The nakiri is Japan's dedicated vegetable knife - a flat-edged blade that makes full contact with the cutting board on every stroke, no rocking, no heel gap. Push, land, lift. For cooks who spend serious time on vegetable prep it is a more efficient and precise tool than any all-purpose knife, and the 160mm format keeps it compact and maneuverable without sacrificing meaningful cutting surface. The SLD Damascus version from Hatsukokoro brings Hitachi SLD semi-stainless steel to this format - a steel that sits between reactive carbon and fully stainless in both performance and maintenance demands, offering excellent edge retention and wear resistance with better corrosion resistance than standard carbon steel alternatives.
At 50mm of blade height this is a notably tall nakiri for its length - the extra height means more blade surface for push-cutting through root vegetables and dense produce, and more useful area for scooping and transferring cut ingredients off the board. The Damascus stainless cladding in San Mai construction adds visual depth with the layered pattern showing clearly across the blade road, and the convex grind geometry reduces food sticking during the cut. The 50/50 even grind makes this equally comfortable for right- and left-handed cooks. The octagonal ebony handle is well-fitted and comfortable in both a pinch grip and a handle grip through extended prep sessions. At 5.5 oz the knife has enough presence to feel authoritative on dense vegetables without becoming fatiguing over time.
Care Instructions: SLD is semi-stainless - hand wash and dry promptly after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly to maintain the edge. Avoid twisting or prying motions and hard materials that could chip the edge. The Damascus cladding adds surface protection but consistent care extends the life of the edge significantly.
At 50mm of blade height this is a notably tall nakiri for its length - the extra height means more blade surface for push-cutting through root vegetables and dense produce, and more useful area for scooping and transferring cut ingredients off the board. The Damascus stainless cladding in San Mai construction adds visual depth with the layered pattern showing clearly across the blade road, and the convex grind geometry reduces food sticking during the cut. The 50/50 even grind makes this equally comfortable for right- and left-handed cooks. The octagonal ebony handle is well-fitted and comfortable in both a pinch grip and a handle grip through extended prep sessions. At 5.5 oz the knife has enough presence to feel authoritative on dense vegetables without becoming fatiguing over time.
- Maker: Hatsukokoro
- Location: Sakai, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: SLD Semi-Stainless
- Cladding: Damascus Stainless
- Grind: Convex, 50/50
- Handle: Octagonal Ebony
- Weight: 5.5 oz (156 g)
- Blade Length: 160 mm
- Total Length: 310 mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2 mm
- Blade Height: 50 mm
- Item Number: HLD-N160
Care Instructions: SLD is semi-stainless - hand wash and dry promptly after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly to maintain the edge. Avoid twisting or prying motions and hard materials that could chip the edge. The Damascus cladding adds surface protection but consistent care extends the life of the edge significantly.
