Shun
Shun Premier Nakiri Knife - 5.5″
Best precision tool for home cooks who frequently prepare fresh vegetables.
The Shun Premier Nakiri Knife is your ultimate partner for effortless vegetable preparation. Its exceptionally thin, light blade, forged with a VG-MAX super steel core and clad in 34 layers of Damascus steel, ensures incredibly clean slices and precise dice. The hand-hammered Tsuchime finish not only adds a striking aesthetic but also helps food release easily. Designed with a traditional Japanese profile ideal for home kitchens, it features a contoured Pakkawood handle for superior comfort and control. Handcrafted in Seki, Japan, this knife is built for a lifetime of culinary excellence.
$204.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
2778
/ 5034
#2778 in Kitchen Knives
Price vs Category Average
+53%
Above average
Blade Material
34
/ VG-MAX super steel with layers each side stainless Damascus cladding
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking long-lasting sharpness and minimal maintenance
- Meal preppers wanting efficient chopping without food sticking
- Frequent users needing ergonomic comfort for extended prep work
Who should skip it
- Casual users preferring low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe kitchen tools
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for entry-level cutlery
- Beginners lacking experience with specialized whetstone sharpening
Performance breakdown
Vegetable prep efficiency
The flat profile and thin blade make quick work of produce.
Food release
The Tsuchime hammered finish effectively prevents ingredients from sticking to steel.
Edge retention
VG-MAX steel maintains a razor-sharp edge through extensive daily kitchen use.
Ergonomic comfort
Contoured Pakkawood handle provides a secure, natural grip for repetitive chopping.
Blade durability
High Rockwell hardness ensures longevity but requires careful handling to avoid chipping.
Maintenance requirements
Hand washing and careful storage are mandatory for this premium blade.
Key Specs
Blade Material
VG-MAX super steel with 34 layers each side stainless Damascus cladding
Handle Material
Composite
Blade Finish
Hammered, Damascus Pattern
Blade Grind
16° convex-ground, double-bevel
Rockwell Hardness
60-61°
Tang
Full Tang
Blade Length
5.5 inches
Weight
6.1 ounces
Features
- Hammered finish aids food release
- Ultra-sharp VG-MAX core for precision
- Traditional Japanese profile for home use
- Contoured Pakkawood handle for comfort
- Durable Damascus-style blade
- Ideal for slicing and dicing vegetables
- Lifetime sharpening included
- Limited lifetime warranty
What customers say
The Shun Premier Nakiri is celebrated for its exceptional quality and superior vegetable preparation performance. Reviewers consistently praise its stunning aesthetics, featuring a hammered finish and a comfortable PakkaWood handle that contribute to a premium feel. The razor sharp edge ensures remarkably efficient and precise cutting, while its perfect balance minimizes fatigue during extended use. Although a luxury investment due to its price, this knife is considered a top tier essential for serious cooks seeking a significant upgrade. Diligent maintenance is noted as necessary for the fine steel edge.
Know before you buy
A Nakiri is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife designed specifically for slicing, dicing, and chopping produce. Its flat profile and thin blade allow for clean, full-contact cuts through vegetables without the need for a rocking motion.
The hand-hammered Tsuchime finish creates small air pockets between the blade and the food. This reduces friction and prevents ingredients from sticking to the side of the knife while you chop.
No, this knife is not dishwasher safe. To maintain the integrity of the VG-MAX steel and the Pakkawood handle, you should always hand wash and dry the blade immediately after use.
Because this knife features a 16-degree double-bevel edge, it is best maintained using a whetstone or a Shun-approved honing steel. Shun also offers a lifetime sharpening service if you prefer to have your blade professionally maintained.
No, this knife is designed specifically for vegetables. The blade is thin and exceptionally sharp, meaning it could chip or sustain damage if used on bones, frozen foods, or dense meats.
VG-MAX is a high-performance, proprietary steel that holds an incredibly sharp edge for a long time. With a Rockwell hardness of 60-61, it is significantly harder than standard kitchen knives, allowing for thinner, more precise cuts.
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