Masutani Nakiri 165mm – VG-1 Japanese Vegetable Knife

⭐ Chosen by Sharp Knives Malta

Selected for cooks who want an exceptionally thin, razor-sharp Japanese vegetable knife that delivers outstanding performance without the premium price tag.

Thin. Precise. Built for Vegetables.

The Masutani Nakiri 165mm is proof that exceptional cutting performance doesn't have to come with an exceptional price.

Handcrafted in Japan by renowned blacksmith Masutani, this knife is celebrated for its incredibly thin blade geometry and superb factory sharpening. Designed specifically for vegetable preparation, it glides effortlessly through ingredients with minimal resistance, making prep work faster, cleaner, and more enjoyable.

If vegetables are a regular part of your cooking, this is a knife you'll appreciate every time you pick it up.

Who This Knife Is For

Perfect for:

• Home cooks preparing vegetables every day
• Professional chefs looking for a lightweight prep knife
• Anyone upgrading from thicker Western knives
• Japanese knife enthusiasts seeking exceptional value
• Cooks who appreciate effortless cutting performance

Ideal for:

• Vegetables
• Herbs
• Fruit
• Salad preparation
• Fine slicing and chopping

Not recommended for bones, frozen foods, or heavy-duty kitchen tasks.

Why You'll Love It

Ultra-Thin Blade Geometry

Masutani knives are famous for one thing above all else—their incredibly thin grind.

With a spine thickness of approximately 1.8mm, this Nakiri offers:

• Exceptionally low cutting resistance
• Smooth, effortless slicing
• Outstanding precision
• Clean, consistent cuts
• Reduced hand fatigue during long prep sessions

The blade feels almost effortless as it moves through vegetables.

VG-1 Stainless Steel Core

At the heart of the blade is VG-1 stainless steel, hardened to approximately 60 HRC.

VG-1 provides an excellent balance of:

• Excellent sharpness
• Good edge retention
• Strong corrosion resistance
• Easy maintenance
• Straightforward sharpening

Combined with Masutani's expert grinding, the result is outstanding everyday cutting performance.

Traditional Nakiri Profile

The Nakiri is Japan's dedicated vegetable knife.

Its flat cutting edge allows the entire blade to contact the board, making it ideal for:

• Chopping vegetables
• Slicing onions
• Dicing carrots
• Preparing herbs
• Processing large quantities of produce

The tall blade also makes transferring ingredients from board to pan quick and easy.

Comfortable Western Handle

Unlike many traditional Japanese knives, this Nakiri features a familiar Western-style (Yo) handle crafted from durable pakkawood with a stainless steel bolster.

Benefits include:

• Comfortable ergonomic grip
• Excellent balance
• Moisture resistance
• Long-term durability
• Familiar handling for users transitioning from Western knives

Crafted by Masutani

Masutani has earned an outstanding reputation among Japanese knife enthusiasts for producing knives with exceptional sharpening and remarkably thin blade geometry.

Rather than relying on expensive steels alone, Masutani focuses on precision grinding and excellent edge geometry—qualities that have made these knives favourites among both professionals and home cooks.

Specifications

Brand: Masutani
Knife Type: Nakiri (Vegetable Knife)
Blade Length: 165mm
Core Steel: VG-1 Stainless Steel
Hardness: Approximately 60 HRC
Spine Thickness: Approximately 1.8mm
Handle: Western Pakkawood with Stainless Steel Bolster
Bevel: Double Bevel
Origin: Japan

Complete Your Knife Setup

Pair it with:

• End-Grain Cutting Board
• Ceramic Honing Rod
• Japanese Whetstone (1000 / 3000 grit)
• Blade Guard
• Vegetable Peeler

Why We Chose This Knife

At Sharp Knives Malta, we value knives that deliver genuine performance rather than relying on marketing.

The Masutani Nakiri punches well above its price point. Its ultra-thin grind, excellent factory edge, and practical VG-1 stainless steel make it one of the best-value Japanese vegetable knives available today.

If you're looking for a knife that makes vegetable preparation noticeably easier, this is one of the first models we recommend.

Final Word

The Masutani Nakiri 165mm combines expert Japanese craftsmanship, exceptional blade geometry, and reliable stainless steel into a knife that feels effortless to use.

Sharp, lightweight, and incredibly efficient, it's the kind of knife that quickly becomes your favourite whenever vegetables are on the menu.

Ultra-thin. Razor sharp. Exceptional value.