The nakiri is purpose-built for cutting vegetables, and performing that task well demands both extraordinary craftsmanship in the grind and a steel capable of taking a genuinely excellent edge. The Kato AS nakiri delivers both, with master blacksmith Yoshimi Kato applying decades of skill to an Aogami Super carbon steel core that ranks among the finest cutlery steels available. For everyday convenience, the core is clad in low-maintenance stainless steel finished with an attractive nashiji (pear skin) surface that reduces food adhesion and gives the blade a refined, textured look.
At 159mm actual blade length this nakiri is precisely sized for efficient push cutting through stacks of vegetables. The thin edge geometry glides through produce with minimal effort and very little sticking to the side of the blade. As with all handmade knives, dimensions vary slightly from piece to piece.
What Customers Are Saying: One owner, after a few months with this as their first nakiri, describes it as gliding through produce with little effort and developing a patina they have come to appreciate as part of the character of the steel. Another calls the octagonal handle more comfortable than the western handles they had used previously, and notes the finish sharpening service produced a razor-sharp baseline that gave them confidence on the stones afterward. A longtime owner who uses it for daily prep describes the AS core as harder than competing premium steels, taking an absolutely wicked edge and holding it for roughly a month of regular home use before needing a touch-up - a remarkable interval for a knife in daily rotation.
Care Instructions: The AS core is a reactive carbon steel that will patina along the exposed edge with use. Wipe and dry the blade after each use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage.
At 159mm actual blade length this nakiri is precisely sized for efficient push cutting through stacks of vegetables. The thin edge geometry glides through produce with minimal effort and very little sticking to the side of the blade. As with all handmade knives, dimensions vary slightly from piece to piece.
What Customers Are Saying: One owner, after a few months with this as their first nakiri, describes it as gliding through produce with little effort and developing a patina they have come to appreciate as part of the character of the steel. Another calls the octagonal handle more comfortable than the western handles they had used previously, and notes the finish sharpening service produced a razor-sharp baseline that gave them confidence on the stones afterward. A longtime owner who uses it for daily prep describes the AS core as harder than competing premium steels, taking an absolutely wicked edge and holding it for roughly a month of regular home use before needing a touch-up - a remarkable interval for a knife in daily rotation.
Care Instructions: The AS core is a reactive carbon steel that will patina along the exposed edge with use. Wipe and dry the blade after each use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage.
- Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato
- Brand: Kanehiro Uchi Hamono
- Location: Takefu Village, Echizen, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Aogami Super (AS)
- Cladding: Stainless Steel
- Finish: Nashiji (Pear Skin)
- HRC: 62
- Edge Grind: Even
- Weight: 5.5 oz (156 g)
- Blade Length: 159mm
- Total Length: 302mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
- Blade Height: 51mm
und this review helpful
It came pretty sharp, but with a little work on the stones it was screaming through food. So nimble, it's amazing. I haven't had it long enough to have a real good feel for edge retention. It seems in line with my Takeda gyuto. So far a few strops have been all it needs.
It came pretty sharp, but with a little work on the stones it was screaming through food. So nimble, it's amazing. I haven't had it long enough to have a real good feel for edge retention. It seems in line with my Takeda gyuto. So far a few strops have been all it needs.
Was this rating helpful to you? Kanehiro AS Nakiri
Posted By: Ryan
15 people found this review helpful
So I've had this knife, my first nakiri, for a few months now and I'm really enjoying it. I'm typically a push cutter and this knife glides through produce with little effort. The thin edge is super sharp and there's very little sticking to the side of the blade. Very strong and nimble in the hand. The AS core is highly reactive and after the first time cutting acidic items it began to take on a patina, but I like this and it's just a part of knife's character.
15 people found this review helpful
So I've had this knife, my first nakiri, for a few months now and I'm really enjoying it. I'm typically a push cutter and this knife glides through produce with little effort. The thin edge is super sharp and there's very little sticking to the side of the blade. Very strong and nimble in the hand. The AS core is highly reactive and after the first time cutting acidic items it began to take on a patina, but I like this and it's just a part of knife's character.
Love it!Posted By: Ben - verified customer
13 people found this review helpful
I love this knife. Wonderfully balanced, so comfortable to hold and use. This is my first knife with an octagonal handle, and I actually think it is much more comfortable in hand than the western handles. And it's crazy sharp to boot. I recommend the finish sharpening service - the blade came razor sharp - and is a good baseline to know how sharp I'll be able to get it on the stones. Already developing a nice patina on carbon steel core. Could not be more happy with this purchase!
13 people found this review helpful
I love this knife. Wonderfully balanced, so comfortable to hold and use. This is my first knife with an octagonal handle, and I actually think it is much more comfortable in hand than the western handles. And it's crazy sharp to boot. I recommend the finish sharpening service - the blade came razor sharp - and is a good baseline to know how sharp I'll be able to get it on the stones. Already developing a nice patina on carbon steel core. Could not be more happy with this purchase!
terrific, all aroundPosted By: Cliff
11 people found this review helpful
OK, I've had this for a few months now, and it's a go-to for day-to-day prep. The steel feels harder than Takeda. I haven't chipped it, but it feels a little brittle. The upside is that it takes an absolutely wicked edge easily and holds it forever. I strop it every couple of days and haven't had to touch it up for maybe a month -- and I like to keep knives sharp. it just hasn't needed it, despite everyday use (in a home kitchen).
11 people found this review helpful
OK, I've had this for a few months now, and it's a go-to for day-to-day prep. The steel feels harder than Takeda. I haven't chipped it, but it feels a little brittle. The upside is that it takes an absolutely wicked edge easily and holds it forever. I strop it every couple of days and haven't had to touch it up for maybe a month -- and I like to keep knives sharp. it just hasn't needed it, despite everyday use (in a home kitchen).
Kanehiro AS NakiriPosted By: Cliff - verified customer
13 people found this review helpful
It came pretty sharp, but with a little work on the stones it was screaming through food. So nimble, it's amazing. I haven't had it long enough to have a real good feel for edge retention. It seems in line with my Takeda gyuto. So far a few strops have been all it needs.
13 people found this review helpful
It came pretty sharp, but with a little work on the stones it was screaming through food. So nimble, it's amazing. I haven't had it long enough to have a real good feel for edge retention. It seems in line with my Takeda gyuto. So far a few strops have been all it needs.
SuperbPosted By: Les - verified customer
13 people found this review helpful
This knife is the sharpest knife out of the box I've ever purchased (I own Takeda and Konosuke HD, so I'm not inexperienced at buying sharp knives). To tell the truth, I have a new knife block with a few extra spaces, so I figured I would add this type of knife to my collection. It didn't look to me like a knife I'd use much (even though wife and I are vegetarians, for which I have preferred santokus), but I'm surprised just how much I like it. Incredible sharpness, great balance, lovely to work with. My new favorite.
13 people found this review helpful
This knife is the sharpest knife out of the box I've ever purchased (I own Takeda and Konosuke HD, so I'm not inexperienced at buying sharp knives). To tell the truth, I have a new knife block with a few extra spaces, so I figured I would add this type of knife to my collection. It didn't look to me like a knife I'd use much (even though wife and I are vegetarians, for which I have preferred santokus), but I'm surprised just how much I like it. Incredible sharpness, great balance, lovely to work with. My new favorite.
Kanehiro 165 mm Nakiri in Super blue San maiPosted By: M Adler - verified customer
12 people found this review helpful
Knife came absolutely razor sharp and beautiful. Shipping was very fast too. I had it in under a week. Super thin profile assures easy resharpening. This is for a wedding gift for favorite nephew, so I haven't used it.
12 people found this review helpful
Knife came absolutely razor sharp and beautiful. Shipping was very fast too. I had it in under a week. Super thin profile assures easy resharpening. This is for a wedding gift for favorite nephew, so I haven't used it.
Fantastic Veggie KnifePosted By: Alec W. - verified customer
10 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife with the custom handle. Very nice knife with a comfortable fit and finish. Very little sticking to the knife while cutting. Punched though a bunch of rhubarb stalks like butter, and potatoes have never cut so smooth. I'm enjoying everything about the knife, including the awesome custom handle. I can't speak for the normal handle however.
10 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife with the custom handle. Very nice knife with a comfortable fit and finish. Very little sticking to the knife while cutting. Punched though a bunch of rhubarb stalks like butter, and potatoes have never cut so smooth. I'm enjoying everything about the knife, including the awesome custom handle. I can't speak for the normal handle however.
Product ReviewPosted By: Jp - verified customer
10 people found this review helpful
Got this for a birthday present and what a birthday present indeed. Excellent profile on this guy. Very generous size while being well balanced and feels very comfortable on hand. Very sharp ootb. I could not be happier with this knife!
10 people found this review helpful
Got this for a birthday present and what a birthday present indeed. Excellent profile on this guy. Very generous size while being well balanced and feels very comfortable on hand. Very sharp ootb. I could not be happier with this knife!
Product ReviewPosted By: B - verified customer
13 people found this review helpful
This Kanehiro Nakiri was straight-razor sharp upon delivery. The metal on this blade is incomprehensibly strong considering the light overall weight of the piece. Truly an exquisite product from a talented smith. Very pleased.
13 people found this review helpful
This Kanehiro Nakiri was straight-razor sharp upon delivery. The metal on this blade is incomprehensibly strong considering the light overall weight of the piece. Truly an exquisite product from a talented smith. Very pleased.
