SHARP!
"Very sharp with some heft. Legends often speak of how effortlessly sharp Masashi knives cut through onion's! I know. . . I was there!"
Masashi VS1 KAIJIN Nakiri 165mm
Masashi VS1 KAIJIN Nakiri 165mm
Regular price
€245,00 EUR
Regular price
Sale price
€245,00 EUR
Unit price
per
Shipping calculated at checkout.
About Masashi Kaijin - The blade's core is made from hard VS1 steel clad in softer stainless steel. Through a special heat-treating process, Masashi-san can make VS1 incredibly hard, giving it edge retention on par with high-end carbon steel. He sharpens blades in a unique way, making the back end more robust for chopping and the tip more precise for delicate work.
The textured appearance of the Kaijin gives its name, which translates to ‘ash’ and references the traditional forging process Masashi uses. Normally blacksmiths must overheat the knife to achieve this sort of finish, which can tamper with the knife’s quality, but Masashi-san is able to do it in a controlled, low-temperature way that doesn’t affect the steel.
First training with his brother at Yoshikane, then striking out on his own, Masashi Yamamoto relentlessly pursues the creation of a perfect knife using the traditional techniques passed down in his family and augmented by a modern understanding of metallurgy. He’s also a certified badass, forging in flip-flops and lighting cigarettes off red-hot steel like an 80’s action hero.
About the Shape - A Nakiri is a vegetable knife. Underutilized in the Western kitchen, the Nakiri’s flat blade is meant for the push/pull chopping of vegetables. Since the entire flat edge of the knife kisses the cutting board at once, you won't be turning the vegetable into an 'accordion', vegetables that are still connected like a paper doll after you're “done” cutting them. To truly understand the awesomeness of a Nakiri we recommend making onion soup your first night with the knife. The ease of chopping will blow you away.
| Shape | Nakiri |
|---|---|
| Maintenance Level | Low |
| Blade Length | | |
| Blade Height | |
| Thickness | 3.3 mm |
| Weight | |
| Steel Type | |
| Rockwell Hardness | |
| Edge/Bevel | |
| Handle | Wa (Japanese) Handle - Octagon Tochi Chestnut Water Buffalo Horn Collar |
| Knife Line | Masashi Kaijin |
| Blacksmith | Masashi Yamamoto |
| Made in | Sanjo, Niigata, Japan |
A note about measurements: Handmade Japanese knives can vary in their dimensions, so these measurements are only an example.
Shipping and Returns
Shipping and Returns
We aim to ship your order within 1 business day at Knifewear, if there is a hold up, we'll aim to let you know and give you a timeline.
We offer $3 shipping on orders over $100* anywhere in Canada and $200* to customers in the USA. We ship worldwide, and offer up to the minute rates from our shipping partner DHL.
*Konro Grills and some other larger items are excluded from the free shipping offer.
How do I make a return on an online order?
No worries, we've got you sorted. Head over to https://knifewear.mom/returns and follow the prompts.
Can I pick up my order Curbside / At the store?
Absolutely, as long as all the items you are looking for are in stock at the location you want to pickup from, you'll be able to select that at the checkout. If one or more items aren't at your preferred location we are happy to ship it to you.
Request Additional Info
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Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 32 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Masashi VS1 KAIJIN Nakiri 165mm knife is praised for its beauty, utility, and exceptional weight. Customers highlight the knife's unique design and the staff's friendliness, making it a top choice for vegetable chopping.
Summary topics
- Blade Beauty and Utility: 72%
- Product Weight: 18%
- Staff Friendliness: 15%
Review topics: [weight, fit, finish, service, staff, craftsmanship, balance, knife, nakiri, edge, friend].
Review highlights
- "Not only does Knifewear have the most beautiful knives, they are staffed by the most beautiful people!" —
- "Awesome service, beautiful and sharp knife out of the box." —
- "Loving this knife and will be purchasing more Masashi artwork soon." —
Reviews
Beautiful, well crafted Nakiri
"I love the heft and the precise cutting action of this nakiri. A beautiful knife to look at as well. Masashi-san is an amazing blacksmith. I also purchased a Masashi Kokuen ko-bunka from Knifewear too!"
Nice blade for a food enthusiast
"Awesome service, beautiful and sharp knife out of the box. Cut my vegetables as a breeze and gives me the feeling I will cut lots more. I like the contrast with my Yoshikane bringing tradition to merge with modernity"
Excellent Craftmanship and Even Better Knife
"Newer style for me and this Masashi shape is a little more unique than others of this style. Getting used to is and it is becoming my favourite for vegetables for sure. Unbelievable balance and edge plus it is beautiful to the eye. No surprise from Masashi!"
Masashi Kaijin Nakiri
"Beautiful knife that lives up to expectations. Cuts like a dream and is beautiful to look at. Was a recommendation provided to me from the store, and I couldn’t be happier"
One of the best nakiri’s out there
"I was looking for a knife that I can use when I visit my parents in Toronto and I settled with a nakiri because that’s the profile I enjoy most and also the small size kitchen of my parents’ apartment. It doesn’t disappoint. I own a Yoshikane SKD nakiri back home and I’d say this Masashi’s performance exceeds that. Went thru everything with ease except occasional wedging for carrots. The weight and balance are perfect. Fit and finish also superb. Polished spine and choil makes it very comfortable in my hands. Fit and finish is better than my Yoshi. I’ve been using it every day for 2-3 weeks now and I’ve been enjoying every moment. Highly recommend. One last note, it’s semi-stainless but it’s reactive. Mine’s already developed some patina during the past few weeks. Just remember to wipe often and you should be fine."
Amazing Knife
"My Knife arrived in two days and in perfect condition (kudos to Knifewear for the quick delivery at standard rates). Insanely sharp. a Beautiful knife that I really enjoy using in the kitchen. Follow the care instructions and you wont have any issues with rust spots."
Masashi Kaijin Nakari
"Loving this knife and will be purchasing more Masashi artwork soon. But help, I’m deep in the rabbit hole on Japanese knifes and I can’t stop! Help!"
Wonderful tool !
"Yup. This is truly a great piece of craftsmanship. I own some other excellent knives from more known brands and this one slays them all. Couldn’t recommend it more."
Masashi VS1 Nakiri – Outstanding Craftsmanship
"At 165mm, this Nakiri is an ideal length for effortless vegetable prep. The rounded tip allows for a slight rocking motion, adding versatility to its precise slicing capabilities. VS1 steel, being semi-stainless, provides excellent edge retention while resisting chipping—comparable in sharpness to my Aogami Super knives. The craftsmanship on this Masashi is outstanding—a true work of art and easily one of my favorite knives! Huge thanks to Nathan and the Knifewear team for their help in making this purchase happen!"
Q&A
- What saya will fit the Masashi Kaijin nakiri?
- The Artisan Revere Nakiri Leather Saya or the Knifewear Blade Guard 200mm would work for this knife.