Shun
Shun Premier 5.5" Nakiri Knife
Best vegetable knife for home cooks seeking precision and effortless chopping.
Experience exceptional Japanese craftsmanship with the Shun Premier Blonde 5.5" Nakiri Knife. Designed for both professional chefs and home cooks, this knife features a high-performance VG-MAX steel core clad in beautiful Damascus stainless steel, ensuring superior sharpness and durability. The ergonomic Pakkawood handle provides a comfortable and secure grip for precise control. Ideal for chopping, slicing, and dicing vegetables, it brings efficiency and precision to your kitchen tasks, elevating your culinary experience with its blend of tradition and modern performance.
$204.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
578
/ 5007
#578 in Kitchen Knives
Price vs Category Average
+53%
Above average
Blade Material
VG-MAX core with Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding
/ VG-MAX core with Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking long-lasting sharpness and minimal maintenance
- Busy cooks wanting effortless, non-stick vegetable prep
- Vegetable lovers needing precise, rapid chopping performance
Who should skip it
- Careless users prone to damaging delicate, high-hardness blades
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for entry-level kitchen tools
- Versatility seekers needing one knife for all kitchen tasks
Performance breakdown
Edge retention
VG-MAX steel core maintains a razor-sharp edge through extensive vegetable prep.
Ergonomics
Contoured Pakkawood handle offers a secure, comfortable grip for repetitive chopping.
Precision slicing
Flat blade profile ensures clean, consistent cuts with every downward stroke.
Aesthetic appeal
Damascus cladding and blonde finish create a stunning, high-end kitchen centerpiece.
Maintenance requirements
Hand-wash only care demands consistent attention to preserve the blade integrity.
Balance and weight
Lightweight construction prevents wrist fatigue during long sessions at the board.
Key Specs
Blade Material
VG-MAX core with Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding
Handle Material
Wood
Blade Length
5.5 inches
Knife Type
Nakiri Knife
Color
Blonde
Dishwasher Safe
No
Features
- Handcrafted Japanese vegetable knife
- Exceptional sharpness and durability
- Elegant Damascus stainless steel cladding
- Comfortable and secure Pakkawood handle
- Designed for precise vegetable slicing
- Versatile for professional and home use
What customers say
The Shun Premier Nakiri knife is highly praised for its exceptional quality and design. Users consistently highlight the beautiful hammered finish and the comfortable Pakkawood handle as features that enhance the cooking experience. The VG-Max steel core provides outstanding, long-lasting sharpness, making vegetable preparation effortless with its traditional push-cutting action. While reviewers consider this a valuable culinary investment, they emphasize that diligent hand washing and careful storage are essential due to the high performance steel. Overall, the consensus is that this knife offers superior aesthetics and performance, making it a coveted tool for serious cooks.
Know before you buy
A Nakiri is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife designed specifically for chopping, slicing, and dicing produce. Its straight blade edge allows for clean, full-contact cuts on a cutting board, making it much more efficient for prepping vegetables than a curved chef's knife.
No, this knife is not dishwasher safe. To maintain the integrity of the high-performance VG-MAX steel and the Pakkawood handle, you should always hand wash it with mild soap and dry it immediately after use.
VG-MAX is a high-carbon, high-chromium stainless steel that offers exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. It allows the blade to be sharpened to a very fine, precise edge that stays sharp significantly longer than standard stainless steel knives.
Pakkawood is a durable, water-resistant composite, but it should still be treated with care. Avoid soaking the handle in water or leaving it in extreme heat, as this can cause the wood to warp or crack over time.
The Nakiri is designed specifically for vegetables and should not be used on meat, bones, or frozen foods. Using it for heavy-duty tasks can chip or damage the thin, precision-ground edge of the blade.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.