Shiro Kunimitsu Nakiri Stainless 160mm

Established in the eighteenth century, sword makers Shiro Kunimitsu produce hand-forged kitchen knives of particular beauty and utility. They also make a range of stainless knives for the home with a focus on practicality and value. This is the nakiri from that line.

The blade is pre-formed rolled steel - stainless-clad shirogami#1 - and note that while the blade is stainless steel the cutting edge is high carbon steel and will oxidise if left sitting wet. A trade-off for traditional Japanese sharpness.

The sculpted handle is goban, a durable material of compressed wood fibre and resin that will retain its beauty and integrity for many years. The half-tang construction is very comfortable in the hand. As with most half-tang handles that aren't put together by robots, it's likely there'll be minor gaps. If imperfection bothers you then please move along. That said, the pins on the Shiro Kunimitsu are particularly nicely finished.

If, on the other hand, you're looking for satisfying cutting feel in a quality nakiri from master craftsmen who really know their steel, in a low-maintenance package with nice balance and a sharp price, well, here you are.