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10 Best Nakiri Knives 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shun Classic 6 1/2" Nakiri Knife

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,168
Weight and Balance

Most important from
1046 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
10.0
Chosen by1,168
Weight and Balance

Most important from
1046 reviews

Weight and Balance
The knife is well-balanced and easy to handle, even though it has a reassuring heft.
#2

Mercer Culinary M20907 Genesis 7-Inch Nakiri Vegetable Knife,Black

Rating
9.4
Blade Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
13152 reviews

Blade Material
Mercer knives never disappoint, staying sharp and reliable.
Weight and Balance
It sharpens very nicely, the balance is good, and it feels good in my hand.

The Mercer Culinary M20907 Genesis Nakiri Vegetable Knife features a 7-inch blade made from high-carbon German steel, providing excellent durability and long-lasting sharpness. The blade's taper-ground edge ensures efficient cutting, making it ideal for chopping, mincing, and slicing vegetables. The handle is constructed from Santoprene, which offers a comfortable, ergonomic grip that remains non-slip even when wet, enhancing safety and precision during use.

Weighing only 4 ounces, the knife is lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to handle for extended periods without causing fatigue. However, the knife requires careful hand-washing with warm water and mild soap to maintain its performance and longevity, as it is not dishwasher safe.

This knife is suited for both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts who value a high-quality, durable tool in their kitchen. Potential buyers should be prepared for the additional maintenance required to keep this knife in top condition.

Rating
9.4
Blade Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
13152 reviews

Blade Material
Mercer knives never disappoint, staying sharp and reliable.
Weight and Balance
It sharpens very nicely, the balance is good, and it feels good in my hand.
#3

Dalstrong Nakiri Knife - 6 inch - Phantom Series - Japanese High-Carbon AUS8 Steel - Pakkawood Handle - Vegetable Kitchen Knife - Sheath Included

Rating
9.1
Handle Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
2252 reviews

Handle Material
The handle and bolster make it incredibly comfortable to use, and the blade is ready to work right out of the box.
Weight and Balance
The knife's weight and balance are perfect for long hours of kitchen work, providing comfort and control.

The Dalstrong Nakiri Knife from the Phantom Series is a high-performance vegetable kitchen knife with a 6-inch blade made of Japanese AUS-8 high-carbon steel. This type of steel is renowned for its sharpness, edge retention, and durability. The blade is honed to a razor-sharp 13-15° edge and nitrogen-cooled, enhancing its hardness and resistance to corrosion. This knife is also designed for minimal drag, making cutting swift and precise. The blade's hollow ground edge aids in reducing resistance further, ensuring smooth cuts through vegetables.

The knife's handle is made of rich black Spanish pakkawood, polished and laminated for durability. This D-shaped handle fits comfortably in the hand, providing good control and maneuverability, essential for intricate vegetable cuts. Weighing 1.37 pounds, the knife provides a solid feel without being too heavy, and its balance is ideal for comfortable extended use.

However, the knife is not dishwasher safe, which means it requires careful hand washing and maintenance to preserve its quality. Additionally, while AUS-8 steel is excellent, it may not be as hard as some higher-end Japanese steels like VG-10, potentially requiring more frequent sharpening. The knife is backed by Dalstrong's lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee, adding peace of mind for buyers. Perfect for those who enjoy cooking and need a reliable, sharp, and comfortable tool for vegetable preparation.

Rating
9.1
Handle Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
2252 reviews

Handle Material
The handle and bolster make it incredibly comfortable to use, and the blade is ready to work right out of the box.
Weight and Balance
The knife's weight and balance are perfect for long hours of kitchen work, providing comfort and 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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