Nakiri knives have become genuinely popular in the US among both professional and home cooks, prized almost exclusively for the precision they bring to vegetable work. The classic oblong shape and very flat blade are the defining traits, though the exact profile varies by region in Japan - rectangular in the Tokyo style, or rounded at the far blunt corner in the Osaka-style kamagata nakiri, which this knife follows.
Yoshimi Kato builds this nakiri using widely respected VG-10 stainless steel as the hagane (inner core), covered in a soft stainless cladding (jigane) that is hammer forged into a lovely Damascus, or suminagashi, pattern. That pattern blends into the upper blade road where a nashiji (pear skin) finish has been applied, producing a blade that is genuinely easy to maintain while offering excellent rigidity and edge retention. Kato has taken up the mantle of his father in laws respected workshop and moved the company seamlessly into its next generation - CKTG has been consistent admirers of the craftsmanship that comes out of his shop, and this line of knives backs that admiration up with real performance.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer specifically chose this nakiri for the VG-10 steel and the striking appearance, calling the level of craftsmanship impeccable - the combination of Damascus and pear-skin texture is aesthetically stunning, and every non-sharpened edge is beautifully rounded and polished. They note the walnut handle feels comfortable even as a left-handed user. Another describes the knife arriving ahead of schedule in perfect condition and plans to shop with CKTG again. A self-described vegetarian who cooks for a family of four most nights calls this their go-to knife, appreciating the slightly weightier feel relative to other Japanese knives while still finding it nimble, with an edge that holds up reliably with routine honing.
Care Instructions: VG-10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones as needed.
Yoshimi Kato builds this nakiri using widely respected VG-10 stainless steel as the hagane (inner core), covered in a soft stainless cladding (jigane) that is hammer forged into a lovely Damascus, or suminagashi, pattern. That pattern blends into the upper blade road where a nashiji (pear skin) finish has been applied, producing a blade that is genuinely easy to maintain while offering excellent rigidity and edge retention. Kato has taken up the mantle of his father in laws respected workshop and moved the company seamlessly into its next generation - CKTG has been consistent admirers of the craftsmanship that comes out of his shop, and this line of knives backs that admiration up with real performance.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer specifically chose this nakiri for the VG-10 steel and the striking appearance, calling the level of craftsmanship impeccable - the combination of Damascus and pear-skin texture is aesthetically stunning, and every non-sharpened edge is beautifully rounded and polished. They note the walnut handle feels comfortable even as a left-handed user. Another describes the knife arriving ahead of schedule in perfect condition and plans to shop with CKTG again. A self-described vegetarian who cooks for a family of four most nights calls this their go-to knife, appreciating the slightly weightier feel relative to other Japanese knives while still finding it nimble, with an edge that holds up reliably with routine honing.
Care Instructions: VG-10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones as needed.
- Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato
- Location: Echizen, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: VG-10 Stainless
- Cladding: Nashiji / Suminagashi (Damascus) Stainless
- Handle: Walnut Octagonal
- Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 5.7 oz (164 g)
- Blade Length: 160mm
- Total Length: 310mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 3mm
- Blade Height: 51mm
Reviews
5 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) WonderfulPosted By: Luke
29 people found this review helpful
I can’t tell if the tears are from the aroma of the onions I just cut or the joy I have from finally having such a great knife. In all seriousness, this knife is fantastic. It was just delivered today and I opened it up right away and started cutting. I purchased this Nakiri in particular for the vg10 steel and quite honestly the appearance. The level of craftsmanship on this knife is impeccable. The combination of damascus and pear skin texture is something that is so aesthetically pleasing, and all the non sharped edges where your hand touches are beautifully rounded and polished. The walnut handle feels comfortable even as a leftie like myself. I’m very happy with my purchase and I think anyone who purchases this knife will be too!
29 people found this review helpful
I can’t tell if the tears are from the aroma of the onions I just cut or the joy I have from finally having such a great knife. In all seriousness, this knife is fantastic. It was just delivered today and I opened it up right away and started cutting. I purchased this Nakiri in particular for the vg10 steel and quite honestly the appearance. The level of craftsmanship on this knife is impeccable. The combination of damascus and pear skin texture is something that is so aesthetically pleasing, and all the non sharped edges where your hand touches are beautifully rounded and polished. The walnut handle feels comfortable even as a leftie like myself. I’m very happy with my purchase and I think anyone who purchases this knife will be too!
Excellent experience Great Knife Perfekt Knive I cook a lot of vegetables - I love this knifePosted By: Cole - verified customer
8 people found this review helpful
I am a vegetarian and cook for a family of four most meals in the week. I go through a lot of vegetables and this is my go to knife. This is weightier than some Japanese knives, but I like that quite a bit - it feels substantial, but is still nimble. The blade has kept a nice edge with routine use of the honing rod. Finally, the finish on the blade is unusual, and is really beautiful - it is both rustic and understated. This is a beautiful, high functioning, pleasurable knife to use. I highly recommend. Also CKTG is really responsive by e-mail if you are deciding between various knives. They were helpful and knowledgeable.
8 people found this review helpful
I am a vegetarian and cook for a family of four most meals in the week. I go through a lot of vegetables and this is my go to knife. This is weightier than some Japanese knives, but I like that quite a bit - it feels substantial, but is still nimble. The blade has kept a nice edge with routine use of the honing rod. Finally, the finish on the blade is unusual, and is really beautiful - it is both rustic and understated. This is a beautiful, high functioning, pleasurable knife to use. I highly recommend. Also CKTG is really responsive by e-mail if you are deciding between various knives. They were helpful and knowledgeable.
