A refined everyday vegetable knife — this Nakiri 165mm pairs a stainless-clad White #1 carbon core with a warm Keyaki wood handle. It offers superb balance, clean cutting performance, and traditional Japanese character in an easy-to-maintain form.
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Nakiri – The Vegetable Knife
The nakiri is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife, recognisable by its straight edge and rectangular blade. Designed for clean, even cuts through vegetables and herbs, the nakiri excels at push-cutting, chopping, and slicing without rocking. Its tall profile provides knuckle clearance and makes it easy to guide through large quantities of prep.
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San Mai – Three-Layer Construction
San mai means “three layers.” It describes the traditional Japanese method of sandwiching a hard steel core between two softer layers of protective cladding. The hard core provides razor-sharp cutting performance, while the outer layers add toughness and make the knife easier to maintain.
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White #1 Steel
High-carbon steel with exceptional sharpness and a refined cutting response. Prized for its purity and ease of sharpening, White #1 takes an incredibly keen edge while offering a classic carbon feel in use.
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Steel Care
• Always hand wash immediately after use — never in the dishwasher.
• Dry completely with a towel to prevent rust or discolouration.
• Use wooden or soft plastic cutting boards to preserve the edge.
• Store safely — in a knife block, magnetic rack, or saya cover.
• Sharpen regularly using whetstones for best long-term performance.
• Carbon steels will form a patina over time — this is normal and protective.
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Specifications
Blade shape – Nakiri
Blade construction – Stainless-clad San Mai
Steel – White #1 Carbon
Handle – Keyaki wood
Total length – 309 mm
Blade length – 165 mm
Blade height at heel – 50 mm
Weight – 162 g
HRC – 62–63
Edge grind – 50/50
Thickness behind edge – 0.28 mm
Spine thickness at heel – 2.63 mm
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Age Restriction
Knives are only available to persons over 18 years of age. Due to the nature of our business, all customers will be asked to verify their age at checkout and upon delivery.
We ship Tuesday to Saturday using Royal Mail Tracked 24.
All knives ship via an age verified service in accordance with The Offensive Weapons Act 2019, which will mean the postie will need you to be in to receive the delivery & to check your ID if you look under 25.
The law also requires us to carry out a soft age check of the purchaser after checkout, this is done by an automated system that usually doesn't require your input, although we will need to contact you for proof of age if you fail, which can sometimes happen if you use a work address.
of Community Cutlery as a home for enthusiasts, for people who love the ritual of food preparation and who have realised the charm in doing it with quality tools, with items that are as pleasing on the eye as they are practical in the hand.
