Nakiri Knife

A Nakiri knife (菜切り包丁, nakiri bōchō) is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife designed for clean, straight chopping. Its name translates to “vegetable cutter,” and everything about its design reflects that purpose. From the flat edge that makes full contact with the cutting board to the tall blade that provides knuckle clearance and control, the Nakiri is optimized for efficient chopping vegetables.

Typically ranging from 160mm to 180mm in length, the Nakiri knife features a straight blade with no curve, making it ideal for push-cutting through vegetables without the rocking motion used in Western knives. This reduces bruising and tearing, allowing you to cut carrots, greens, onions, and more with precision and speed. Moreover, these double-bevel blades are easy to maintain, sharpen well on a whetstone, and are approachable for both new and experienced cooks.

Unlike multipurpose knives, the Nakiri is not for meat cutting or hard ingredients. Instead, its wide rectangular shape supports clean cuts on delicate produce. In addition, the flat profile also allows the blade to scoop and transfer chopped ingredients directly from board to pan. This is an efficient workflow favored in both home kitchens and professional prep stations.

Moreover, many Nakiri knives at Lewis Knife are forged from high-performance steels like Silver Steel #3 or Blue Super Steel, offering excellent edge retention and a satisfying cutting feel. 

Therefore, if you prepare vegetables daily or want to elevate your knife skills, a Japanese nakiri knife delivers the precision and comfort that makes prep work feel effortless. You can also learn more about our Japanese knives to choose the most suitable knives for your kitchen.