The nakiri - Japan's dedicated vegetable knife - earns its reputation through one specific design choice: a flat edge that makes full contact with the cutting board on every stroke. No heel gap, no tip curve, no rocking motion required. You push, the entire edge lands, and you lift. For cooks who do serious vegetable prep, it is a more efficient and more precise tool than any all-purpose knife. The Seigaiha Nakiri brings that functionality to a knife built by Aoki Hamono in Sakai around Bohler N685 stainless steel and the 45-layer Damascus wave construction that defines the Grand Chef Seigaiha line.
At 160mm this is a compact, maneuverable blade that works well in tighter kitchen spaces and for cooks with smaller hands. The Vertical Thin Blade Spec grind that Aoki developed for this line reduces cutting resistance throughout the blade - particularly relevant on a nakiri, where the flat profile means the full blade height is pushing through food on every cut. The Seigaiha wave Damascus pattern runs through all 45 layers and gives the blade a visual character that stands out from standard production nakiris at this price. Bohler N685 carries 0.9% carbon and more than 17% chromium, hardened to HRC 60, with strong corrosion resistance and good edge retention for everyday kitchen use. Black pakka wood handle with stainless steel bolster.
Care Instructions: Bohler N685 is a fully stainless steel - hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. The polished Damascus surface shows water spots readily, so a quick wipe after use keeps it looking sharp. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and twisting or prying motions that could chip the edge at this hardness level.
At 160mm this is a compact, maneuverable blade that works well in tighter kitchen spaces and for cooks with smaller hands. The Vertical Thin Blade Spec grind that Aoki developed for this line reduces cutting resistance throughout the blade - particularly relevant on a nakiri, where the flat profile means the full blade height is pushing through food on every cut. The Seigaiha wave Damascus pattern runs through all 45 layers and gives the blade a visual character that stands out from standard production nakiris at this price. Bohler N685 carries 0.9% carbon and more than 17% chromium, hardened to HRC 60, with strong corrosion resistance and good edge retention for everyday kitchen use. Black pakka wood handle with stainless steel bolster.
- Maker: Aoki Hamono
- Brand: Sakai Takayuki
- Line: Grand Chef Seigaiha
- Location: Sakai, Japan
- Construction: Damascus, 45 Layer
- Edge Steel: Bohler N685 Stainless
- Cladding: Stainless Damascus
- HRC: 60 +/- 1
- Edge Grind: Double Bevel
- Handle: Black Pakka Wood
- Bolster: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 5.3 oz (150 g)
- Blade Length: 160 mm
- Total Length: 297 mm
Care Instructions: Bohler N685 is a fully stainless steel - hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. The polished Damascus surface shows water spots readily, so a quick wipe after use keeps it looking sharp. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and twisting or prying motions that could chip the edge at this hardness level.
