If you are a knife enthusiast, then you must have admired the Japanese Nakiri and Usuba knives which professional chefs often use. The Best nakiri knife is a well-rounded knife and easy to use.
Unlike general purpose knives like the santoku knife, the nakiri knife is designed to chop and slice vegetables finely. But that does not mean it cannot be used to cut other items like fish and seafood. Similarly, the Usubu, is a more massive knife which is slowly gaining popularity amongst home-chefs as well.
Top 3 nakiri and usuba knives
BEST QUALITY
- Thin blade
- Detailed blade design
- Custom made in Japan
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY
- Corrosion-resistant blade
- Easy to cut
- Non-stick blade
BEST BEGINNER KNIFE
- Versatile knife
- Design makes it easy to cut, slice, and mince
- Comfortable handle
What is a Nakiri Knife?
A Nakiri is a thin blade knife which is ideal for cutting vegetables. But that does not mean Chefs do not use it! A Nakiri is a preferred blade of the chefs, especially when they are looking to chop or slice vegetables finely. The blade of the knife is rectangular resembling a cleaver. But it is lighter than a knife. The grooves on the knife ensure that the vegetable slices slide off the blade with ease. So you have evenly sliced vegetables, and this knife can be used even to cut vegetables like tomato, cucumber, bell peppers and zucchini.
Nakiri vs Usuba
When you consider Nakiri vs Usuba, the first thing that you notice is that the Nakiri is primarily a vegetable knife. The Usuba is a blade preferred by professionals and is more substantial than a Nakiri. The Nakiri is a 'Double Bevel Blade' while the Usuba is a 'Single Bevel Blade'. Hence, the Nakiri is ideal for more delicate cuts and making thin slices. When you select an Usuba, you must be careful to check whether the knife is for left-handed or right-handed individuals. However, with the Nakiri knife, the same blade can be used by everyone, irrespective of which hand you prefer.
Nakiri vs Santoku
The Nakiri and the Santoku both have different uses. If you consider Nakiri vs Santoku, then the first thing you will notice is that the Santoku is a multipurpose knife. It can be used to cut vegetables, meat, fish and seafood. But that does not mean you don't need a Nakiri. If you are looking to slice vegetables or chop juliennes finely, then you have to use a Nakiri. This knife is ideal for cutting different types of vegetables, even ones that squishy like tomatoes. If you want to reduce fine slices of tomatoes, then you have to use a Nakiri.
How to choose a Nakiri Knife
While selecting a Nakiri, the first thing that you must take into consideration is the length of the blade. You can choose to purchase a five-inch or seven-inch Nakiri knife. A five-inch Nakiri usually comes with a classic handle. The edge should have grooves on it so that the vegetables slide off the blade. Similarly, you can also choose to purchase a seven-inch Nakiri. Then you can use it to finely chop vegetables or cut juliennes, such as for coleslaws and other similar salads. Thus, depending on the usage, you must select the size of the Nakiri.
Blade Material
A typical Japanese Nakiri knife is made of stainless steel or high carbon stainless steel. This makes the knife resistant to damage, easy to clean, and long-lasting. The high carbon stainless steel blade of a Nakiri knife often has grooves on it. This makes it easier for the vegetable slices to slide off the edge. A handle of a Nakiri knife is usually made of nylon resin, which gives the entire knife more strength. You will get a better grip on the knife. The stainless steel blade of the knife is very sharp, which makes slicing through the vegetables very easy.
Blade Length
A Nakiri knife's blade can be five inches or seven inches in length. Although this knife resembles a cleaver, it is very different from one. A five inches knife is used to chop vegetables, whereas a seven-inch blade is ideal for cutting juliennes. The seven-inch edge has dimples for smooth movement of the vegetables. The length of the blade of a Nakiri is essential to understanding its use. If you try using the smaller knife to cut fine slices of vegetables, you will find it very difficult. So according to the cuts you will have to select the blade length.
Handle
Nakiri knives have different types of handles. You can choose to purchase Nakiri knives that have unique handcrafted wooden handles. The wooden handles give a classic appeal to the blades, and the handles have the granularity of wood. These are works of art. Otherwise, you can also choose to purchase knives that have modern resin handles. Sometimes the handles have the screws with the blade riveted onto the handle so that the blade does not come loose from the handle. Thus, the handle adds to the overall strength of the knife and makes handling the blade simpler.
Cost
The price of Nakiri knives depends on the brand. it also depends on the length of the blade and the quality of the product. You should consider purchasing a good quality Nakiri knife because it is a blade that you will be using regularly in your kitchen. The price of a Nakiri can range anywhere between thirty dollars to one hundred and thirty dollars. However, before you purchase a Nakiri, you must take into consideration all features of the knife and of course the manufacturer of the blade. This will help you understand the reason behind the valuation of the knife.
Review of the best Nakiri and Usuba Knives
Overview
The Yoshihiro Shiroko Kasumi Edo Usuba is one of the best Usuba in the market. It's made with High Carbon White Steel #2 which has a hardness rating of 62-63. The spine of the blade is rounded, making it much easier to use than square edges. Furthermore, it's manufactured by Yoshihiro, a dominant figure in the Japanese cutlery industry with excellent customer service , so you know there is quality backed into this product.
What we liked:
- Thin blade
- Detailed blade design
What we didnt like:
- High maintenance
- No left hand version
Overview
The Dalstrong 6” Nakiri Knife from the Phantom Series is another excellent vegetable cutting knife, which can make cutting, chopping, and slicing vegetables easier. This vegetable chopper is exceptionally sharp and designed to last a long time. This blade is capable of making swift cuts without putting much pressure on the wrist. Some of the pros and con of the knife are as follows:
What we liked:
The sharpness of the blade ensures that you can cut the vegetables quickly and smoothly.
The handle makes it easy to handle the knife.
The grooves on the blade make it easy for the vegetables to slide off the edge.
The blade is corrosion-resistant.
What we didnt like:
The knife needs to be well maintained
Have to be careful while using the knife.
However, these are hardly cons, because when it comes to knives, most blades need to be kept free of dust and grime to make these last longer. Moreover, you need to be careful while using any knife. I know that I am careful with all my knives and not just my Nakiri. I think that this knife is one of the best priced Nakiri that you can purchase.
Overview
This seven-inch Imarku Multipurpose Nakiri Knife can be used for numerous activities in the kitchen like chopping, cutting, dicing, and mincing. This is indeed a multipurpose knife. I found some of the pros and cons of this particular knife are as follows:
What we liked:
Its cleaver shape design makes it easy to cut chop and dice.
The knife’s ergonomic design makes the blade easy to handle.
The sharp edge of the knife makes the process of cutting vegetables easier without putting any extra pressure on your wrist.
The knife is highly durable and designed to last for a long time.
What we didnt like:
The knife is slightly on the expensive side.
A lifetime warranty is available only if you purchase from the manufacturer.
However, I feel that you will not think about exchanging the knife. This knife is so perfect that once you purchase it, you will only think about using it regularly.
Overview
The 7” Nakiri Knife by Dalstrong is one of the best vegetable knives that you can purchase. The blade itself is made of American forged hyper steel, and I find that the ergonomic handle makes handling the knife very easy. It reduces the stress on your wrist. The angle of the blade also makes the to and fro movement easier, which makes cutting vegetables easy. Some of the pros and cons of this knife are as follows:
What we liked:
The non-slip grip ensures that the knife does not fall out of your hand even when you are cutting the vegetables fast.
The military grade blade and handle ensures that the knife is long-lasting
The tapered style of the knife ensures easy cutting of vegetables.
The knife is triple riveted to the handle. This makes the blade all the more resilient.
What we didnt like:
- The knife is best suited to cut vegetables
However, I don't think that the price of the knife is very high, given the performance of the blade. I use my Nakiri regularly to cut vegetables and use it chop and slice even juicy veggies like tomatoes and zucchinis. I always felt that purchasing this knife was a worthwhile investment.
Overview
The Wusthof Classic Hollow Edge Nakiri from the house of Wüsthof is a sleek and classic knife with a grooved blade. This exceptionally well-balanced knife will make it easy for you to chop and slice all vegetables. The carbon stainless steel knife has a seven-inch blade with which you can even cut hard vegetables like artichokes, fennels and root vegetables. Some of the pros and cons of the knife are as follows:
What we liked:
It is the ideal blade for chopping, slicing, dicing, mincing vegetables and meats.
You can even cut meats with the knife.
The knife can be used to peel and chop small vegetables like garlic and ginger.
This knife makes an excellent gift.
What we didnt like:
The knife is manufactured only in Germany
Have to be careful while cutting small vegetables.
However, I believe you have to be careful with any sharp blade when it comes to cutting small vegetables. I think that Wüsthof's seven-inch blade is one of the Best Nakiri Knife that you can purchase. I have been using mine regularly since I have bought it.
Overview
The Genesis Forged Granton-Edge Nakiri Vegetable Knife by Mercer Culinary is a blade to be reckoned with. It is a grooved stainless steel knife with a Santoprene handle for better grip. You can easily use it to cut vegetables and meats. The grooves ensure that the vegetables easily slide off the blade. Some of the pros and cons of the knife are as follows:
What we liked:
The full length of the handle allows a better grip.
The stainless steel blade makes the knife rust resistant and long-lasting.
The design and weight of the knife allow for perfect balance.
Tapering along the edges makes it easy to cut and chop vegetables.
What we didnt like:
There is limited lifetime warranty available
A more extended warranty could have been available.
However, given the fact that the price of the knife is less than $50, I think a lifetime warranty is sufficient. I also believe that the blade is perfect for daily use. I use it every day to cut not only vegetables but also meats like chicken.
Overview
The Mac Knife Japanese Series Vegetable Cleaver is ideal if you are looking for a blade ideal for chopping, slicing, and cutting vegetables. Designed like a cleaver, this knife will reduce the pressure on your wrist and help you cut the vegetables with ease. You will also be able to peel the smaller vegetables like ginger and garlic with the same knife. Some of the pros and cons of this knife are as follows:
What we liked:
This is a multipurpose knife designed ergonomically
This knife can help reduce the pressure on your wrist as you cut the vegetables.
The same knife can be used to cut all types of vegetables, like root vegetables and soft vegetables like tomatoes and bell peppers.
The knife can also be used to cut meats.
What we didnt like:
The knife has a limited warranty
The knife can prove to be expensive in certain parts of the world
Overview
The TUO Nakiri Knife by TUO Damascus Cutlery is a 6.5 inch vegetable cleaver. It is a true multipurpose knife designed to help you chop all vegetables in your kitchen with ease. If you want to peel or chop even a small vegetable like ginger or garlic then too you can use your TUO Nakiri. Some of the pros and cons of this unique knife are as follows:
What we liked:
The blade of the knife is extremely sharp making it easy for you to cut vegetables
It is resistant to corrosion, rust, and stains.
It is made of high quality German stainless steel.
It is a unique wooden handle.
What we didnt like:
The wooden handle needs to be maintained
It might seem to be expensive
However, I feel that maintaining the Nakiri is not very difficult. As for the price of the blade, I always thought it was worth the investment. Primarily because I use it so frequently to cut not only vegetables but also meats and me, so I feel that purchasing the knife was indeed a right decision.
Overview
The Regalia Nakiri Usuba Vegetable Knife is one of the best Usuba in its price range. The blade is made with AUS10 High Carbon Stainless Steel which gives it a Rockwell Hardness of 62 and higher. The blade has great retention, so once you sharpen it, it stays sharp for a long time. The handle is made with nonporous and bacteria resistant material which helps it maintain
What we liked:
- Sharp blade
- Military grade ergonomic handle
What we didnt like:
- Average customer service
Overview
The Shun Cutlery Classic Nakiri is known for its sharpness and it will make you fall in love with slicing and dicing vegetables. It is made with stainless steel, which makes it easy to maintain and sharpen. The blade itself is very thin which allows for very thin, intricate cuts, but it also makes it easy to chip. Nevertheless, with proper care, this knife will stay in your blade inventory for a long time.
What we liked:
- Corrosion resistant blade
- Easy to use
What we didnt like:
- Delicate blade
Overview
If you’re looking for an even sharper knife at a medium price range, then DALSTRONG Usuba of the Shogun Series S is your answer. This blade is single beveled, making it incredibly sharp and allows you to cut vegetables with greater ease. The blade is tapered to minimize surface resistance, preventing food from sticking while making the cut easier. However, it's not stainless, so it can suffer from rust and corrosion if not maintained properly.
What we liked:
- Stick-resistant to food
What we didnt like:
- Not stainless