Kitchen Review Guide

Best Nakiri Knives of 2026, Tested & Ranked

Reviewed By: KRG Staff Last Updated: Est. Read Time: 3 min

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A nakiri is a flat, rectangular Japanese vegetable knife built for straight up-and-down chopping, not rocking. We judge each one on edge keenness, blade height and thickness, balance and how cleanly it moves through everything from herbs to dense squash.

Best Overall Nakiri Knife

9.61
6 Inch Nakiri Knife

As Featured In

MADE IN™

6 Inch Nakiri Knife

BEST FOR: Cooks who want a sturdy, low-fuss vegetable knife. Its fully forged, full-tang stainless blade takes a keen 12.5-degree double-bevel edge, powers through dense squash and hones back quickly without the chipping risk of harder steels.

  • Excellent for chopping vegetables with its straight blade.
  • Compact size is ideal for precise cuts and smaller kitchens.
  • Made from durable high-carbon steel for lasting sharpness.

KEY SPECS

Material
Steel
Construction
Fully Forged
Size
6 In
Safe Up To
N/A
Induction
x
  • Lifetime
  • Free Shipping For All Orders Over $49
  • 45-Day Return Policy
SEE PRICE NOW

Quick Comparison: Best Nakiri Knives

Nakiri Knife Score Quality Durability Material Size Shop
Made In™ — 6 Inch Nakiri Knife 9.61 Premium Very Durable Steel 6 In Shop Now
ZWILLING — 6 Inch Nakiri Knife 8.21 Decent Average Stainless Steel 6 Inch Shop Now
ZWILLING — 6 Inch Nakiri Knife 8.21 Decent Average Stainless Steel 6 Inch Shop Now
Yoshihiro — 6 Inch Nakiri Knife 7.55 Good Good Stainless Steel 6 Inch Shop Now
HOSHANHO — Damascus Nakiri Knife 7.98 Good Good Damascus 7 Inch Shop Now
Christopher Kimball's — Nakiri Knife 7.98 Good Average Stainless Steel 6.5 Inch Shop Now
Yoshihiro — 6 Inch Nakiri Knife 7.55 Good Good Stainless Steel 6 Inch Shop Now
SHAN ZU — Damascus Professional Nakiri 7.37 Good Average Damascus 7 Inch Shop Now
6 Inch Nakiri Knife

ZWILLING

#2: ZWILLING | 6 Inch Nakiri Knife

Score: 8.21

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6 Inch Nakiri Knife

ZWILLING

#3: ZWILLING | 6 Inch Nakiri Knife

Score: 8.21

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How We Ranked These Nakiri Knives

We evaluate nakiri on the jobs they were built for. Dicing onions and julienning peppers expose edge keenness and control. Slicing whole cabbage and dense squash shows whether the blade wedges or glides. Mincing herbs tests knuckle clearance and scooping, and an expert checks balance, grip and fatigue over long prep.

Nakiri Knives Reviewed

6 Inch Nakiri Knife

#2 · RUNNER-UP

ZWILLING

6 Inch Nakiri Knife

SCORE 8.21

Material
Stainless Steel
Construction
Fully Forged
Size
6 Inch
Safe Up To
N/A
Induction
x
  • Quality Decent
  • Durability Average
6 Inch Nakiri Knife

#3 · THIRD PLACE

ZWILLING

6 Inch Nakiri Knife

SCORE 8.21

Material
Stainless Steel
Construction
Fully Forged
Size
6 Inch
Safe Up To
N/A
Induction
x
  • Quality Decent
  • Durability Average
6 Inch Nakiri Knife

#4

Yoshihiro

6 Inch Nakiri Knife

SCORE 7.55

Material
Stainless Steel
Construction
Fully Forged
Size
6 Inch
Safe Up To
N/A
Induction
x
  • Quality Good
  • Durability Good
Damascus Nakiri Knife

#5

HOSHANHO

Damascus Nakiri Knife

SCORE 7.98

Material
Damascus
Construction
Fully Forged
Size
7 Inch
Safe Up To
N/A
Induction
x
  • Quality Good
  • Durability Good
Nakiri Knife

#6

Christopher Kimball's

Nakiri Knife

SCORE 7.98

Material
Stainless Steel
Construction
Fully Forged
Size
6.5 Inch
Safe Up To
N/A
Induction
x
  • Quality Good
  • Durability Average
6 Inch Nakiri Knife

#7

Yoshihiro

6 Inch Nakiri Knife

SCORE 7.55

Material
Stainless Steel
Construction
Fully Forged
Size
6 Inch
Safe Up To
N/A
Induction
x
  • Quality Good
  • Durability Good
Damascus Professional Nakiri

#8

SHAN ZU

Damascus Professional Nakiri

SCORE 7.37

Material
Damascus
Construction
Fully Forged
Size
7 Inch
Safe Up To
N/A
Induction
x
  • Quality Good
  • Durability Average

What to Look For in a Nakiri Knife

Prioritize a Keen, Thin Edge

A nakiri chops straight down, so the edge has to do all the work. Look for a double-bevel edge around 12 to 15 degrees per side and a spine near 2.5mm or less so the blade glides through food instead of wedging.

Choose Tall and Flat

A blade about 1.75 inches tall or more keeps your knuckles clear of the board and doubles as a scoop for chopped vegetables. The edge should run dead flat so it meets the board along its full length on every cut.

Aim for 6 to 7 Inches

A 6- to 7-inch blade handles whole cabbages, leeks and butternut squash while staying nimble for garlic and herbs. Shorter blades feel cramped on large produce, and longer ones add weight without much benefit.

Caring for a Forged Stainless Nakiri

Hand wash the knife in warm, soapy water right after use and dry it at once. Never put it in the dishwasher or leave it soaking in the sink.

Cut only on wood or plastic boards, never glass or stone. Hone it often and sharpen at 12.5 degrees per side. Store it on a magnetic strip or in a blade guard so the edge never knocks around a drawer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a nakiri knife used for, and how is it different?

A nakiri is a Japanese vegetable knife with a flat, rectangular blade. Where a chef's knife rocks, a nakiri chops straight down, so the flat edge meets the board along its full length and cuts cleanly through produce without leaving connected slices.

Is a nakiri better than a chef's knife for vegetables?

For pure vegetable prep, often yes. The flat edge and tall blade make fast, even chopping and scooping easy. A chef's knife is more versatile for meat and rocking cuts, so most cooks keep both rather than replacing one with the other.

Can a nakiri cut meat or break down a chicken?

A nakiri can slice boneless meat, but it is not built for bones, joints or frozen food. Its thin edge can chip or roll when forced through hard material. Keep it for produce and reach for a chef's knife or cleaver for heavier butchery.

Should I choose German or Japanese steel for a nakiri?

German stainless is softer, around 56 to 58 HRC, so it resists chipping and hones back quickly. Japanese steels are harder and hold an edge longer but chip more easily. Most home cooks get the best long-term results from a forgiving stainless blade.

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