Nakiri Chef Knife 7 in - Hand Forged Japanese Nakiri for Precise

In this review the MITSUMOTO SAKARI Nakiri Chef Knife 7 in is assessed for home cooks and pros who prize a thin, sharp blade for vegetable work. The bottom line: this hand forged Nakiri delivers immediate sharpness and a balanced feel thanks to a 3-layer 9CR18MOV high carbon core and a solid rosewood handle, making it a strong pick for anyone who wants precise slicing and long edge retention without a heavy price tag. It stands out most for its thinness and fine cutting control.

Key Features

• Hand forged construction: Traditional Japanese forging combined with modern methods gives a distinctive whipped texture and durable blade structure that supports long-term edge stability.
• 3-layer 9CR18MOV steel: The high carbon core is precision hardened and vacuum cooled with nitrogen to provide sharpness and reasonable corrosion resistance for everyday kitchen tasks.
• Ultra-thin blade: The Nakiri profile and thin geometry slice vegetables cleanly to preserve ripeness and flavor without crushing delicate produce.
• Ergonomic rosewood handle: The octagonal summer sourwood handle offers a balanced grip that reduces wrist tension and supports flexible cutting angles for extended prep sessions.
• Finish and balance: The whipped surface and overall blade-to-handle weight distribution create a pleasing look and a well-centered feel during controlled cutting.

Who It's For

The MITSUMOTO SAKARI Nakiri is aimed at experienced cooks and enthusiastic home chefs who prepare lots of vegetables and want a dedicated, thin-bladed tool for clean, consistent slices. Its hand forged look and rosewood handle also suit cooks who value traditional aesthetics alongside performance.

Those who need a multi-purpose chef knife for heavy bone work, butchery, or frequent dishwashing might look elsewhere; the high carbon core benefits from basic care and should be dried promptly to avoid surface spots, and the Nakiri profile is optimized for slicing rather than heavy chopping.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sharp out of the box and holds an edge well, delivering precise cut quality on vegetables and soft meats.
• Comfortable octagonal rosewood handle provides balanced grip and reduced wrist fatigue during prep work.
• Attractive hand forged texture and thin blade profile combine aesthetics with functional slicing performance.

Cons

• High carbon steel requires attentive care to avoid minor surface discoloration over time.
• Not intended for heavy bone or open-joint butchery where a thicker blade would perform better.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Nakiri Chef Knife 7 in from MITSUMOTO SAKARI is a strong value for cooks focused on vegetable work who want a thin, razor-capable blade with traditional hand forged character. It blends sharpness, balance, and an ergonomic rosewood handle into a package that performs like a professional tool while still fitting home kitchens, provided you accept basic high carbon care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this knife ready to use out of the box?
Yes; users report it is sharp right away and performs precise slicing without immediate sharpening.

What maintenance does the blade require?
Because it has a high carbon core, dry the blade after washing and avoid prolonged moisture to prevent surface spots; light oiling if storing long term is helpful.

Can it handle meat and bone?
It excels at vegetables and soft meats, but the thin Nakiri profile is not designed for heavy bone work or cleaving.