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Damascus nakiri vegetable knife with ironwood handle, black forged steel blade
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Yoshihiro Black-Forged High Performance SLD Damascus Steel Masashi Nakiri Vegetable knife Ironwood Handle

SKU:

DMKUNA180IH
$429.99
Sale price  $429.99 Regular price 
Blade Length 7" (180mm)
Optional Saya Cover
63-64 HRC
Yes
Optional Magnolia Saya Cover

Blade Hardness

HRC (Rockwell Hardness) measures how hard the blade's steel is. Kitchen knife steel typically falls in the high-50s to mid-60s on this scale. Harder steel is built to hold a fine edge over long use, while softer steel favors flexibility and easy resharpening. The right HRC depends on the steel and design, not a single higher-is-better number.

Stain Resistant

This steel resists rust and staining from moisture and acidic foods, making it easy to maintain with routine care.

Saya Cover

This knife does not automatically come with a saya cover included. Adding one with your order lets us shape it to this exact blade, a fit no aftermarket cover can match. A saya purchased separately later is cut to standard dimensions rather than this specific blade, so the fit is left to chance.

Full Specifications

Blade

Knife Type
Nakiri (Vegetable Knife)
Primary Use
Vegetable cutting
Blade Metal
High Performance SLD Steel
Grade
Kurouchi Black
Construction
Mono-Steel
Blade Hardness
63-64 HRC
Blade Edge Type
Double Bevel
Blade Finish
Damascus
Stain Resistant
Yes

Handle

Handle Material
Ironwood
Handle Shape
Octagonal
Bolster Material
Water Buffalo Horn (Color Varies)
Tang Type
Partial Tang
Product Details

The Nakiri knife is rapidly becoming a must-have companion to the chef’s knife, cherished for its unique design and precision in vegetable preparation. This traditional Japanese knife resembles a small cleaver but is not intended for heavy-duty or impact cutting. Its thin, flat-edged blade is designed specifically for straight downward motions, excelling at chopping and slicing vegetables cleanly.

Crafted from High Performance SLD steel, this knife represents a new generation of materials engineered in Japan to exceed the capabilities of traditional metals. Known for its excellent wear resistance, SLD steel offers hardness comparable to blue high carbon steel, along with improved stain resistance. This combination provides a knife that stays sharp for extended use while being easier to maintain. The Damascus layering process, with 33 to 35 layers, enhances both the blade’s visual appeal and its functional strength.

The Nakiri’s thin, refined blade glides effortlessly through food with minimal resistance, used for precision cuts rather than forceful chopping. It is not recommended for cutting through bones, frozen foods, or hard materials. The mirror finish adds elegance while making cleaning simple and efficient.

Paired with a handcrafted octagonal Ironwood handle, the Nakiri offers comfort for both left- and right-handed users. An optional Magnolia wood Saya cover provides safe storage. Perfect for daily vegetable prep, this handcrafted Nakiri knife turns slicing, dicing, and chopping fresh produce into an enjoyable, artful experience—balancing performance, beauty, and care in every detail.

Care & Origin
Country of Origin
Japan
Care Instructions
Hand wash only.
Dry immediately.
Avoid the dishwasher.
Sharpening Method
Sharpen by hand using whetstones. Do not use honing rods.

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