What Is a Nakiri Knife?
Sep 27, 2026
A Nakiri is a double-bevel Japanese vegetable knife with a tall blade and relatively straight cutting edge. Its geometry is designed around clean board contact, chopping and push cutting vegetables.
What is it used for?
Onions, cabbage, carrots, leafy greens, herbs, root vegetables and most routine vegetable preparation.
Why is the blade so tall?
The height gives knuckle clearance and makes it convenient to gather chopped food from the board.
Can it cut meat?
It can slice boneless meat, but that is not its main role. Santoku or Gyuto is more versatile if you want one knife for vegetables, meat and fish.
Is it a cleaver?
No. The rectangular appearance does not mean it is designed for heavy bones or frozen food.
Nakiri vs Santoku
Nakiri is the vegetable specialist. Santoku is the broader all-purpose knife.
Read the full Japanese Vegetable Knife Guide or browse Vegetable Knives.
