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Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife
Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife

Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Nakiri Knife // 160mm // Japanese Vegetable Knife

$225.00 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.

The Nakiri knife is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife designed specifically for efficient and precise vegetable preparation. Featuring a rectangular blade profile and a straight cutting edge, the Nakiri excels at clean slicing, dicing, and chopping with minimal effort and maximum accuracy.

Lightweight and thin behind the edge, the Nakiri offers excellent control and balance, allowing for smooth, even cuts and full contact with the cutting board. Its design makes it especially effective for push cutting and straight-down chopping, helping home cooks and professional chefs achieve consistent results when preparing vegetables, herbs, and produce. A staple in Japanese kitchens, the Nakiri is an essential knife for anyone focused on precision vegetable work.

These knives are expertly crafted with a san mai construction, featuring a ZA-18 powdered stainless steel core encased in stainless Damascus cladding. Renowned for its fine grain structure, ZA-18 steel offers excellent edge retention, outstanding sharpness, and strong corrosion resistance, making these knives reliable, low-maintenance tools for everyday cooking.

Designed for performance and comfort, the knives are well balanced, lightweight, and nimble in hand, providing precise control and reducing fatigue during extended prep work. A gentle convex grind tapers smoothly to a thin, razor-sharp edge, delivering effortless cutting, clean food release, and consistent results across vegetables, proteins, and herbs.

Finished with a one-piece octagonal oak handle, these knives combine durability with refined natural beauty. The oak’s rich grain and subtle figuring create a warm contrast that perfectly complements the flowing Damascus blade pattern. Blending modern steel performance with traditional Japanese design, these knives offer both striking aesthetics and exceptional kitchen versatility.

Product Description:

  • Knife Shape: Nakiri – traditional Japanese vegetable knife

  • Blade Length: 160mm – optimized for efficient vegetable prep

  • Blade Height: 51.75mm – tall blade for knuckle clearance and control

  • Blade Thickness: 1.75mm – thin geometry for clean, effortless cuts

  • Weight: 139.4g – lightweight and well balanced

  • Blade Construction: San Mai – laminated for strength and stability

  • Cladding: Stainless Damascus – corrosion resistant with flowing pattern

  • Core Steel: ZA-18 powdered stainless steel

  • Hardness: 61–63 HRC – excellent edge retention and edge stability

  • Handle: Octagonal oak – comfortable, durable, and naturally balanced

  • Origin: Handcrafted in Tosa, Kochi, Japan

  • Brand: Tsunehisa

ZA-18 is a high-alloy powdered stainless steel developed in Japan and commonly used in premium kitchen knives. While exact specifications can vary slightly by producer and heat treatment, the commonly cited composition is approximately:

ZA-18 Steel Composition (approx. wt %)

  • Carbon (C): ~1.1–1.2 %

  • Chromium (Cr): ~18.0 %

  • Molybdenum (Mo): ~1.0–1.5 %

  • Vanadium (V): ~0.2–0.3 %

  • Cobalt (Co): ~1.0–1.5 %

  • Manganese (Mn): ≤ 0.5 %

  • Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.5 %

What this composition delivers:

  • High carbon + vanadium → excellent edge retention and fine edge stability

  • 18% chromium → strong corrosion resistance (true stainless performance)

  • Molybdenum → improved wear resistance and toughness

  • Cobalt → enhanced hardness potential and heat-treat response

  • Powder metallurgy process → finer, more uniform grain structure than conventional steels

In practice

ZA-18 is often positioned as a step above VG-10, offering:

  • Longer edge life

  • Higher achievable hardness

  • Better edge stability at thin grinds

  • Comparable corrosion resistance

Key Features:

  • Powdered ZA-18 stainless steel core for long-lasting sharpness

  • San mai construction enhances durability and cutting performance

  • Stainless Damascus cladding adds corrosion resistance and visual appeal

  • Thin, convex grind for smooth cutting and excellent food release

  • Tall blade profile improves control and knuckle clearance

  • Lightweight, balanced design reduces fatigue during prep

  • Octagonal oak handle offers secure grip and natural feel

  • Low-maintenance stainless steel ideal for daily kitchen use

  • Traditional Japanese craftsmanship from Tosa, Japan

Recommended Uses:

  • Chopping and slicing vegetables with clean, straight cuts

  • Push cutting and straight-down chopping techniques

  • Preparing onions, cabbage, carrots, and leafy greens

  • Fine slicing of herbs and aromatic vegetables

  • Ideal for vegetarian and produce-focused cooking

  • Excellent choice for home cooks and professional chefs