enhance efficiency in meal prep.

The ergonomic pakkawood handle is designed to fit comfortably in hand, reducing fatigue during extended use. This thoughtful design aspect is particularly important for home cooks or professionals who spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Additionally, the knife features an attractive scallop-shaped hollow pit on the side, which not only adds to its visual appeal but also helps prevent food from sticking to the blade during cutting.

While the knife is marketed as a multi-functional tool, it may not perform as well with tough meats or bones compared to specialized knives. The blade's sharpness does require regular maintenance, including honing and sharpening, to keep it in prime condition. Also, due to its high carbon content, the blade may be prone to rusting if not properly cared for, which could be a concern for users unfamiliar with high-maintenance kitchen tools.

Rating
9.6
Weight and Balance

Most important from
614 reviews

Weight and Balance
It provides perfect balance and fits comfortably in hand, offering great control.

Buying Guide for the Best Nakiri Knives

Nakiri knives are traditional Japanese vegetable knives known for their rectangular shape and straight edge. They are designed to make precise, clean cuts through vegetables, making them a favorite among chefs and home cooks who prioritize efficiency and precision in their vegetable preparation. When choosing a Nakiri knife, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you select the best fit for your needs.
Blade MaterialThe blade material of a Nakiri knife is crucial as it affects the knife's sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and Damascus steel. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making it ideal for everyday use. High-carbon steel is extremely sharp and holds its edge well but requires more maintenance to prevent rust. Damascus steel is known for its beautiful patterns and combines the benefits of both stainless and high-carbon steel. Choose stainless steel for low maintenance, high-carbon steel for superior sharpness, and Damascus steel for a balance of aesthetics and performance.
Blade LengthBlade length determines how much cutting surface you have and can affect the knife's maneuverability. Nakiri knives typically range from 5 to 7 inches in length. A shorter blade (around 5 inches) offers more control and is easier to handle, making it suitable for smaller vegetables and precision tasks. A longer blade (around 7 inches) provides a larger cutting surface, which is useful for slicing larger vegetables and making longer cuts. Choose a blade length based on the size of the vegetables you commonly prepare and your comfort level with handling the knife.
Blade ThicknessBlade thickness impacts the knife's weight and cutting performance. Thinner blades (around 2-3 mm) are lighter and allow for more precise, delicate cuts, making them ideal for fine vegetable work. Thicker blades (around 3-4 mm) are sturdier and can handle tougher vegetables but may not offer the same level of precision. Consider a thinner blade for tasks requiring finesse and a thicker blade for more robust cutting needs.
Handle MaterialThe handle material affects the knife's comfort, grip, and durability. Common handle materials include wood, plastic, and composite materials. Wooden handles offer a traditional look and feel but may require more maintenance to prevent cracking. Plastic handles are durable, easy to clean, and often more affordable. Composite handles combine the benefits of both wood and plastic, offering durability and a comfortable grip. Choose a handle material based on your preference for aesthetics, comfort, and maintenance.
Weight and BalanceThe weight and balance of a Nakiri knife influence how it feels in your hand and how easy it is to control. A well-balanced knife will feel comfortable and stable, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Lighter knives are easier to maneuver and cause less strain, while heavier knives can provide more cutting power. Test the knife in your hand if possible to find a weight and balance that feels comfortable for you, considering how long you typically use the knife and the types of vegetables you cut.

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