Kiritsuke VS Nakiri Knife | In-depth Comparison 2023

By Gias

Japan has taken knives to an incredibly whole new level. Their ancient history of making knives are known to all. Hence, knives are famous all over the world. They are kinda obsessed with knife hence, till now they have introduced enormous numbers of knives to knife enthusiasts. Kiritsuke and Nakiri are two of them. 

These two types of Japanese knives are very often compared. People including you I am sure, want to know Kiritsuke vs Nakiri knife in detail. Since, both the knives are Japanese, surely they will reflect some similarities. Then again, as they are named differently there must be some reasons.

So, let’s dig into the depth and see what the Kiritsuke and Nakiri knives have to offer us. 

Kiritsuke Knife Vs Nakiri Knife: Compared Face to face in Detail

There are versatile styles for Japanese knives. There are Deba knives for fish butchery, Gyuto knife as an all-purpose knife, Petty knife for vegetable and fruit paring, and all. Like all these types, Kiritsuke and Nakiri knives are also introduced with some specific purposes. 

Kiritsuke Knife: Can I say Best All-Purpose Knife?Shun Dual Core Kiritsuke Knife

Kiritsuke knife is specially designed as an all-purpose knife. Among all the styles, Kiritsuke comes with a unique and extraordinary design. With an accrediting and reliable angled tip, the knife is the best for all kitchens. The moment you see the appearance of a Kiritsuke knife, you will get the vibe of the ancient Japanese sword. 

Kiritsuke knives are available in a wider range of sizes. The ones with a bit bigger blade look nothing less than the short swords. Moreover, though the Kiritsuke knives are meant for all-purpose, they can also be used as steak knives. 

The knives work great for slicing meat that is cooked. However, the Kiritsuke knives are exclusive. Specialists do not suggest the knives for regular use. The knives possess blades that come with comparatively a larger surface area. 

Hence the foods are prone to stick to the surface while chopping or slicing. Again, the excessive bulkiness of the knife cannot be handled by everyone. So, because of some intricate designs of the knife, only the executive chefs of Japan are allowed to use it.

Nakiri Knife: People say Best for Vegetable, I say more than thatShun Premier Nakiri Knife

On the contrary, a Nakiri knife is mainly intended for cutting vegetables. This Japanese-style knife is a home kitchen slayer. Unlike the Kiritsuke knife, the Nakiri knife has a simple yet excellent design like any other kitchen knife. Home chefs all over the world choose this knife because of its effectiveness. For precise julienne cuts of carrot, cucumber, or other veggies, the Nakiri knife is one of the best.

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Even for cutting hard and thick-skinned veggies and fruits, the Japanese Nakiri knife is very popular. However, the Nakiri knife is more often compared with also Usaba knife. Usaba is also a Japanese-style knife meant for cutting vegetables in intricate ways.

Many say the Nakiri knife is the westernized version of the Usaba knife. It is built with a western twist. Though Nakiri is not more versatile than the Usaba one yet, for regular kitchen cutting tasks it is the best.

Kiritsuke VS Nakiri Knife comparison by Speciality

Kiritsuke Knife  Nakiri Knife
  • Kiritsuke knives are made of both single edge and double edge.
  • The single-edged Kiritsuke knife is more versatile and excellent for cutting tasks.
  • For longer draws, the larger size ranges of Kiritsuke knives vary from about 270mm to about 330m. 
  • The single bevel Kiritsuke Knives are mostly like the Usaba style.
  • On the contrary, Kiritsuke knives with double bevels are mostly a combination of Nakiri and Sujhiki.
  • The Kiritsuke knife blade is made of high-end Japanese steel. From Aichi the steel is sourced.
  • A Kiritsuke style knife is handmade and it takes two whole months to complete making a Kiritsuke.
  • A Kiritsuke knife empowers a total of 0.95% carbon content. 
  • The blade steel of the Kiritsuke knives is hammered for satisfied cutting.
  • The knife blade steel also has a chromium infusion to make it corrosion-resistant.
  • The Kiritsuke Knife handles are made of Pakkawood.
  • The knife has a hidden full tang design.
  • Nakiri knives are designed only with a double beveled edge.
  • The knives are given a straight edge to the blade.
  • The Nakiri Knife blades are thin, long, and strong with a blunt tip.
  • The knives are available in many sizes from 120mm to 240mm. 
  • The knives come mostly with a rectangular shape
  • The Nakiri Knives come with a both-side angled edge for easy and fast cutting of veggies.
  • The knives are equipped with symmetrical blades. 
  • The Nakiri Knife blade is made following the forging methods of Japanese knife making.
  • The best Nakiri knives are made of popular stain-free steel including SG-2, VG-10, AUS-10, and all
  • Nakiri knives mostly have a wa-style wooden handle.
  • The knives are full tang.

Common Features of Kiritsuke and Nakiri Knives

All the Japanese-style knives have some features common in them. Nothing is exceptional in the case of Kiritsuke and Nakiri knives. Let’s get to them.

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What We found after Using different Kiritsuke Knife

A Kiritsuke knife is one of the most versatile knives. It has many benefits and advantages to offer a good chef. You will know the advantages when you read the following points.

Great Compliances Yoshihiro Mizu Yaki Blue High Carbon Steel #1 Kurouchi Kiritsuke Japanese Multipurpose Knife Shitan Handle (7'' (180mm) & Saya)

The Kiritsuke knife is made of the best steel material from Japan. It increases the hardness and toughness of the knife. Also, it improves the sharpness and holds the edge retention for a longer period of time.

Different Styles

You will find different styles of Kiritsuke Knife. Among them tall and double bevel-edged knives are famous. Again, clipped point and rectangular designs are also famous. With their lesser curvature properties, the knives are highly suitable for better pull and push cutting.

Cross of other styles

A Kiritsuke is mainly versatile for being a cross between Yanagi and Gyuto. Yanagi and Gyuto both are also two different Japanese-style knives. But, unlike gyuto and yanagi, Kiritsuke is respectively longer and angled tip. These are plus points.

You can consider a Kiritsuke knife Because:

  • Made of high-quality materials
  • Skillfully handmade
  • Resistant to corrosion
  • Lightweight and diverse
  • Great combination of expertise and status
  • Resistant to corrosion and rust
  • Durable, stable, and flexible
  • Sharp and superior edge retention
  • Suitable for cutting jobs

Yoshihiro Mizu Yaki Blue High Carbon Steel #1 Kurouchi Kiritsuke Japanese Multipurpose Knife Shitan Handle (7'' (180mm) & Saya)

Yoshihiro Mizu Yaki Blue High Carbon Steel #1 Kurouchi Kiritsuke Japanese Multipurpose Knife Shitan Handle (7” (180mm) & Saya)

Shun Dual Core VG0017 8-Inch Kiritsuke Knife

 

Yaxell Ran Plus 8" Kiritsuke Knife - Made in Japan - 67 Layers VG10 Damascus

 

Please be Aware also:

What We found after Using different Nakiri Knife

Like the Kiritsuke one Nakiri knife also brings numerous benefits. Let’s have a look.

Broad Blade for VersatilityYoshihiro VG-10 Nakiri Vegetable Knife

Nakiri knife is mainly manufactured for cutting vegetables. You can do any type of cutting using the Nakiri knife. Its blade is broad and rectangular in shape. It helps in cutting all the way through larger vegetables. Hence, clean slices are ensured using a flat-edged knife.

Knuckle Clearance 

The Nakiri knives are made uniquely. The blade height of the Nakiri knife boasts remarkably. Its spine and edge provide sufficient knuckle clearance. It can also be used upside down. The spine of the blade can also be used to scrape ingredients.

Requires One Downward Stroke

Vegetables like thick squashers can be cleanly cut only with one downward stroke. Nakiri empowers the power. Without ripping or hurting the skin, the Nakiri knives are best for faster-cutting vegetables. 

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You can consider a Nakiri Knife Because:

  • All Nakiri knives are double-beveled
  • Straight and flat edge for excellent cutting experience
  • Delivers clean and evenly sliced vegetables
  • Requires minimal effort for cutting
  • The knife is lightweight 
  • Chops rhythmically with an up and down motion
  • The knife is balanced and flexible
  • Suitable for regular kitchen use
  • Made following western style
  • Professional and beginners both can use

Shun Premier Nakiri Knife, 5.5 Inch Tsuchime Finished Blade, Wood Handle, TDM0742, Black

Shun Premier Nakiri Knife, 5.5 Inch Tsuchime Finished Blade, Wood Handle, TDM0742, Black

Yoshihiro VG-10 16 Layer Hammered Damascus Stainless Steel Nakiri Vegetable Knife (6.5'' (165mm))

Yoshihiro VG-10 16 Layer Hammered Damascus Stainless Steel Nakiri Vegetable Knife (6.5” (165mm))

 

Cons

  • The dishwasher is not safe
  • The best Nakiri knives are expensive
  • Only hand wash is required

Which Knife is better Kiritsuke or Nakiri?

Till now, you must be acknowledged with enough information about Kiritsuke and Nakiri. Though both knives are used for cutting tasks, they serve different purposes. Externally and internally, both the knives are quite different. 

Hence, it is easier for you to decide. However, the Kiritsuke knives are not for the usual home cooks. These knives are only used by Japan’s executive chef. Hence, unless you are a professional cook, going for the best Kiritsuke knife would be an unwise decision.

But, if you are an experienced chef, then an all-purpose Kiritsuke knife would be the best pick. It will help you in every cutting task and keep you up with the fast-cutting jobs. On the contrary, if a major portion of vegetable includes your everyday diet, then a get a Nakiri Knife.

Your vegetable cutting with versatile styles will become easier and faster with the best Nakiri knife. So, if you want a go-to knife for chopping, slicing, or dicing vegetables, go get a Nakiri knife.

Where to Buy Kiritsuke and Nakiri Knife

Many brands including Shun, Yoshihiro, Wusthof, Tojiro, and many other brands have their own Kiritsuke and Nakiri style knives. These brands provide knives in most countries of the world. Again, you can also get them through several online shopping sites including Amazon.

Wrap Up

Long story short, Japanese-style knives are praised all over the world. Most knife enthusiasts want to try all the styles. So, if you are a knife enthusiast you might have shown the urge of using both the Kiritsuke and Nakiri knives.

However, as both the knives are highly performative and functional, the users of the knives are highly satisfied. So, decide what will you choose and also, let us know. 

About the author

Introducing Gias, an Engineer and Kitchen Knife connoisseur with a specialization in Japanese Knives. With over five years of dedicated testing, reviewing, and research experience, Gias brings a wealth of knowledge to the world of kitchen knives. Passionate and deeply committed, Gias has created this site as personal documentation of their unwavering love for kitchen knives.

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