You have no items in your shopping cart.
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.
-
Kikuichi Nickel Damascus 175mm Nakiri
The Ultimate Vegetable Knife, Reimagined as Art: The Kikuichi Nickel Damascus Nakiri For the chef who finds joy in the rhythm of preparing fresh vegetables, the Nakiri is an indispensable tool. The Kikuichi Nickel Damascus Nakiri elevates this traditional Japanese vegetable knife into a breathtaking piece of functional art. Its beauty is immediate and striking—a mesmerizing, 16-layer pattern of Nickel Damascus that flows across the blade, ensuring each knife is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. The Nakiri's design is one of pure, focused efficiency. The straight-edge blade and blunt tip are engineered for effortless push-cutting and rapid, straight-down chopping. This creates full contact with the cutting board on every stroke, ensuring you never have to break apart vegetables with a follow-up cut. From paper-thin cucumbers to finely diced onions, this blade provides unparalleled speed and precision. Its tall, flat profile also makes it the perfect tool for scooping and transferring ingredients. At the heart of this stunning Damascus is a cutting core of high-performance VG10 steel. This premium cobalt-infused alloy is the gold standard for high-end Japanese cutlery, celebrated for its ability to achieve a scalpel-like edge and hold it through countless preparations. It glides through even dense vegetables with almost no resistance. The blade’s elegance is perfectly balanced by a refined, octagonal handle made from rich, dark mahogany wood. It offers a comfortable, secure grip that makes the knife feel agile and precise in the hand. The hand-engraved Kikuichi chrysanthemum on the blade is the final touch—a quiet mark of the 750-year legacy of craftsmanship that this exquisite knife represents. Learn More$329.95 -
Shun Kanso 6.5-inch HG Nakiri (SWT0728)
Precision Engineering for High-Volume Vegetable Prep Stop 'accordioning' your vegetables. The Shun Kanso Nakiri combines a flat, razor-sharp 16° edge with high-carbon AUS10A steel to deliver perfect push-cuts through 40 lbs of daily prep. Unlike standard curved knives that require a rocking motion, the Kanso Nakiri is designed for the high-efficiency push-cut. This vertical technique ensures that every slice goes completely through the vegetable, ending the frustration of pieces remaining attached by a thread. Constructed for those who prioritize rugged performance over decorative finishes, the 'Heritage' blade finish masks the inevitable scratches of a busy kitchen, making it a favorite for line cooks at vegetable-heavy stations. The solid AUS10A steel is enriched with Vanadium, providing an edge that bites through waxy pepper skins and dense tubers without hesitation. The handle is crafted from Tagayasan (Iron Sword Wood), a material historically prized for its density and durability. This isn't just an aesthetic choice; the wood is naturally moisture-resistant and provides a secure, ergonomic grip that maintains comfort during long shifts. Integrated hollow-ground indentations create air pockets between the steel and the food, allowing starchy vegetables like potatoes or squash to slide off the blade rather than sticking, significantly increasing your workflow speed. This is a tool for the chef who views their knife as an extension of their hand, requiring a balance of extreme sharpness and industrial-grade toughness. Learn More$144.95 -
Suncraft Senzo Clad 180mm Nakiri
The Senzo Clad series is a beautifully designed for the working chef or home cook. Well-shaped European-style handles that can be used for many hours without discomfort, and incredibly sharp blades that respond extremely well to honing. The laminated blade is of SanMai construction with a core of Japanese AUS-10 steel that has been hardened to 59/60° HRC. Made in Japan, these blades are sharpened by hand on a water wheel using the traditional “Honbazuke” technique. Fun to use and easy to maintain the Senzo Clad series is an elegant addition to any kitchen. Learn More
