Best Nakiri Knife 2025 – Top Japanese Picks Tested & Reviewed

1. What is a Nakiri Knife and What Makes the Best Nakiri Knife?

The Nakiri bōchō (菜切り包丁) is a Japanese double-edged vegetable knife. It has a flat edge and a tall, rectangular blade. This shape makes it perfect for push cutting, a technique where the blade moves straight down through the food without rocking, giving you clean, even slices every time. Among the many types of vegetable knives Japan is known for, the nakiri stands out for its precision and efficiency.

When choosing the best nakiri knife, consider:

• Blade steel – Controls sharpness, edge retention, and care needs.
• Blade size – Most nakiris are 165–170 mm (6.5–7 inches).
• Weight & balance – Affects control and comfort during long prep sessions.
• Handle style – Wa-handle (light, traditional) or Yo-handle (heavier, Western-style).
• Fit & finish – A smooth spine and choil make extended chopping more comfortable.

2. Best Japanese Nakiri Knife – Our Top Picks, Tested & Reviewed

Nakiri Blue steel #2 Kurouchi Damascus Buffalo Ebony Handle 165mm 

Why it’s great:

Blue #2 steel takes a razor-sharp edge and keeps it through long chopping sessions. The kurouchi plus damascus cladding helps reduce food sticking, while the heavy ebony and buffalo horn handle shifts balance slightly forward for confident, straight push-cuts. A well-finished spine and choil add comfort, and the steel gives excellent feedback on a whetstone.
Specifications: 

Nakiri Blue Super Polished Sumi Urushi Handle 165mm

Why it’s great:

Blue Super steel offers even higher hardness and longer edge life, so you sharpen less often. The polished finish slides through watery vegetables with little drag, while the Sumi Urushi lacquered handle resists moisture and stays grippy when wet.

Specifications: 

Nakiri VG-10 Damascus Sumi Urushi Handle 165mm

Why it’s great:

VG-10 is the go-to stainless steel for sharpness with easy care. Independent lab testing by Knife Steel Nerds measured VG-10 at ~60.7 HRC, which matches its reputation. (Source: Knife Steel Nerds). It resists rust, sharpens quickly, and the damascus finish adds beauty and smooth glide. The Sumi Urushi handle improves grip and hygiene, great for busy kitchens.

Specifications: 

Nakiri Blue Super Damascus Buffalo Magnolia Handle 165mm

Why it’s great:

Combines the edge retention of Blue Super with the light, traditional feel of magnolia wood. The lighter handle brings balance closer to the pinch grip for quick, controlled cuts. Damascus cladding reduces sticking and looks stunning.

Specifications: 

Nakiri Silver Steel #3 Nashiji Sumi Urushi Handle 165mm

Why it’s great:

Silver Steel #3 (Ginsan) cuts like carbon steel but is fully stainless, making it easier to care for. The nashiji finish helps reduce sticking, and the Sumi Urushi handle offers comfort and durability.

Specifications: 

3. Best Japanese Nakiri Knife – Comparison Table

After testing and reviewing each model in detail, we’ve put together a quick comparison so you can see the best Japanese nakiri knives side by side.

4. How to Choose the Best Nakiri Knife for You

Choosing the right nakiri knife isn’t just about looks. It's about finding a blade that matches your cooking habits, maintenance style, and personal preferences. A well-chosen nakiri can make prep work faster, easier, and more enjoyable.

Ask yourself:

1. How often will you use it?

Daily cooks should focus on steels with long edge retention like Blue Super.

1.  What’s your maintenance style?

If you want easy care, go for stainless steels like VG-10 or Ginsan. These resist rust and need less upkeep than reactive carbon steels.

1.  What’s your budget?

High-quality nakiri knives start around $80. Premium models, including some of the best Japanese nakiri knives, can exceed $300.

1. Which style do you prefer?

Choose a traditional hammered damascus blade for visual appeal, or a polished finish for smoother cuts and minimal drag.

By answering these questions, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and find the best nakiri knife that feels like it was made for your hand, helping you enjoy every step of your cooking process.

5. Final Thoughts & Recommendation

A nakiri knife isn’t just for vegetables, it’s a fast, flat-profile slicer that makes prep cleaner, more precise, and more enjoyable. You can choose the right one based on what you value most: edge life, maintenance, or a balanced feel. Here are our top picks for each criterion:

• Best edge life (needs care): Nakiri Blue Super Polished Sumi Urushi Handle 165mm - Experience unmatched sharpness and edge retention from premium Blue Super carbon steel. 
• Best low-maintenance: Nakiri VG-10 Damascus Sumi Urushi Handle 165mm – Built for everyday performance with minimal upkeep. VG-10 stainless offers reliability and rust resistance without compromising sharpness.
• Best balanced stainless: Nakiri Silver Steel #3 Nashiji Sumi Urushi Handle 165mm – This knife offers a perfect mix of stainless convenience and carbon-like performance.

Care tip: Carbon steels like Blue Super offer superior edge retention but require prompt drying and occasional oiling. Stainless steels like VG-10 and Silver #3 are easier to maintain. Learn more about how to sharpen a nakiri guide

Still unsure? We can help you choose the perfect fit for your cooking style. Contact (409) 797-6684 for a quick personalized recommendation.