Nakiri
Shadow Nakiri
Material
Blue Steel #2
Length
165mm
Origin
—
Finish
Kurouchi
Description
Wenge and black buffalo horn run the same dark register as the kurouchi blade. Aogami #2 carbon core sharpens fast, holds an edge. Everything on this nakiri occupies the same dark end of the spectrum.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
WHAT MAKES THIS KNIFE SPECIAL
Blade Type
Nakiri
Blade Material
Blue Steel #2
Blade Length
165mm
Handle Material
Buffalo Horn
Blade Finish
Kurouchi
Built for vegetables and nothing else.
Rectangular flat edge; full board contact on every push cut.
QUALITATIVE SPECIFICATIONS
WHY CHOOSE THE NAKIRI
菜切 ⎯ NAKIRI ⎯ VEGETABLE KNIFE
Overview
The nakiri is built for vegetables and nothing else — and that focus makes it exceptional. A rectangular blade with a flat edge profile that contacts the board completely on every stroke. No tip, no curve, no meat-and-fish geometry. Just a 165–180mm edge optimized for push cuts through plant matter.
Vegetable-specialist
Designed from the ground up for vegetable prep. The flat blade profile works through root vegetables, leafy greens, and everything between without the tip-bias of a chef's knife. High-volume vegetable work is where the nakiri earns its place.
Easy to handle
Balanced for a natural grip from the first use. Light enough to follow the hand without fighting it, compact enough to stay in control through extended prep. The knife adapts to your technique, not the other way around.
Traditional Japanese
A foundational tool in Japanese kitchen tradition — purpose-built, unchanged in its core geometry, designed around the demands of Japanese cooking culture. It has served the same function for generations for a reason.
Flat edge profile
The nakiri's straight edge maintains complete board contact through every stroke. Zero rocking, zero waste motion. Consistent cuts from the first slice to the last. A geometry that rewards precision and punishes nothing.
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
Dry thoroughly
After each use, wash the knives promptly and dry it thoroughly to bid farewell to any lingering moisture.
Gentle hand-wash only
Treat the knives with love by avoiding dishwashers. Hand-wash it with care, ensuring its longevity.
Be mindful of hard objects
Steer clear of bones or frozen food to protect the edge from chipping.
Use the right cutting board
Wooden cutting boards are highly recommended as they are gentle on the blade. They help preserve sharpness and extend the knife’s life.
Craftsmanship Guaranteed
ZAKU Knives are meticulously hand-crafted in Japan by skilled, generational artisans across Sakai, Seki, and Echizen regions.
Trusted by Professionals
Sakai proudly produces nearly all blades trusted by elite professional chefs, ensuring top-tier kitchen performance.
Promoting Tradition
We honor centuries of heritage by sharing authentic Japanese forging techniques with culinary enthusiasts worldwide.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How to choose the perfect knife?
The first key point in choosing a knife is what you cook and how you cut.
Knives come in many shapes and sizes. Choosing the right one for your cooking style greatly improves comfort and cutting performance.
The best knife is the one that feels right to you—The one you actually want to pick up and use. While performance varies slightly, your choice is primarily about personal style, comfort, and maintenance habits.
What payment methods are available?
We currently accept payments via PayPal and all major credit cards. All transactions are processed through our secure checkout, and we ensure that your details are never shared with third parties.
Prepaid gift cards and debit cards can also be used, but please note that they may occasionally encounter issues during approval, such as expiration dates or insufficient balances. Because of this, we cannot guarantee that prepaid cards, even those with a Visa logo, will always be approved. We recommend checking the balance of your prepaid card before enrolling if it’s your chosen payment method.
Does shipping fee include custom fees and taxes?
We recommend double-checking your country’s customs regulations before placing your order. Customs fees and taxes vary from country to country, so it’s important to be aware of your local rules. If you are charged any customs fees or taxes, please note that we are not responsible for covering these costs. These charges are determined by your local government, and unfortunately, we do not have control over the import taxes or customs procedures.
How should I choose between stainless and carbon?
Choosing a steel type is less about “sharpness” (both can be razor-sharp!) and more about your lifestyle. Generally, stainless steel is easy maintenance, and carbon steel is easy to sharpen.
When will my order ship?
All orders placed with us are typically processed within 72 hours (3 business days). Please note that processing time is separate from the shipping method you select and does not affect the estimated delivery time.
If, for any reason, we are unable to prepare your order for shipping within 72 hours, we will notify you via email with an update. Additionally, please be aware that Japanese holidays do not count as business days, as most businesses and services are closed during these periods.
What is your warranty and return policy?
Please note that certain natural characteristics of handcrafted products are not considered defects. We do not accept returns or exchanges for any reason related to customer preference.
Visit our FAQ page for a more detailed breakdown of our warranty and return policies.