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15+ Best Japanese Nakiri knife for perfect vegetable cutting (All budget)
If you’ve been searching for the best Nakiri knife, chances are you’re looking for more than just a blade, you’re looking for a smoother, more satisfying way to prep vegetables. A well-crafted Nakiri doesn’t simply cut; it glides through ingredients, keeps every slice uniform, and brings that unmistakable Japanese finesse into your kitchen. In this guide, Kiichin presents 15+ of the best Nakiri knives that blend tradition, sharpness, and everyday usability to elevate any cooking space.
1. Best affordable Nakiri knife under $50
Affordable Nakiri knives deliver reliable performance without breaking the bank, perfect for home cooks. If you’re building a kitchen collection, consider browsing Japanese style knives to find the right tools for precise vegetable prep.
- Tojiro Color MV Nakiri Knife
- Ryuji Molybdenum Steel Nakiri Knife
- Shimomura Kogyo Molybdenum Vanadium Steel Nakiri 165mm MSL
- Brieto M11 Pro 18cm Nakiri Knife
- Kai Nakiri Knife Seki Magoroku Ginju Stainless Steel
1.1 Tojiro Color MV Nakiri Knife
The Tojiro Color MV Nakiri Knife is a standout choice for beginners seeking both style and function. Its molybdenum stainless steel blade combines sharpness with corrosion resistance, providing clean and uniform slices every time. The straight edge allows for precise chopping and julienne cuts. To keep it in top condition, follow tips on how to clean a knife after each use.
The handle is ergonomically designed from durable polypropylene, ensuring comfort and control during extended use. This lightweight knife balances well in hand, reducing wrist fatigue while maintaining excellent maneuverability, perfect for everyday kitchen tasks.
- Brand: Tojiro
- Blade material: Molybdenum stainless steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Polished
- Blade thickness: 2mm
- Total length: 265mm
- Handle material: Polypropylene
- Weight: 120g
- Price range: $40–$50
1.2 Ryuji Molybdenum Steel Nakiri Knife
The Ryuji Nakiri Knife features a molybdenum steel blade that glides effortlessly through vegetables. Its straight edge ensures uniform thickness for salads and vegetable sticks. For those who want a complete Japanese kitchen setup, explore Japanese style knives to find compatible options.
The wooden handle provides a secure, comfortable grip, and its balanced construction allows for controlled slicing with minimal effort. For home cooks looking for an affordable yet reliable Japanese vegetable cleaver, this Nakiri knife offers excellent performance without compromising durability or design.
- Brand: Ryuji
- Blade material: Molybdenum steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Matte
- Blade thickness: 2.1mm
- Total length: 260mm
- Handle material: Pakkawood
- Weight: 130g
- Price range: $45–$50
1.3 Shimomura Kogyo Molybdenum Vanadium Steel Nakiri 165mm MSL
Crafted with high-quality molybdenum vanadium steel, the Shimomura Kogyo Nakiri offers impressive edge retention and resistance to corrosion. Its 165mm blade is versatile, allowing effortless chopping of medium-sized vegetables like peppers, zucchini, and carrots. The thin, straight edge ensures precise cuts while maintaining the texture of delicate ingredients. To maintain its sharpness, it’s important to know how to sharpen a Japanese knife properly, which can extend the blade’s life and improve cutting performance.
The wooden handle provides ergonomic comfort and excellent control, even during longer prep sessions. Lightweight yet balanced, this knife is suitable for home cooks who want precision and efficiency in everyday vegetable preparation without investing in premium models.
- Brand: Shimomura Kogyo
- Blade material: Molybdenum vanadium steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Polished
- Blade thickness: 2mm
- Total length: 270mm
- Handle material: Wood
- Weight: 125g
- Price range: $45–$50
1.4 Brieto M11 Pro 18cm Nakiri Knife
The Brieto M11 Pro Nakiri Knife is designed for home cooks who want a slightly larger blade for handling medium to large vegetables, such as eggplants or squash. Its high-carbon steel blade holds a sharp edge, ensuring effortless slicing and minimal pressure on delicate ingredients.
The G10 handle is ergonomic, providing a comfortable and secure grip that reduces hand fatigue. The blade’s straight profile makes it perfect for both chopping and push-cutting techniques, while the knife’s overall balance allows for smooth, controlled movements. This is an excellent option for anyone seeking an affordable, professional-feeling Nakiri.
- Brand: Brieto
- Blade material: High-carbon steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Satin
- Blade thickness: 2.2mm
- Total length: 280mm
- Handle material: G10
- Weight: 150
- Price range: $45–$50
1.5 Kai Nakiri Knife Seki Magoroku Ginju Stainless Steel
The Kai Seki Magoroku Ginju Nakiri offers a combination of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern stainless steel durability. Its thin blade ensures precise, even vegetable slices, ideal for stir-fries, salads, and intricate garnishes.
The resin handle provides excellent grip and comfort during prolonged use. Lightweight and well-balanced, this knife is a perfect starter Japanese vegetable cleaver that delivers professional-level slicing performance for any home kitchen.
- Brand: Kai
- Blade material: Stainless steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Mirror
- Blade thickness: 1.8mm
- Total length: 270mm
- Handle material: Resin
- Weight: 135g
- Price range: $45–$50
2. Best Nakiri Knife under $100 (Medium price $50–$100)
Mid-range Nakiri knives combine sharper edges and better balance, ideal for frequent vegetable prep.
- Kai Corporation Seki Magoroku Nakiri Knife 165mm
- Hasegawa Stainless Steel Nakiri Knife 180mm
- Sakai Takayuki Stainless Steel Nakiri Knife
- Kanematsu Nihonko Kasumitogi Shirogami Nakiri Knife 165mm
- Hasegawa Stainless Steel Nakiri Knife 160mm
2.1 Kai Corporation Seki Magoroku Nakiri Knife 165mm
The Kai Seki Magoroku 165mm Nakiri is known for its polished stainless steel blade, which provides clean, precise cuts. Its straight edge minimizes effort, allowing even slicing of dense vegetables.
The ergonomic resin handle ensures a secure grip and minimizes hand fatigue during repetitive chopping. This knife is perfect for daily home use and offers professional-style performance without exceeding a moderate budget.
- Brand: Kai Corporation
- Blade material: Stainless steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Polished
- Blade thickness: 1.9mm
- Total length: 265mm
- Handle material: Resin
- Weight: 130g
- Price range: $60–$70
2.2 Hasegawa Stainless Steel Nakiri Knife 180mm
The Hasegawa 180mm Nakiri is designed for larger vegetables, including eggplants and squash. Its polished stainless steel blade resists rust while maintaining sharpness, delivering precise cuts and clean slices.
The wooden handle offers comfort and stability, making it suitable for long prep sessions. Home cooks will appreciate its balance and weight, which allow for efficient and consistent chopping.
- Brand: Hasegawa
- Blade material: Stainless steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Mirror
- Blade thickness: 2mm
- Total length: 290mm
- Handle material: Wood
- Weight: 160g
- Price range: $70–$85
2.3 Sakai Takayuki Stainless Steel Nakiri Knife
The Sakai Takayuki Stainless Steel Nakiri is a reliable mid-range option crafted by one of Japan’s most respected knife makers. Its stainless steel blade provides excellent sharpness and rust resistance, ensuring smooth, controlled cuts even with dense vegetables like carrots, radishes, and potatoes.
Thanks to its well-balanced weight distribution, this Nakiri feels stable in hand, reducing wrist strain during long prep sessions. Home cooks and professionals appreciate its clean cutting performance, durability, and refined craftsmanship, all at a reasonable price point for a reputable Sakai brand knife.
- Brand: Sakai Takayuki
- Blade material: Stainless steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Satin
- Blade thickness: 2mm
- Total length: 285mm
- Handle material: Wooden handle
- Weight: 150g
- Price range: $80–$95
2.4 Kanematsu Nihonko Kasumitogi Shirogami Nakiri Knife 165mm
The Kanematsu Kasumitogi Nakiri is crafted from high-quality Shirogami steel, offering superior sharpness and edge retention. Its lightweight, thin blade is perfect for delicate slicing and decorative garnishes.
The wooden handle provides comfort and precise control, ideal for chefs seeking performance comparable to professional kitchens. Its balanced design allows effortless chopping, making it suitable for everyday cooking.
- Brand: Kanematsu
- Blade material: Shirogami steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Kasumitogi (patterned)
- Blade thickness: 2mm
- Total length: 265mm
- Handle material: Wood
- Weight: 140g
- Price range: $80–$95
2.5 Hasegawa Stainless Steel Nakiri Knife 160mm
This smaller Hasegawa Nakiri is ideal for precise vegetable cuts, suitable for salads and stir-fries. Its polished stainless steel blade maintains sharpness while resisting rust.
The ergonomic wooden handle ensures comfortable, secure grip. Its lightweight design allows precise slicing, making it perfect for home chefs looking for a mid-range Japanese vegetable knife.
- Brand: Hasegawa
- Blade material: Stainless steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Polished
- Blade thickness: 1.8mm
- Total length: 260mm
- Handle material: Wood
- Weight: 130g
- Price range: $70–$85
3. Best Nakiri Knife over $100 with premium value
Premium Nakiri knives offer top craftsmanship, precision, and durability for serious cooks and professionals.
- Kai Corporation 165mm Nakiri Knife AE5306
- Hasegawa Stainless Steel Nakiri Knife 160mm
- Takayuki Aoki Knives 45 Layer Hammered Damascus
- Takayuki Sakai Knife Aogami Tsuchime Nakiri
- Kyocera Japan Ceramic Nakiri Knife 16Cm Wooden Handle
3.1 Kai Corporation 165mm Nakiri Knife AE5306
The Kai AE5306 Nakiri combines stainless steel craftsmanship with an elegant mirror finish. Its straight, sharp edge ensures precise slicing, while its balanced weight reduces fatigue during extended prep sessions.
The resin handle is designed for comfort, providing secure control during cutting. For chefs seeking a best Nakiri knife for professional kitchen use, this knife offers reliable performance, aesthetic appeal, and long-lasting durability.
- Brand: Kai Corporation
- Blade material: Stainless steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Mirror
- Blade thickness: 1.8mm
- Total length: 270mm
- Handle material: Resin
- Weight: 140g
- Price range: $120–$140
3.2 Hasegawa Stainless Steel Nakiri Knife 160mm
This premium Hasegawa Nakiri features a polished stainless steel blade that ensures consistent, precise cuts. Its sharp, straight edge glides through vegetables without crushing them, making it ideal for delicate preparation.
The wooden handle is ergonomically shaped to provide comfort and stability during prolonged chopping. Its excellent balance allows efficient control, making it a great investment for serious home cooks and professional chefs.
- Brand: Hasegawa
- Blade material: Stainless steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Polished
- Blade thickness: 1.8mm
- Total length: 260mm
- Handle material: Wood
- Weight: 135g
- Price range: $130–$150
3.3 Takayuki Aoki Knives 45 Layer Hammered Damascus
The Takayuki Aoki 45 Layer Damascus Nakiri is an exquisite knife featuring a layered Damascus steel blade that combines beauty with exceptional cutting performance. Its hammered finish reduces sticking, while the straight edge ensures precision slicing.
The handle is made from premium hardwood, providing excellent grip and ergonomic comfort. This Nakiri knife is ideal for chefs and enthusiasts who value both aesthetics and function in a high-end Japanese vegetable knife.
- Brand: Takayuki Aoki
- Blade material: Damascus steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Hammered
- Blade thickness: 1.7mm
- Total length: 270mm
- Handle material: Hardwood
- Weight: 140g
- Price range: $220–$250
3.4 Takayuki Sakai Knife Aogami Tsuchime Nakiri
This Nakiri features a high-carbon Aogami Tsuchime steel blade with a hammered finish for reduced drag and precise slicing. Its straight, sharp edge allows effortless vegetable prep, including julienne and thin slices.
The wooden handle provides comfort and stability for extended use. Perfect for professional chefs, this knife combines traditional craftsmanship with modern precision.
- Brand: Takayuki Sakai
- Blade material: Aogami steel
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Hammered
- Blade thickness: 1.8mm
- Total length: 270mm
- Handle material: Wood
- Weight: 145g
- Price range: $210–$230
3.5 Kyocera Japan Ceramic Nakiri Knife 16Cm Wooden Handle
The Kyocera Ceramic Nakiri is ideal for those seeking a lightweight, ultra-sharp knife that maintains its edge for years. The ceramic blade ensures clean slicing without oxidation or corrosion.
The wooden handle provides a secure, comfortable grip for precise vegetable preparation. This knife is particularly suited for home cooks who prioritize maintenance-free, durable cutting tools.
- Brand: Kyocera
- Blade material: Ceramic
- Blade type: Nakiri
- Blade finish: Smooth
- Blade thickness: 2mm
- Total length: 260mm
- Handle material: Wood
- Weight: 110g
- Price range: $120–$140
With these 15+ best Nakiri knives, you can choose the perfect tool for your cooking needs, whether you are a beginner or a professional chef. From budget-friendly options to premium handcrafted blades, each knife delivers precision, durability, and comfort. Explore Kiichin’s curated Nakiri knives and elevate your vegetable prep with unmatched Japanese craftsmanship and cutting efficiency.
FAQs – People also asked about Nakiri Japanese knife
Choosing the right Nakiri knife can be confusing for beginners and even experienced cooks. Here are answers to the most common questions to help guide your selection.
What is the best Nakiri knife for America's Test Kitchen?
What is the best Nakiri knife for America's Test Kitchen? ▾
The Masamoto Sohonten Wa-Nakiri is widely recognized for its precise edge, balanced design, and durability, making it ideal for professional testing environments.
What is a good entry-level Nakiri knife?
What is a good entry-level Nakiri knife? ▾
For beginners, the Tojiro Color MV or Ryuji Molybdenum Steel Nakiri knives offer excellent performance at an affordable price while maintaining sharpness and control.
Is a Nakiri knife worth it?
Is a Nakiri knife worth it? ▾
Absolutely, especially for those who cook vegetables frequently. Its straight edge and thin blade make slicing, dicing, and julienne cuts easier, preserving the texture and flavor of your vegetables.
What is the best length for a Nakiri knife?
What is the best length for a Nakiri knife? ▾
Most chefs recommend a length between 6 and 7 inches, offering optimal balance for precise vegetable preparation while being easy to handle.
What is the best knife for cutting vegetables in Japan?
What is the best knife for cutting vegetables in Japan? ▾
The traditional Nakiri knife is specifically designed for vegetable prep, making it the preferred choice in Japanese kitchens for both home cooks and professional chefs.