The Kohetsu SLD Nakiri 165mm is a high-performance vegetable knife designed to deliver excellent cutting feel and long-lasting edge retention at a very approachable price point. The SLD semi-stainless tool steel core takes a very sharp edge and holds it well, while offering more toughness and easier maintenance than most high-hardness carbon steels. Hardened to 61-62 HRC, it provides a great balance of sharpness, durability, and ease of use for both home cooks and professionals.
The san mai construction pairs the SLD core with stainless cladding for added durability and strong corrosion resistance, so discoloration during normal use is minimal. The blade features a distinctive lattice-pattern finish with a polished look that gives it a unique handcrafted appearance. The tall nakiri profile excels at push cutting and chopping vegetables, with plenty of blade height for knuckle clearance and easy food transfer. The walnut octagonal handle with black pakka wood ferrule offers a comfortable, secure grip and a clean, traditional look. This is a versatile, user-friendly nakiri that offers outstanding value.
Reviews Synopsis: Customers consistently praise this knife for its sharpness, smooth cutting performance, and excellent value. Many note how easily it glides through vegetables and how comfortable it feels in hand, even during extended prep. It is frequently described as a great first Japanese knife, with users appreciating the semi-stainless steel for its low maintenance and strong edge retention.
Care Instructions: Hand wash and dry immediately after use. Do not leave the knife wet or store it in a damp environment. Avoid cutting bones, frozen foods, or very hard items. Use a wood or soft synthetic cutting board to protect the edge.
Brand: Kohetsu
Blacksmith: Non Disclosed
Location: Sanjo City, Japan
Construction: San Mai
Cladding: Stainless
Edge Steel: SLD Semi-Stainless Tool Steel
HRC: 61-62
Grind: Even
Handle: Octagonal Walnut
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
Weight: 5.4 oz (153 g)
Edge Length: 165 mm
Total Length: 305 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 4 mm
Blade Height: 48 mm
The san mai construction pairs the SLD core with stainless cladding for added durability and strong corrosion resistance, so discoloration during normal use is minimal. The blade features a distinctive lattice-pattern finish with a polished look that gives it a unique handcrafted appearance. The tall nakiri profile excels at push cutting and chopping vegetables, with plenty of blade height for knuckle clearance and easy food transfer. The walnut octagonal handle with black pakka wood ferrule offers a comfortable, secure grip and a clean, traditional look. This is a versatile, user-friendly nakiri that offers outstanding value.
Reviews Synopsis: Customers consistently praise this knife for its sharpness, smooth cutting performance, and excellent value. Many note how easily it glides through vegetables and how comfortable it feels in hand, even during extended prep. It is frequently described as a great first Japanese knife, with users appreciating the semi-stainless steel for its low maintenance and strong edge retention.
Care Instructions: Hand wash and dry immediately after use. Do not leave the knife wet or store it in a damp environment. Avoid cutting bones, frozen foods, or very hard items. Use a wood or soft synthetic cutting board to protect the edge.
Reviews
11 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Nice Nakiri Nakiri Really like this knife!Posted By: Sid - verified customer
16 people found this review helpful
I really took my time deciding what Nakiri I wanted. I am so glad I bought the Kohetsu SLD Nakiri. There's just something about it that feels perfect. The weight, the size, the thickness of the blade, amazing sharpness - it's all just right. Very pleased! Would definitely recommend. Complements my other knives of varying brands and steels.
16 people found this review helpful
I really took my time deciding what Nakiri I wanted. I am so glad I bought the Kohetsu SLD Nakiri. There's just something about it that feels perfect. The weight, the size, the thickness of the blade, amazing sharpness - it's all just right. Very pleased! Would definitely recommend. Complements my other knives of varying brands and steels.
Sharp choppa!Posted By: Davin Bartosch - verified customer
19 people found this review helpful
Came to me very sharp out of the box. It has taken some getting used to. I think maybe I am more of a rocker than a choppa. This knife excels in vegetables (as expected). It is really fun to cut Korean type ribbon green onions. Green onions have always been trouble for rocking blades as a part of the round doesn't always get cut all the way through. This blade makes easy and quick work of negi. This is my 1st Japanese knife, and it has been cool getting to use it. Also, its semi stainless so I don't have to completely freak out about the cleanliness and wetness.
19 people found this review helpful
Came to me very sharp out of the box. It has taken some getting used to. I think maybe I am more of a rocker than a choppa. This knife excels in vegetables (as expected). It is really fun to cut Korean type ribbon green onions. Green onions have always been trouble for rocking blades as a part of the round doesn't always get cut all the way through. This blade makes easy and quick work of negi. This is my 1st Japanese knife, and it has been cool getting to use it. Also, its semi stainless so I don't have to completely freak out about the cleanliness and wetness.
Great Good for giftingPosted By: Justin - verified customer
15 people found this review helpful
I bought this as a wedding gift, so I can't speak to it's qualities in use, but the knife is beautiful. I put it on a 5000 grit stone before repackaging and it although it was quite sharp out of the box the tune up was worth it. It's reasonably priced, so giving it away doesn't hurt too much, but I think the thing that makes it most suitable to give as a gift is the choice of metals .The SLD semi-stainless core is hard enough, and knowing that you're not giving someone a knife that may require maintenance than they can/will do, is nice. This knife is a good introduction to quality Japanese knifes - you get the beauty and the edge without having to worry about fighting rust.
15 people found this review helpful
I bought this as a wedding gift, so I can't speak to it's qualities in use, but the knife is beautiful. I put it on a 5000 grit stone before repackaging and it although it was quite sharp out of the box the tune up was worth it. It's reasonably priced, so giving it away doesn't hurt too much, but I think the thing that makes it most suitable to give as a gift is the choice of metals .The SLD semi-stainless core is hard enough, and knowing that you're not giving someone a knife that may require maintenance than they can/will do, is nice. This knife is a good introduction to quality Japanese knifes - you get the beauty and the edge without having to worry about fighting rust.
Could be your last NakiriPosted By: Bob Z
17 people found this review helpful
Being a surface pattern knife lover, i debated this one for over a year and ended up talking to Mark about it. He said they were quality knives with new walnut handles so i ordered one.
After 5 other Nakiris, I have to say I like this one the best so far. Walnut handle is nice!
It needed some stropping first (so get CKTG sharpening service if you cant do this) and bam decent food release and it just glides thru produce, I would call it stainless with a good balance and nice appearance.There are loads of Nakiris to try but at this price point Im very happy with this purchase.
17 people found this review helpful
Being a surface pattern knife lover, i debated this one for over a year and ended up talking to Mark about it. He said they were quality knives with new walnut handles so i ordered one.
After 5 other Nakiris, I have to say I like this one the best so far. Walnut handle is nice!
It needed some stropping first (so get CKTG sharpening service if you cant do this) and bam decent food release and it just glides thru produce, I would call it stainless with a good balance and nice appearance.There are loads of Nakiris to try but at this price point Im very happy with this purchase.
It's all most 2 yearsPosted By: Donald Ware - verified customer
11 people found this review helpful
It's been almost 2 years since I bought this knife. ( My first really Good knife ) I am so Happy with this knife. My favorite knife. After I used this one I went back and picked up a Petty, Santoku and Gyuto. I use all of them for different things. But most of the time this is what I pick up. It's balance, looks, rocking motion and after cutting. Its blade width works nice to pick up what you cut and dump it in the pot. This is my go to knife. Holds an edge !!!!! I give them 6 or 8 passes once a mouth on a 9000 grit stone. (whether they need it or not .... LOL ) these are Very nice knives. Changed how I cook. I bought this knife because of the SLD. Me and my Wife are using them. Didn't want to have a rust or discolor problem. I have to say My wife takes care of them like I do. Almost 2 years of USE and they LOOK Great and CUT Great !!! Could not be Happier !!!!!!!!!!
11 people found this review helpful
It's been almost 2 years since I bought this knife. ( My first really Good knife ) I am so Happy with this knife. My favorite knife. After I used this one I went back and picked up a Petty, Santoku and Gyuto. I use all of them for different things. But most of the time this is what I pick up. It's balance, looks, rocking motion and after cutting. Its blade width works nice to pick up what you cut and dump it in the pot. This is my go to knife. Holds an edge !!!!! I give them 6 or 8 passes once a mouth on a 9000 grit stone. (whether they need it or not .... LOL ) these are Very nice knives. Changed how I cook. I bought this knife because of the SLD. Me and my Wife are using them. Didn't want to have a rust or discolor problem. I have to say My wife takes care of them like I do. Almost 2 years of USE and they LOOK Great and CUT Great !!! Could not be Happier !!!!!!!!!!
Kohetsu SLD 165mm nakiri Posted By: Donald Ware - verified customer
15 people found this review helpful
My wife bought me this after she asked me what I wanted for Christmas . Out of the box very sharp !!! I still used a leather strop, and it cut's BEAUTIFUL . Been cutting vegies for two days and the edge is perfect !!! I will work on the handle. The fit at wood to ferrule is rough ...... But I am VERY HAPPY with this knife !!!!!
15 people found this review helpful
My wife bought me this after she asked me what I wanted for Christmas . Out of the box very sharp !!! I still used a leather strop, and it cut's BEAUTIFUL . Been cutting vegies for two days and the edge is perfect !!! I will work on the handle. The fit at wood to ferrule is rough ...... But I am VERY HAPPY with this knife !!!!!
Product ReviewPosted By: Jesse F. - verified customer
12 people found this review helpful
Excellent quality for the price point. I'll probably send it in to replace the handle, however, the blade is exceptional, it'll shaved arm hair OOTB. I've only had this piece for 2 weeks so I'm not sure how the edge will hold up. Overall I am extremely pleased with this Nakiri.
12 people found this review helpful
Excellent quality for the price point. I'll probably send it in to replace the handle, however, the blade is exceptional, it'll shaved arm hair OOTB. I've only had this piece for 2 weeks so I'm not sure how the edge will hold up. Overall I am extremely pleased with this Nakiri.
Product ReviewPosted By: Ian Rogers - verified customer
19 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife for detail work on vegetables.more Brunoise cuts.Out of the box i tried immediately on some onion and celery.glides through onion very easy and excellentsharpness from the SLD.Appearance.Very nice lattice pattern on the blade.very thin grinds. handle needs somesanding near the wooden handle and plasticferrule.sharpness.9/10use.very good rocking motion.push cuts excellent.feels good in the hand.very light knife.highly recommend for the price.
19 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife for detail work on vegetables.more Brunoise cuts.Out of the box i tried immediately on some onion and celery.glides through onion very easy and excellentsharpness from the SLD.Appearance.Very nice lattice pattern on the blade.very thin grinds. handle needs somesanding near the wooden handle and plasticferrule.sharpness.9/10use.very good rocking motion.push cuts excellent.feels good in the hand.very light knife.highly recommend for the price.
