Spyderco Itamae Nakiri: Masterful Precision for Vegetables
The Spyderco Itamae Nakiri is a large, fixed-blade kitchen knife that combines the rich tradition of Japanese knife-making with modern, high-quality materials. This knife is part of the prestigious Itamae Series, developed by master knife maker Murray Carter—the official heir to a 420-year-old Japanese knife-making tradition. The Nakiri is the ultimate specialized knife for anyone who strives for the highest precision in vegetable cutting in the kitchen.
The Nakiri is designed as a masterpiece of cutting quality, straight from Japan:
- Traditional Blade Type: The Nakiri (literally “vegetable cutter”) has a unique, rectangular shape. This shape is optimized for traditional Japanese push-cutting techniques for all types of vegetables.
- Layered Premium Steel (San Mai): The 18.50 cm blade is expertly crafted from layered steel (San Mai). The cutting edge is formed by an ultra-hard core of Aogami Super Blue carbon steel, coated and protected by softer, corrosion-resistant layers of SUS410 stainless steel. The hardness of the core is 59 RC, which ensures extreme sharpness.
- Unmatched Cutting Geometry: The blades are exceptionally thin (1.9 mm) and straight ground (Full Flat Grind) for minimal resistance and maximum cutting performance. The shape ensures that the length of the cutting edge remains consistent, even after years of sharpening.
- Octagonal G-10 Handle: The handle is 12.40 cm long.
- Octagonal G-10 Handle: The 12.40 cm handle is made of marbled G-10 (inspired by wood, accented with black G-10). This composite material is highly wear-resistant and provides a firm grip in wet conditions.
- Ergonomics: The handles are octagonal (wa-style), a classic Japanese shape that provides a stable and intuitive grip during long cutting periods.
- Prestigious Origin: The Itamae Series represents the highest quality within the Murray Carter Collection and uses first-class materials, befitting the title of a master sushi chef.
The Itamae Nakiri offers advantages that a traditional European chef's knife cannot match:
- Perfection in Vegetable Cutting: The rectangular shape and straight edge make it the perfect tool for chopping and cutting vegetables into perfect, uniform slices or cubes.
- Extremely Sharp Cut: The Aogami Super Blue core is renowned for its ability to become extremely sharp and retain this sharpness for a long time, which is essential for fine julienne or brunoise.
- Lightweight and Agile: Weighing only 183 grams and with a total length of 30.90 cm, this knife feels surprisingly light and agile in the hand.
- Protected Carbon Core: The SUS410 outer layers protect the vulnerable carbon steel core from rust, combining the sharpness of carbon steel with the ease of maintenance of stainless steel (except for the cutting edge).
The Spyderco Itamae Nakiri is a professional knife and requires the following maintenance:
- Use: Ideal for chopping and push-cutting vegetables.
- Cleaning: Not dishwasher safe. Clean the knife by hand with mild soap immediately after use and dry it immediately. The cutting edge (the Aogami Super Blue core) is not stainless and may oxidize (form a patina) if it remains wet or acidic.
- Sharpening: To maintain the razor-sharp Japanese edge, sharpening on Japanese water stones is recommended.
This knife is the ultimate tool for:
- Professional Chefs: For those who need to process large quantities of vegetables quickly and perfectly.
- Lovers of Asian cuisine: Essential for preparing sushi and other Japanese dishes.
- Cooking enthusiasts: Who are looking for the best cutting quality and a specialized knife for vegetables.
The Spyderco Itamae Nakiri is a remarkable fusion of 420 years of knife-making expertise and modern materials. It delivers an unparalleled cutting experience for vegetables thanks to its razor-sharp Aogami Super Blue core and perfect Nakiri geometry. This knife is a valuable and beautiful tool for the serious home cook or professional.
Bring Japanese masterclass to your kitchen. Order the Spyderco Itamae Nakiri now at GearWulf.nl and experience the difference of Aogami Super Blue steel!