Harukaze AS Nakiri 165mm

The nakiri is Japan dedicated vegetable knife - flat edge, tall blade, squared tip - and the Harukaze AS Nakiri 165mm puts that format to work with an Aogami Super core that most knives at this price cannot match on steel alone. Made exclusively for CKTG by a respected factory in Tosa, Japan, Harukaze means windy spring and the line was designed to bring serious core steel to cooks at a genuinely accessible price. The AS core is hardened to 63 HRC and covered with stainless cladding, and the hand-engraved kanji adds a craft detail that signals the maker cares about the finish as much as the function.

At 165mm with a flat profile and generous blade height, this nakiri handles everything from fine julienne to breaking down whole cabbages with a push-cutting efficiency that a curved chef knife profile cannot replicate. The migaki (polished) finish on the stainless cladding keeps the blade road clean, and the Aogami Super edge takes on a natural patina with use that experienced carbon users find both functional and satisfying. The rosewood oval handle with pakka ferrule is comfortable for extended prep sessions.

What Customers Are Saying: One long-time knife enthusiast describes this as their favorite knife for vegetables by some margin - it came sharp out of the box and held a working edge for six months before needing a sharpening session. Edge retention on the AS core draws consistent praise across five reviews, with buyers noting the steel stays sharp through sustained vegetable prep far longer than stainless knives at comparable prices. The value for the price is the consensus - several buyers describe returning to the line specifically because the nakiri exceeded expectations.

Care Instructions: Aogami Super carbon steel with stainless cladding means the edge is reactive - the cladding protects the blade road but the edge itself will patina and can rust if neglected. Wipe and dry the knife promptly after use, especially after contact with acidic ingredients. Hand wash only - never the dishwasher. Apply a light coat of camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones to maintain the edge the AS core is capable of delivering. Free shipping over $100.

• Maker: Harukaze
• Location: Tosa, Japan
• Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
• Edge Steel: Aogami Super (Blue Paper Steel)
• HRC: 63
• Cladding: Stainless
• Finish: Migaki (Polished)
• Edge Grind: Even (50/50)
• Handle: Rosewood Oval
• Ferrule: Pakka Wood
• Engraving: Hand Engraved Kanji
• Blade Length: 165 mm