What Is a Nakiri Knife?
Sep 27, 2026
A Nakiri is a Japanese vegetable knife with a tall blade and relatively straight cutting edge. Modern Nakiri are commonly double bevel and designed for clean board contact, chopping and push cutting vegetables.
What is a Nakiri used for?
Onions, cabbage, carrots, leafy greens, herbs, root vegetables and most routine vegetable preparation.
Why is a Nakiri blade tall?
The height provides knuckle clearance and makes it convenient to gather chopped food from the board.
What size is a Nakiri?
Many home Nakiri are around 165–180 mm. A 165 mm blade feels compact; 180 mm gives more reach for larger vegetables.
Can a Nakiri cut meat?
It can slice boneless meat, but that is not its main role. If you want one knife for vegetables, meat and fish, Santoku or Gyuto is usually more versatile.
Is a Nakiri a cleaver?
No. The rectangular outline does not mean it is designed for heavy bone, frozen food or prying.
Nakiri vs Santoku
Nakiri is the vegetable specialist. Santoku is the broader all-purpose knife. See Nakiri vs Santoku.
For the full guide to size, steel, technique and care, read the Nakiri & Japanese Vegetable Knife Guide or browse Vegetable Knives.
