If you’re passionate about cooking, you’ve likely encountered the Nakiri knife—a traditional Japanese knife designed for precision vegetable cutting. With its flat, rectangular blade, the Nakiri is a must-have tool for anyone who enjoys preparing fresh produce. Whether you’re an expert chef or a home cook looking to up your kitchen game, choosing the right Nakiri knife is crucial. 

In this guide, we’ll help you find the best Nakiri knives available in the UK, explore the features to look for, and answer common questions.

What Is Knife Nakiri?

A knife nakiri is a traditional Japanese knife, which is specifically design to chop vegetables. The blade is straight-edged, so it will always cut the board all the way through, which means it will never be able to make uneven, dirty cuts. In comparison, most Western knives are curved to facilitate rocking motions; the Nakiri has a straight blade, which is optimized for pushing directly down through produce.

This knife excels at slicing, dicing, and mincing delicate vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, onions, and herbs. Its thin sharp blade also minimizes bruising or tearing of vegetables and is excellent for precision cuts.

What To Look For In The Best Affordable Nakiri Knife

Before we take you through the great options in the UK, let’s first understand what makes the best affordable nakiri knife;

1. Flat, rectangular shape so the full flat surface of the knife interacts with the cutting board; this provides smooth, even slices.
2.  Slim, sharp edge: Most Nakiris are thinner than most Western blades, so you get a clean cut each time, using this knife to slice a vegetable.
3.  Extremely light: Often this knife is lighter than the knives you work with in your kitchen to make it feel much less travail.
4. Ergonomic Handle: A Nakiri knife must be comfortable in the hand, and one which can control easily in the process of using.

The Best Nakiri Knives Available In The UK

Here are some of the top-rated sharpen knife near me you can buy in the UK, perfect for both professional chefs and home cooks.

1. Global Nakiri Knife (17cm)

Global knives are sharp, precise, and very creative in designs. No wonder the Global Nakiri Knife 17cm was greatly applauded for its ability to chop and slice with sharp precision.

• Key Features

• Material Blade: CROMOVA 18, stainless steel with an excellent retention of edges and a corrosion-resistant nature.
• Ergonomic and dimpled handle for security and comfort
• Very sharp edge to chop and slice with utmost perfection

• Recommended for

The Global Nakiri is great for any home cook or professional chef looking for a quality all-around knife to chop vegetables and yet is very sharp with little maintenance.

2. Shun Classic Nakiri Knife (16.5cm)

For the high-end, you can get the Shun Classic Nakiri Knife. Shun knives’ craftsmanship makes them great, and this Nakiri does not fail. Its VG-MAX steel core with 68-layer Damascus steel does a great job of giving a user excellent performance and durability.

• Key Features

• Blade Material: VG-MAX steel core with 68-layer Damascus steel gives an edge sharpness that is not seen easily.
• Handle: Beautiful Pakkawood handle that is very fashionable and comfortable to hold.
• Edge: Sharp edge cuts through vegetables effortlessly.

• Recommended For

For the professional, this Nakiri knife offers a high-end blade providing precision with each cut for serious cooks who demand high-end quality.

3. Tojiro DP Nakiri Knife (16.5cm)

One of Japan’s most recognized knife brands, Tojiro offers one of the best value knives on the market, with the Tojiro DP Nakiri Knife. Famous for its quality and affordability, this Nakiri knife is great at cutting performance and a much lower price.

• Key Features

• Blade Material: VG-10 steel, which provides excellent retention and sharpness.
• Handle: Comfortable, moisture-resistant handle that provides firm grip.
• Durability: It is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it low maintenance.

• Recommended For

Tojiro DP Nakiri for the perfect home cooks; they come in the perfect quality Nakiri knife, so do not skimp on high performance for a low price.

4. Kai Wasabi Black Nakiri Knife (16.5cm)

The Kai Wasabi Black Nakiri Knife is a favourite knife on the preference lists of both new and seasoned users. The knife shines in this context, featuring an ergonomic grip and an incredibly sturdy blade that comes with no effort at slicing or chopping vegetables.

• Key Features

• Blade Material: Manufacture from high-carbon stainless steel, thus stays razor-sharp for ages
• Handle: Ergonomic polypropylene with an antique look that offers excellent handling
• Light in Weight: Light and stable but steady on your hands for exact cuts.

• Recommended for

Starting one’s Japanese knives with an affordable yet trust-worthy knife such as Kai Wasabi Black Nakiri.

Finding The Nakiri Knife In The UK

Plenty of excellent Nakiri knives are available in the UK market, each giving special advantages according to your needs. While the Shun Classic Nakiri is a premium or luxury blade, the Kai Wasabi Black offers high performance at a more affordable price. Choosing the best kitchen knives set, considering the blade material, comfort of the handle, and overall balance, will ensure that you prepare your vegetables easily and efficiently for years with effortless, precise chopping.