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Usuba / Nakiri
Usu(Thin)Ba(Knife)
Usuba is a traditional Japanese knife shape with a thick spine and pronounced shinogi line. Characterized by their rectangular shape and utter lack of camber Usuba knives are best used when preparing vegetables. The shape of the Usuba blade and the angle at which the handle is affixed to it allow for a significant degree of knuckle clearance which can be quite helpful when working with larger quantities. It is important to note that Usubas are typically one sided although this definition is not universally applicable and some manufacturers do create double-beveled knives that would indeed qualify as Usubas. The westernized version of an Usuba, which is typically double-beveled and also intended for use on vegetables, is known as a Nakiri. Although many believe the distinction between Usubas and Nakiris to be their one or two sidedness this is not wholly accurate. The key distinction between the two shapes is the thickness of the steel from which they are formed. Despite being named “thin knife” Usubas are thicker than their westernized counterpart the Nakiri.
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Mercer Genesis Forged Nakiri Knife 7-inch
Precision Performance for High-Volume Produce Prep In a fast-paced commercial kitchen, your vegetable station is only as efficient as your blade geometry. The Mercer Genesis 7-inch Forged Nakiri (M20907) represents a strategic bridge between traditional Japanese design and the rugged durability required by Western culinary workflows. Unlike a standard chef's knife, the Nakiri’s flat edge and rectangular profile allow for a full contact 'push-cut' motion, eliminating the need for a rocking stroke and significantly increasing output speed for mirepoix, slaw, and paper-thin garnishes. Crafted from a single piece of high-carbon German X50CrMoV15 steel, this blade is forged to endure the rigors of 12-hour shifts. The 50/50 double bevel grind provides the versatility needed for both left- and right-handed chefs, while the 56 Rockwell hardness ensures the edge is tough enough to resist chipping when hitting the board, yet remains easy to hone in the middle of service. This is a tool built for the 'in the weeds' moments where precision cannot be sacrificed for speed. The defining feature of the Genesis series is the Santoprene handle. While wood or composite handles can become slick with moisture or oils, the Genesis grip remains secure even when wet, providing a critical safety margin during high-speed prep. For the professional cook processing cases of produce, the ergonomic taper and weight balance of this forged blade reduce wrist strain, allowing for consistent, uniform cuts from the first onion to the last. Learn More$61.40 -
Mercer Genesis 7 in. HE Nakiri
Master Your Prep with Forged Precision The Mercer Genesis 7-inch Nakiri delivers effortless, paper-thin vegetable slices through a perfect balance of forged German steel and ergonomic grip. When you first grip the Mercer Genesis 7-inch Nakiri, the weight distribution immediately signals its professional intent. Unlike lighter stamped alternatives, this forged blade offers a substantial feel that allows the knife to do the work. The classic rectangular Nakiri profile is designed specifically for a push-cut motion—eliminating the need for a rocking motion and ensuring clean, straight cuts through dense produce like sweet potatoes or delicate greens. The blade is crafted from high-carbon German X50CrMoV15 steel, a metallurgical choice that prioritizes stain resistance and edge retention in high-moisture environments. During testing, the 50/50 bevel factory edge easily glides through tomatoes without tearing. The integrated hollow ground ovals—often called a Granton edge—create small air pockets between the steel and the food. This physical barrier prevents 'suction' when slicing starchy vegetables like potatoes, allowing slices to fall away cleanly rather than sticking to the face of the blade. The handle is a standout for long shifts. Using Santoprene, a high-performance elastomer, the grip remains secure even when your hands are wet or covered in flour. The bolster is shortened to allow for a full pinch grip, giving you total control over the 7-inch blade length. This is a tool built for the repetitive, high-volume prep work found in commercial kitchens, now refined for the discerning home cook. Learn More$68.75
