Shun Classic 6-1/2-Inch Stainless-Steel Nakiri Knife

Product Review

Made from VG-10 stainless steel, Shun knives are specially constructed to be harder, less brittle, but also more flexible than traditional steel formulations. The VG-10 core is clad with 16 full layers of SUS410 high-carbon stainless steel on each side, for a total of 33 layers. These layers not only protect the VG-10, they create an exquisitely detailed surface reminiscent of Damascus or pattern-forged steel, the kind once used for Samurai swords. As a result, the knives are simply stunning to look at--much like antique Damascus knives but without their tendency to rust.

The 6-1/2-inch blade of this Nakiri knife works great for slicing and dicing, and like many Asian-style knives, its handle is especially suited to smaller users. In contrast to the traditional round profile, however, Shun handles are D-shaped to prevent the knife from twisting in the hand, which provides extra stability and a firm grip. The handle is made from ebony-colored PakkaWood, a fused blend of hardwood veneers imbued with waterproof resin that combines the warmth and traditional look and feel of wood with the strength and durability of plastic. The offset stainless-steel bolster is designed for ergonomic comfort and maximum safety, while a stainless-steel end cap provides the finishing touch. Hand washing the knife is recommended. The Nakiri knife measures approximately 11 by 2 inches and carries a limited lifetime warranty. --Mary Park

Product Features

6-1/2-inch Nakiri knife for slicing and dicing fruits and vegetables
Stainless-steel blade clad with 16 layers to produce rust-free Damascus look
Durable D-shaped PakkaWood handle ensures a firm grip
Comfortable offset steel bolster offers maximum safety; hand wash and dry
Measures approximately 11 by 2 inches; limited lifetime warranty

Accessories

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review

(22 customer reviews)

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful

Buy this one first, March 18, 2008

KRASSEL (SPANAWAY, WA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Shun Classic 6-1/2-Inch Stainless-Steel Nakiri Knife (Kitchen)

I have begun replacing all the knives I have accumulated over the years, and after much research have decided that the Shun line will do me nicely. Like most folks I cannot buy a whole set all at once, nor do I think I need a whole set, so will be buying them one at a time. The Nakiri knife was my first purchase of the Shun line for several reason's. I first saw it being used on a popular food show and noticed it seemed to be the chef's favorite knife. He could be seen using it for almost every cutting task, slicing, dicing and even light chopping. I decided after some more research to put that knife to the test myself. This is a wonderful all round knife. It will do almost every task you use a knife for. Notice I said almost, there are some specialty tasks that it does not do well, such as boning and filet work. But when slicing, dicing and chopping vegetables it really shines. It is so sharp out of the box that it requires no effort to slice even the harder root veggies. I find the...Read more

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

I'm loving the Japanese knives., January 22, 2007

Peter Venetoklis (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Shun Classic 6-1/2-Inch Stainless-Steel Nakiri Knife (Kitchen)

The size and shape of this knife tend to limit its use to smaller chopping jobs, so I wouldn't recommend it unless you have, at the very minimum, a good chef's knife, but it's a great addition to a knife set. The knife balances beautifully, the asymmetric handle is an asset, and its sharpness embarrasses German knives.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

Chef's favorite knife, September 18, 2009

Zachary King - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Shun Classic 6-1/2-Inch Stainless-Steel Nakiri Knife (Kitchen)

This is one of the greatest knives I have every used! I am a professional chef who uses a knife in a for a solid 3 hours every day and this is my knife of choice. This knife is far superior to anything I have used. From Montana knives to Wusthof and Sysco Black Diamond this particular Shun beats them all. If you are cutting vegetables in high volume or just for a dinner for two buy this knife. But only buy it if you are serious about owning one of the finest cutting implements on the market.

The blades consists of multiple layers of steel for hardness, strength, durability and corrosion resistance. The blade is kept at a 16 degree angle compared to a Global's 26 degree blade angle. This means the knife is SERIOUSLY sharp! However it does not hold its edge as long as a knife with a greater blade angle. This means you MUST use a honing steel every so often. In the professional kitchen I use a steel every or every other day to maintain a razor sharp edge. In a home...Read more