Sakai Kikumori Blue #2 Nakiri Knife 165mm Nashiji

Nakiri – The Vegetable Knife

The nakiri is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife, designed for fast, efficient prep. Its tall, rectangular blade gives plenty of clearance for your knuckles and makes it easy to scoop and transfer ingredients around the board.

The relatively flat edge naturally suits push cutting and straight up-and-down chopping, giving excellent board contact and making quick work of everything from onions and cabbage to herbs and root vegetables.

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Nashiji – “Pear Skin” Texture

Nashiji translates as “pear skin”, referring to the softly textured finish across the blade. Sitting somewhere between rustic and refined, it gives the knife subtle character while helping to reduce friction and improve food release. It’s a practical finish that balances performance with a traditional aesthetic.

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Sakai Kikumori – Centuries of Sakai Knife Making

Sakai Kikumori is a long-established knife brand based in Sakai, Osaka — one of Japan’s most important centres of kitchen knife production. Drawing on the city’s long history of specialist forging, sharpening, and handle fitting, Sakai Kikumori offers a wide range of Japanese kitchen knives that balance traditional craft with practical everyday use.

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Blue #2 Steel – Balanced Carbon Performance

Blue #2, or Aogami #2, is a traditional Japanese carbon steel known for combining excellent edge retention with relatively straightforward sharpening. The addition of tungsten and chromium gives it greater wear resistance than simpler carbon steels, while still allowing it to take a very fine, keen edge.

It’s a beautifully balanced steel for everyday use — capable of holding its sharpness well without becoming unnecessarily difficult to maintain on whetstones.

As with all carbon steels, the exposed cutting edge will naturally develop a patina over time and should always be cleaned and dried thoroughly after use.

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San Mai – Three-Layer Construction

The blade uses traditional san mai construction, with a hard Blue #2 cutting core sandwiched between softer outer layers. This allows the cutting edge to benefit from the hardness and edge retention of Blue #2 while the softer cladding provides support and toughness to the blade.

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Zelkova Handle

The knife is fitted with a traditional Japanese zelkova wood handle. Zelkova is a durable hardwood with a naturally warm tone and distinctive grain, giving the knife a simple, understated finish that suits the traditional character of the blade.

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Specification

Blade Shape: Nakiri
Blade Length:
Blade Height:
Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2)
Construction: San Mai
Cladding:
Finish: Nashiji
Handle: Zelkova
Handle Type:
HRC:
Bevel: Double Bevel
Weight:
Overall Length:

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Care

Hand wash only. Dry thoroughly after use. As a carbon steel knife, it will develop a natural patina and can rust if left wet. Wipe during use, especially when working with acidic ingredients.

Use a wooden or soft plastic chopping board and avoid bones, frozen foods or twisting through the edge. Sharpen on whetstones to maintain performance.

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Age Verification

This is an age-restricted product. Your age will be verified at checkout, and again by the courier on delivery. Orders cannot be left in a safe place or with neighbours — someone over 18 will need to be present to receive it.