US

Shun Premier 5.5" Nakiri Knife

  • 5.5 inch straight blade, edge and spine
  • Damascus cladding, 68 layers around a VG-MAX core
  • Hammered tsuchime finish that reduces drag
  • Walnut color Pakkawood handle
  • 174 g, handcrafted in Japan
  • 16 degree edge, free sharpening and honing

Updated 2 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

A compact Japanese vegetable knife with a straight edge for push cuts, from stir fry prep to salads. The short blade handles produce well, but it is not a meat or all-purpose knife.

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ASIN: B004M42HJWModel: TDM0742Category: Usuba & Nakiri Knives

Colors Available

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Overview

Not a rocking chef knife, the Premier nakiri has a straight blade, edge and spine made for simple push cuts. It is handcrafted in Japan with a Damascus-clad VG-MAX core and a walnut color Pakkawood handle.

The hammered surface releases food as you slice, which is the reason to reach for it during vegetable prep. Its short length makes it quick to handle, though it cannot take on large cuts.

Who it's for

Vegetable-forward cooks who want a small, refined knife that lives near the cutting board. People looking for one knife to cover every task should consider a longer blade.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Straight edge for clean push cuts
  • Hammered finish reduces sticking
  • Damascus-clad VG-MAX core
  • Free sharpening and honing
Cons
  • Short blade for large produce
  • Specialized for vegetables
  • Not for rocking cuts

Performance notes

A flat edge meets the board along its length, so each push cut goes all the way through. Small hollows from the hammered finish reduce drag and let slices fall away. The steel core is ground to a precise edge angle for sharpness.

Where it stands among usuba & nakiri knives

  • #7 most-searched brand and model of the 16 usuba & nakiri knives lines we track (by search demand, not sales).

From the specs of the 15 usuba & nakiri knives we list; not a test result.

Specifications

ModelTDM0742
Dimensions & fit
BladeLength5.5 inches
Weight174 g
Construction & materials
Blade Material TypeVG-MAX core with Damascus stainless cladding
Construction TypeForged
Handle MaterialWalnut color PakkaWood
ColorBrown
Blade ColorSilver
Included components
Included ComponentsNakiri knife
Other details
Blade EdgePlain
Edge angle16 degrees

Closest rivals on specs

Cangshan KITA Series Nakiri Knife
  • BladeLength 5.5 vs 5 inches (+10%)
  • Item Length 5.5 vs 10.2 inches (-46%)
  • Size 5.5 vs 5 inches (+10%)
Kai KAI AB5168 Nakiri Kitchen Knife
  • BladeLength 5.5 vs 6.5 inches (-15%)
  • Item Weight 0.38 vs 0.33 pounds (+15%)
  • Item Length 5.5 vs 11.6 inches (-53%)
WÜSTHOF Model 4187-7/17
  • BladeLength 5.5 vs 6.7 inches (-18%)
  • Item Weight 0.38 vs 0.57 pounds (-33%)
  • Item Length 5.5 vs 7 inches (-21%)
Compare all side by side

Frequently asked questions

What comes with the Shun Premier 5.5 inch nakiri?

The included components list names the nakiri knife only. The description adds free sharpening and honing support.

Is the Shun Premier nakiri for meat?

No. It is a vegetable knife designed for push cuts, from stir fry prep to salads.

What is the hammered finish on the Shun Premier nakiri for?

The description says the tsuchime finish reduces drag and prevents food from sticking to the blade.