Shun
Shun Dual-Core Nakiri 6.5""
Best vegetable knife for home cooks seeking precision and lasting quality.
Experience superior vegetable preparation with the Shun Dual-Core Nakiri. This 6.5-inch knife boasts a blade crafted from 71 layers of premium steel, ensuring an exceptionally sharp 16° edge. The ebony Pakkawood handle offers a comfortable, secure, and hygienic grip, complemented by a traditional octagon shape and rabbet tang for enhanced control. Combining Japanese artistry with high performance, this Nakiri knife is an indispensable tool for home cooks seeking precision and lasting quality in their kitchen.
$349.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
2827
/ 5170
#2827 in Kitchen Knives
Price vs Category Average
+162%
Above average
Blade Length
6.5
/ inches
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking professional-grade edge longevity
- Aesthetic-focused chefs who value artisanal Japanese craftsmanship
- Vegetable-forward cooks needing efficient, high-volume prep tools
Who should skip it
- Culinary beginners prone to rough handling or heavy-duty tasks
- Budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing value over luxury materials
- Left-handed chefs requiring ambidextrous or neutral handle ergonomics
Performance breakdown
Edge Retention
Dual-core steel construction ensures the blade stays razor-sharp through heavy prep.
Vegetable Precision
The flat profile and thin geometry make clean, effortless vegetable cuts.
Ergonomic Control
Traditional octagon handle provides a secure, natural grip for repetitive tasks.
Build Craftsmanship
Seventy-one layers of steel create a stunning and highly durable blade.
Maintenance Requirements
Requires hand washing and careful storage to preserve the premium edge.
Balance and Feel
Lightweight design allows for nimble, fatigue-free chopping during long sessions.
Key Specs
Blade Length
6.5 inches
Core Material
Dual Core VG-10 / VG-2
Blade Hardness
HRC 60-61
Edge Angle
16 degrees
Handle Material
Ebony-finished Pakkawood
Blade Construction
72 total layers
Set Includes
Saya sheath
Dishwasher Safe
False
Features
- Dual Core VG-10 / VG-2 steel construction
- Maintains an exceptionally sharp 16° edge
- Comfortable, bacteria-resistant Pakkawood grip
- Traditional octagon-shaped handle for control
- Crafted with 71 layers of premium steel
- Enhanced control via rabbet tang
- Includes protective Saya sheath
What customers say
This premium Shun Nakiri earns high praise primarily for its exceptional sharpness and superior edge retention, making vegetable preparation feel effortless for dedicated cooks. Users consistently admire the stunning layered design inherent in the Dual-Core construction. While the initial investment is significant, many feel the performance justifies the cost. The balance is generally well regarded for reducing fatigue during long prep sessions. A key consideration is maintenance; this specialized tool demands meticulous care. The hard steel core, while delivering incredible cutting ability, requires users to avoid improper use like cutting bone or twisting, as chipping can occur. For those committed to proper handling, this knife is a worthwhile, high-performing centerpiece.
Know before you buy
A Nakiri is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife designed with a straight edge and squared-off tip. It is specifically engineered for efficient chopping, slicing, and dicing of produce, allowing you to cut all the way through to the cutting board without needing a rocking motion.
Because this knife features a very fine 16-degree edge, it is best maintained using a high-quality whetstone. Avoid using pull-through sharpeners or honing steels, as these can damage the delicate dual-core steel construction.
No, this knife is not dishwasher safe. The high heat and harsh detergents of a dishwasher will cause the Pakkawood handle to warp or crack and will quickly dull the precision-ground blade.
The combination of VG-10 and VG-2 steels allows the blade to achieve a high level of hardness (HRC 60-61) while maintaining the flexibility needed to prevent chipping. This results in a knife that stays sharper for longer and provides a smooth, effortless cutting experience.
The traditional octagon shape is designed to provide better indexing, meaning you can feel exactly which way the blade is facing without looking. This shape offers a secure, non-slip grip that is particularly helpful when performing repetitive chopping tasks.
The included Saya, or wooden sheath, is essential for protecting the high-performance 71-layer blade when it is not in use. Since the edge is extremely sharp and thin, the sheath prevents accidental damage to the blade and keeps your fingers safe when reaching into a drawer.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.