Shun Premier 5.5" Nakiri Knife — 68-Layer Damascus, VG-MAX Core, Hammered Finish

The Shun Premier 5.5-inch Nakiri is a handcrafted Japanese vegetable knife built for precise push cuts, exceptional edge retention, and minimal food sticking.

Born from traditional Japanese blade making and modern metallurgical advances, the Shun Premier Nakiri pairs a VG-MAX steel core and 68-layer Damascus cladding with a hammered tsuchime finish and an ergonomic Pakkawood handle. At 5.5 inches, this straight-edged nakiri is optimized for chopping, slicing, and dicing vegetables quickly and cleanly, while the hammered texture helps reduce drag and keep slices from adhering to the blade.

How sharp and durable is the Shun Premier Nakiri?

This nakiri centers on a VG-MAX steel core that takes and holds a very keen edge, finished to a precise 16-degree bevel for controlled, thin cuts. The multilayer Damascus protects the core from corrosion and adds toughness, while the handcrafted heat treatment enhances edge life.

• VG-MAX core for high hardness and edge retention
• 68-layer Damascus cladding for corrosion resistance and strength
• 16-degree factory edge for razor-like slicing
• Hand-tempered in Japan for consistent performance

What makes the blade finish useful when cutting vegetables?

The Premier’s tsuchime (hammered) face creates small air pockets that interrupt surface contact between food and blade. That texture reduces sticking, so thin slices and diced pieces release cleanly and your workflow is faster with less re-positioning.

• Hammered tsuchime finish minimizes drag and sticking
• Straight nakiri geometry ideal for push-slice technique
• Wide blade profile doubles as a scoop for transferring ingredients

Will the handle feel comfortable during long prep sessions?

The handle is made from contoured Pakkawood, a stabilized hardwood that resists moisture while offering a familiar, balanced feel in hand. Its ergonomic shape supports both left- and right-handed grips, helping reduce fatigue during extended chopping tasks.

• Contoured Pakkawood for secure, comfortable hold
• Balanced bolster-to-handle weight distribution for control
• Stain- and moisture-resistant finish for kitchen durability

How should I care for and maintain this Japanese nakiri?

To preserve the edge and finish, hand wash immediately after use and dry thoroughly; avoid dishwashers and prolonged soaking. Periodically hone to realign the edge, and use professional sharpening when the blade requires re-profiling—the knife is supported with free sharpening and honing services.

• Hand wash and dry to protect cladding and handle
• Hone regularly to maintain the 16-degree edge
• Use manufacturer sharpening service for re-profiling

Who is this knife for? The Shun Premier 5.5" Nakiri suits home cooks and professional chefs who value quick, precise vegetable prep and a refined aesthetic. If you regularly prepare salads, stir-fries, or any dish that calls for uniform vegetable cuts, want a blade that resists sticking, and prefer a balanced, comfortable handle, this nakiri is an excellent addition to your kitchen toolkit.