The kitchen knives market is lucrative and expected to grow by 5.20% between 2020 and 2027. Talking about kitchen knives, if you have ever visited a live Sushi bar, you have likely experienced the magic of a nakiri blade in action. Most people fail to understand how chefs can finely dice the vegetables at the speed of light.
It is where the intricacies of Japanese knives enter. You will find an ideal tool for each kitchen action, like dicing and chopping all kinds of vegetables. A nakiri knife is much like a cleaver and has a straight, rectangular blade for cutting fine slices.
Here are five things to check before investing in nakiri knives.
Weight
Don’t be alarmed if you feel like an ordinary nakiri knife weighs more than the other Japanese ones. Compared to Santoku knives, it is heavier due to a double-bevel blade.
Considering its thickness, it helps slice big fruits like watermelons instantly. This knife won’t leave behind any thread-like structures or uneven pieces. You can quickly expect clean cuts from top to bottom.
Design
There’s no doubt in the fact that nakiri blades were customised for cutting vegetables. As a result, you will find that the blade surface includes hollow edges to prevent any slices from sticking to its surface.
You will also find knives with a Granton edge. Here, divots will be present on the sides to help reduce any friction while chopping veggies or fruits. Additionally, nakiris also come with a hammered or a straight edge finish. Expert chefs can easily differentiate between the working procedures of all knife types.
Handle
One of the most crucial components to check during knife purchase is the handle. It will tell how well you will be able to control the tool and use it for its intended purpose. If the handle seems too slippery or rough, you will face trouble getting the right chopping action.
An ideal knife handle will fit your hands just right and be easily cleanable. Additionally, it will have a pinch grip to ensure you don’t lose the knife while fine-dicing or chopping stuff.
Cost
Price should be one of the essential factors while finalising any purchase. Usually, Japanese knives with steel blades tend to be a bit costlier but are well worth the money spent.
The presence of high carbon steel puts a nakiri knife somewhere between the range of $100 and $200. And if you find a good deal at some store, even better! But remember, not compromising on quality should be your top priority.
Steel
Usually, you will want to purchase a nakiri with a stainless steel blade. However, it is up to you to choose between low carbon or high carbon stainless steel.
High carbon stainless steel is considered better when it comes to durability and edge retention. You will have to spend less time sharpening it up.
Conclusion
Do you ever watch cookery shows and wonder how the veggies are chopped thin and evenly? It is because high-grade knives are specifically created for such actions. One such option is a nakiri knife.
It is a traditional Japanese knife that has a wide, straight blade. It can easily chop hard texture vegetables and fruits as well.
If you plan to purchase one, you should meticulously check essential factors like handle type, weight, design on the edges, etc.
