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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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Zwilling Four Star 6.5-inch Nakiri Knife
The Zwilling Four Star 6.5-inch (170mm) Nakiri is a specialized instrument that integrates Western durability with traditional Japanese vegetable-prep geometry. Unlike the curved profile of a Western chef’s knife, the Nakiri features a signature flat edge and squared-off tip, specifically engineered for the vertical push-cuts required for high-volume vegetable processing. Each blade is forged from a single piece of proprietary high-carbon stainless steel using the SIGMAFORGE® process, ensuring a stable, well-balanced tool with a robust bolster. The blade undergoes FRIODUR® ice-hardening to 57 Rockwell (HRC), a process that optimizes the molecular structure to achieve superior corrosion resistance and an edge that remains sharp through exhaustive prep sessions while remaining responsive to honing. The seamless, molded handle—the hallmark of the Four Star series—is designed without gaps or rivets, providing a clinical level of hygiene and a slip-resistant, ergonomic grip that accommodates a professional pinch grip for surgical accuracy in julienne, brunoise, and katsuramuki-style cutting. Learn MoreRegular Price: $139.99
Special Price $99.95
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Made In 6.6-inch Japanese Damascus Steel Nakiri
The Made In Japanese Damascus Steel Nakiri is built for vegetables. Its tall, rectangular blade and perfectly flat edge meet the cutting board along their full length, so each straight downward cut goes cleanly through an onion, a carrot, or a stack of greens without leaving connected pieces. Made In has it forged in Seki, Japan, with a VG-10 core inside 66 layers of Damascus steel.
Why It PerformsFully flat edge: Made for push cuts and straight chopping. Every cut reaches the board, so slices separate cleanly.Tall blade: The 1 7/8-inch height gives your knuckles clearance and doubles as a scoop for moving chopped vegetables to the pan.Double bevel at 15 degrees: Sharpened on both sides, so it cuts straight for both right- and left-handed cooks.VG-10 core and Damascus cladding: A hard stainless core for a long-lasting edge, protected by layered steel.Full tang, polymer handle: Balanced, with a hand-finished handle that resists slipping and staining.
What It Does BestDicing onions, carrots, and celeryShredding cabbage and slicing leafy greensThin slices of potatoes and root vegetablesFine brunoise and julienne cuts
Choosing the Right Made In KnifeThe nakiri is not designed for meat, bones, or a rocking cut. Pair it with the Made In 8-inch Japanese Damascus Steel Gyuto for proteins, or buy both in the Made In 2-Piece Japanese Damascus Steel Knife Set. For a single all-purpose blade of the same length, see the Made In 6.6-inch Japanese Damascus Steel Santoku. Learn More$199.00 -
Masahiro Shiro-Ko 7-inch (180mm) Usuba
Masahiro Shiro-Ko 180mm Usuba The Masahiro Shiro-Ko 180mm Usuba is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife sized for professional prep and larger produce. The extra length handles whole cabbages, daikon and long cucumbers in full strokes, and the tall, thin blade separates each push cut cleanly from the next. Features White #2 carbon steel: Shiro-ko (White Paper #2) is a high-purity carbon steel that takes an exceptionally keen edge and sharpens quickly on waterstones. It is not stainless. Single-bevel urasuki grind: The bevel on the face and the slightly concave back reduce friction in dense vegetables and allow paper-thin slicing and katsuramuki, the rotary peeling of daikon into long, continuous sheets. Straight edge profile: The flat edge makes full contact with the board for clean push cuts, julienne and brunoise. Lightweight wa-handle: The paulownia wood handle is exceptionally light, which keeps the balance in the blade for fine, controlled work. Choosing an Usuba The Masahiro Shiro-Ko 165mm Usuba is easier to handle on smaller boards. For a Yellow Paper carbon steel alternative at this length, see the Masahiro Traditional Carbon 180mm Usuba. Learn More$250.00 -
Masahiro Shiro-Ko 6.5-inch (165mm) Usuba
Masahiro Shiro-Ko 165mm Usuba The Masahiro Shiro-Ko 165mm Usuba is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife for cooks who want precise, clean cuts that preserve the texture and appearance of produce. Its tall, thin blade and straight edge meet the board along their full length, so each push cut separates completely without leaving connected slices. The compact length suits home kitchens and smaller boards. Features White #2 carbon steel: Shiro-ko (White Paper #2) is a high-purity carbon steel that takes an exceptionally keen edge and sharpens quickly on waterstones. It is not stainless. Single-bevel edge: The bevel on the face and the flat back let the blade produce paper-thin slices and perform katsuramuki, the rotary peeling of daikon and cucumber into long, continuous sheets. Straight edge profile: The flat edge makes full contact with the board for clean push cuts, julienne and brunoise. Lightweight wa-handle: The paulownia wood handle is exceptionally light, which keeps the balance in the blade for fine, controlled work. Choosing an Usuba The Masahiro Shiro-Ko 180mm Usuba adds length for larger vegetables such as cabbage and daikon. For a Yellow Paper carbon steel alternative, see the Masahiro Traditional Carbon 180mm Usuba. Learn More$215.00 -
Miyabi Birchwood Bunka Knife
Discover a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern engineering with the Miyabi Birchwood Bunka Knife. This versatile knife is expertly designed for a wide range of kitchen tasks, offering the precision of a Santoku with the added versatility of a classic chef's knife. Its distinctive "K-tip," or reverse tanto, allows for meticulous cuts, making it ideal for everything from fine dicing to intricate garnishing. Handcrafted in Seki, Japan, the epicenter of samurai sword-making, each Miyabi Birchwood Bunka knife is a testament to centuries of artistry and expertise. The blade's stunning Damascus pattern and the unique grain of the Karelian Birch handle make this knife as beautiful as it is functional. It is not merely a tool but a piece of functional art that will elevate your culinary experience. Learn More$364.95 -
Kyocera Innovation White 6-inch Ceramic Nakiri, Black Handle (TK-150N WH-BK)
A nakiri is a vegetable knife with a straight edge and a tall, squared blade. The straight edge touches the board along its whole length, so a chop through a bunch of kale or a pile of herbs cuts through completely without leaving pieces joined at the bottom. Kyocera’s 6-inch Innovation White nakiri adds a ceramic blade to that shape.Kyocera also points out that the wide blade works as a scoop for carrying chopped food from the board to a sauté pan. It suits boneless proteins as well as produce. Bone-in cuts and anything frozen should go to a steel knife, since ceramic chips under force.Knife Merchant holds authorized Kyocera dealer status, which customers raise before they order. It matters because Kyocera’s limited warranty covers only knives bought from authorized resellers.
Nakiri or Santoku?The Innovation White 5.5-inch Santoku has a pointed tip for finer work and a shorter blade. The nakiri is the better choice for chopping large amounts of vegetables. For a curved edge that rocks, see the Innovation White 7-inch Chef’s Knife. Learn More$95.00 -
Suncraft Senzo Pro 165mm Nakiri
Suncraft Senzo Pro offers a Western style handle on a Japanese Nakiri with a SG2 powder steel blade. This high rockwell hardness steel is actually tougher steel than many softer steels and suitable for a Professional kitchen . Elegantly simple design and an excellent value given the quality of material, fit and finish of the handle, balance and overall feel of this nakiri. Blade Length: 6.5 in. (165mm) Blade Height: 2 in.(47mm) Handle Length: 4.7 in. (120mm) Overall Length: 10.6 in. (295mm) Spine Thickness: 1.9mm Weight: 6.7 oz Kasumi style cladding
SG2 Core Blade Steel
Black Resin Laminated Handle with Mosaic Pin Made in Japan Learn More$225.00 -
Kikuichi Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime Nakiri
Comfort and Control: Experience the Best of Both Worlds with the Kikuichi WDT Nakiri The Kikuichi WDT Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime Nakiri is a fresh reimagining of the beloved WGAD series, now elevated with a stunning, warm Birch handle. This knife is not merely a tool, but a statement piece, designed to shine both on your cutting board and in the knife block. The Perfect Fusion of Power and Precision Forged in the samurai tradition of a company with over 750 years of blade-making history, this Nakiri offers the best of both worlds. It features a substantial weight, comparable to many German knives, paired with the legendary precision of a Japanese blade, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a Western-style handle. The heart of the WDT Nakiri is its meticulously crafted 17-layer blade. A core of high-performance VG-10 steel, renowned for its fine grain structure and outstanding durability, ensures a long-lasting, razor-sharp edge. This core is clad in 16 layers of Damascus steel and finished with a "Tsuchime" (hammered) pattern. This beautiful, hand-hammered finish creates air pockets to reduce drag and enhance food release, allowing you to slice and chop with effortless grace. Designed for the Discerning Chef The Nakiri's flat, rectangular blade is the ultimate design for chopping vegetables, ensuring clean, complete cuts with every motion. The new, ergonomic Birch handle provides a comfortable, secure grip for extended use. As a final mark of its distinguished heritage, each knife is hand-engraved with the signature Kikuichi chrysanthemum logo, a symbol of excellence once granted to the company's sword-smithing ancestors by the Emperor of Japan. Learn More$309.95 -
I.O. Shen 6.7 in. (170mm) Bunka Nakiri
The I.O. Shen 6.7 in. (170mm) Oriental Slicer has a smaller handle then other knives in the I.O. Shen line that is to give the user more finger clearance between the cutting board the the handle making this a good knife for prepping onions or mincing garlic. This is not just a good vegetable knife but is naturally a slicing knife and is thin enough to slice fillets of fish or prepare sashimi. Learn More$176.75 -
Messermeister Meridian Elite 7 in. Granton Edge Vegetable Knife
The Messermeister Meridian Elite Nakiri is a versatile tool that will make meal prep a breeze. Traditionally designed as a vegetable knife, this knife is a great choice for anyone who feels most comfortable working with a slightly shorter blade. This blade can be used for much more than just vegetables; think of this knife as a chinese cleaver - it's an all purpose tool that will feel like an extension of your hand. Learn MoreRegular Price: $214.95
Special Price $171.96
