The nakiri knife is one of the most popular Japanese kitchen knives. It is a vegetable knife used for chopping and slicing fruits and vegetables. In this article we will discuss about nakiri knife, What is a nakiri knife used for, and how to sharpen and care for a nakiri knife. We also go through some of the best nakiri knives available in the market that will help to find the best nakiri knife for you.
What is a Nakiri knife?
A Nakiri knife is a Japanese vegetable knife. It is the ideal shape and size for preparing vegetables. The blade is thin and narrow with a blunt tip. This makes it an excellent choice for chopping vegetables. The Nakiri knife has a rectangular-shaped blade that is flat on one side and curved on the other. This design allows you to chop vegetables quickly and easily.
The straight blade of a Nakiri knife is perfect for slicing vegetables and fruits in a quick, smooth motion. The blunt end of the knife is great for crushing garlic or ginger. The wide blade also allows for efficient scooping of food from the cutting board.
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What is a Nakiri knife used for?
Before buying any kind of knife the first question arrives in our mind what are the uses of that knife. The same questions may have arrived to your mind if you are looking for having a nakiri knife. What are nakiri knives used for? Or What do you use a nakiri knife for? Let’s go through the uses and purposes of the nakiri knife in detail.
Peeling Fruit
The nakiri knife is a Japanese vegetable and fruit knife. It is the ideal tool for peeling fruit. The shape of the blade allows you to grip the fruit in your hand and run the blade down the skin of the fruit, removing the skin in one long strip. The blade is also thin and sharp, so it slices through the skin with ease.
The nakiri knife is also great for slicing fruit.
Cutting and Slicing Fruit
Yes, a Nakiri knife can be used for fruit. The blade is thin and sharp, which makes it perfect for slicing through the fruit. The straight blade makes it easy to cut even the thickest fruits, and the sharp edge ensures a clean cut every time.
It is best to use the nakiri knife for chopping fruits because it will not pierce or damage the food like a Chef’s Knife can.
Cutting Soft Vegetable
The main purpose of a nakiri knife is that it is a vegetable knife. It is designed for cutting through vegetables without crushing them. The wide blade and straight edge help to keep the vegetables intact, and the blunt end allows you to push down on the vegetable for extra force.
The Nakiri knife is perfect for soft vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini. The thin blade makes it easy to cut through these vegetables without squashing them. For all these qualities nakiri knife is also called a “vegetable cleaver”.
Chopping Hard Vegetables and Roots
The Nakiri knife can also be used for harder vegetables and roots.
Its shape with a straight blade that tapers to a point the ideal tool for chopping hard root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and beets. The nakiri’s straight blade makes it easy to chop in a straight line, and the pointed end allows you to pierce the vegetable easily before slicing.
The thin blade allows you to cut through the vegetable quickly and easily. The blunt end of the blade prevents the vegetable from slipping off of the knife.
To cut Meat and Fish
Though nakiri is made for vegetables and fruit the blade is so thin and sharp, that it can also be used for slicing meat and fish. However, using a nakiri knife for chopping or dicing meat is not recommended, as the blade is not as sturdy as some of the other knives on the market.
Thin and Even Slices
The Nakiri Knife is the perfect choice for slicing food. It is designed to cut into thin, even slices. The blade is thin and wide, making it the perfect choice for slicing vegetables. The Nakiri Knife is also very lightweight, making it easy to handle.
Cleaner and Precise cut
The Nakiri knife is a great choice for cooks who want to prepare healthy meals. The thin blade makes it easy to cut vegetables into small pieces, which is ideal for salads and stir-frys. The sharp blade ensures that the vegetables are not damaged, which means that they retain their nutritional value.
Mince and Dicing
The nakiri knife is also great for mincing herbs. The blade is thin and sharp, so it can easily slice through delicate herbs without crushing them. The thin blade provides precision control, so it is easy to mince herbs more properly.
The nakiri is also ideal for dicing vegetables, as it has a wide blade that makes it easy to cut through produce. You can crush your garlic with the wide blade of the nakiri.
Fast And Fluid Chop
The nakiri knife is also known as a vegetable cleaver because of its straight edge and wide balde. The nakiri knife is different from other knives in that it has a straight blade edge that runs parallel to the cutting board, as opposed to a curved blade edge. This makes it ideal for chopping vegetables because it can be slid along the length of the vegetable, rather than rocked back and forth.
Actually, The Nakiri Knife is the ideal knife for beginners because it is easy to use and very safe. The blunt tip prevents you from stabbing yourself, and the thin blade makes it easy to chop vegetables or herbs.
What is the best nakiri knife?
There is a wide range of nakiri knives available in the market. But If you are looking for high quality and the best nakiri knife for you then you can go through this nakiri knife list.
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1. Shun Premier: Best Overall Nakiri Knife
If are looking for a high-end Nakiri knife that’s not only functional but also gorgeous and beautiful then Shun Premier nakiri is the overall best nakiri knife for you.
Shun Knives are known for their exquisite beauty and ultra-premium performance. They are handcrafting knives using Japanese traditional knife-making techniques for years in Seki, Japan.
The Shun Premier Nakiri knife is a thin and lightweight knife designed specifically for cutting vegetables. The Damascus-style blade is made from layers of high-carbon stainless steel. The blade is hammered and folded together to create a beautiful pattern. The VG-MAX “super steel” provides maximum performance, strength, and corrosion resistance. The extremely fine-grained steel offers an amazingly sharp blade that is easy to maintain.
The Shun Premier Nakiri Knife is a great all-purpose kitchen knife. It has a hammered tsuchime) finish that helps release food easily when cutting and also provides a beautiful Damascus steel pattern. The long, narrow blade is perfect for slicing fruits and vegetables and is also great for mincing herbs.
Shun Premier Nakiri Knife is specially designed for the modern kitchen. The knife is hand sharpened and razor-sharp. It features a 16-degree cutting edge that makes it glide smoothly through crisp vegetables or delicate fruits like tomatoes. The blade has a double-bevel that ensures precision and accuracy with each cut. The quick taper and the flat ground help in maintaining the sharpness of the blade for a longer time.
The Shun Premier Nakiri Knife is a beautiful and functional piece of kitchen cutlery. The stunning PakkaWood handle in a rich walnut finish offers a comfortable grip and is bacteria-resistant. The embossed endcap adds beauty and balance. And the full composite tang provides strength and stability. The high-quality stainless steel blades make quick and easy work of chopping vegetables.
The Shun Premier Nakiri Knife comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. It also includes free lifetime sharpening for as long as you own the knife.
What do I love about this knife?
- Gorgeous Japanese craftsmanship.
- Razor-sharp cutting edge with precise cutting
- Very lightweight and easy to handle.
- Hammered finish prevents the sticking of food while using.
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
- Retain its edge for long.
- Well-balanced knife.
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
- Free sharpening service by shun until you own it.
What I didn’t like?
- The price may be a little high for beginners.
Full Indepth Review : Shun Premier Nakiri Knife Review
2. Tojiro Nakiri Knife
From the maker of some of the world’s finest kitchen knives, the Tojiro Nakiri Knife is a superbly crafted nakiri knife that is perfect for everyday slicing and chopping.
The blade is constructed with a core of VG-10 super steel that is encased by two layers of highly rigid and rust-resistant stainless steel. This two-layer construction protects the core from pressure and makes the blade incredibly durable.
The whole blade has a plain silver finish that gives it a sleek and stylish look.
The Tojiro Nakiri Knife has a 9 to 12-degree blade angle. It is perfect for mincing, slicing & dicing vegetables. With a 60 Rockwell Hardness, the knife will retain its edge for long and provide precise cuts every time. The full-tang design provides for better balance and a stylish look.
The Tojiro Nakiri Knife is a Japanese-inspired vegetable knife. It is designed with a full-tang handle that provides balance and a comfortable grip. The triple-riveted handle ensures that the knife will not slip while in use, making it easy to chop vegetables quickly and accurately. The Tojiro Nakiri Knife is made of stainless steel and has a stylish black finish.
Overall, Tojiro nakiri is one of the best value nakiri knives with a sharp balde and durable handle.
What do I love about this knife?
- A versatile knife with a beautiful look.
- Value for money knife.
- The full tang handle provides proper balancing.
- Sharp out of box ensures proper mincing, cutting, and dicing.
- Comfortable nonslip handle.
- A hard blade ensures long-lasting edge retention.
- A giftable knife.
What I didn’t like?
- This knife needs a little extra care for longevity.
3. Mercer Genesis Nakiri Knife
The Mercer Genesis nakiri is one of the most affordable nakiri knives for this best nakiri knife review. But don’t get confused by its price actually this knife features some amazing quality and functionality.
The Mercer genesis nakiri knife is a precision-forged Japanese style knife made with high-carbon German steel. The blade is taper ground and allows for increased efficiency when cutting. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel and has a sharp blade that makes cutting through vegetables a breeze.
It has a rectangular blade that is ideal for chopping vegetables. the Mercer genesis nakiri knife is made of high-quality, forged stainless steel. The razor-sharp plain blade edge and the sharp tines make it perfect for piercing food and slicing meat effortlessly. The long-lasting sharpness and stylish design make it a must-have in your kitchen arsenal.
The Mercer Nakiri Knife has a Santoprene handle with a pin at the end. This handle offers comfort and a non-slip grip, even with wet hands. The ergonomic design of the handle makes it easy to hold, even for long periods of time. It is also easy to clean and is dishwasher safe.
This Nakiri Knife is the perfect kitchen accessory for the home cooking enthusiast. It is made of quality stainless steel for longevity and has a black handle for a stylish look. The Genesis nakiri is essential in every kitchen and perfect for professional use.
What do I love about this knife?
- Excellent versatility and maneuverability.
- This knife is very easy to hold and control.
- Comfortable ergonomic handle.
- Very affordable and value for money.
- Razor-sharp cutting edge.
What I didn’t like?
- This knife is not dishwasher safe so don’t put the knife into the dishwasher.
How to choose the best nakiri knife?
When choosing a Nakiri knife, there are a few things you need to consider. The most important factor is the size of the knife. You want to choose a knife that is comfortable for you to hold. You also need to consider the type of steel the blade is made from. blades are made from two types of steel: carbon steel and stainless steel. Carbon steel knives are sharper but they can rust if not taken proper care of. You also want to choose a knife with a comfortable grip, so that you can work properly. So, you need to look for the shape and durability of the handle.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a Nakiri knife:
- The material the knife is made of
- Size of the knife
- The shape of the knife
- Sharpness of the knife
- The brand
- Handle shape and material.
How to sharpen a Nakiri knife?
There are a few different ways to sharpen a Nakiri Knife. One way is to use a sharpening stone. Another way is to use a honing rod.
To sharpen your Nakiri Knife with a sharpening stone, you will need to gather the following supplies: your Nakiri Knife, a sharpening stone, water, and a towel. First, soak the sharpening stone in water for about 5 minutes. Next, place the knife on the stone so that the blade is facing down. Then, use light pressure and push the knife away from you while pulling it towards you simultaneously.
Is a nakiri knife worth it?
A nakiri knife is a great addition to any kitchen. If you cook a lot of vegetables, then a nakiri can become your regular partner.
Nakiri knife features straight have a square tip and have a blunt edge. It is perfect for chopping vegetables.
The thin blade makes it easy to cut through vegetables without smashing them. The blunt tip prevents you from piercing the skin of the vegetable and allows you to chop straight down instead of rocking the knife back and forth. The squared-off blade prevents the vegetable from sticking to the blade.
So, the Nakiri knife is worth the investment because it is so versatile. And, It is also very easy to use and maintain.
What are the differences: Bunka vs Nakiri?
Bunka and Nakiri are both Japanese knives, but they have different purposes.
Bunka is a multipurpose knife that can be used for slicing meat, fish, and vegetables. It has a slim blade that is quite long, and the handle is also slim and made of hardwood.
Nakiri is a vegetable knife. It has a wide blade and the handle is also wide and made of hardwood.
Can you use nakiri knife for meat?
There is some debate over whether or not a nakiri knife can be used for cutting meat. The consensus seems to be that, while it is possible to use a nakiri knife for this purpose, it is not the ideal tool for the job.
A nakiri knife is a vegetable knife. It’s a thin, light Japanese knife that is perfect for slicing and dicing vegetables. While it can technically be used to cut meat, it’s not the best tool for the job. A nakiri knife has a blunt edge and a straight blade, which makes it difficult to cut through meat without shredding it. If you try to use a nakiri knife to cut meat, you’re likely to end up with an unevenly chopped mess.
Which one is best: Kiritsuke vs Nakiri?
Kiritsuke and Nakiri are two very different knives. They both have unique purposes, and it can be hard to decide which knife is right for the job.
The kiritsuke is a Japanese all-purpose knife. It is similar to the gyuto, but with a more pointed tip. The kiritsuke is ideal for slicing and chopping vegetables, meats, and fish.
The nakiri is also a Japanese all-purpose knife, but it has a much more blunt tip than the kiritsuke. The nakiri is designed specifically for chopping vegetables. It can also be used to slice meats and fish, but it is not as effective as the kiritsuke for those tasks.
Conclusion
This article provides a detailed guide to nakiri knives. Nakiri knives are a great option for those who want a dedicated vegetable knife. If you have gone through this whole nakiri knife review guide you must have got a clear idea about nakiri knives, What are nakiri knives used for, the sharpening process, etc. Moreover, this guide has provided information on how to choose the best nakiri knife for your needs, as well as a list of some of the best nakiri knives on the market.
Still, if you are confused and need recommendations to choose the best nakiri vegetable knife for you then the Shun Primer Nakiri is the Overall best high-end nakiri knife.
