Aka hata Hironori | Kurouchi Nakiri Knife 165mm

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Nakiri Knife Crafted by a Blacksmith

This nakiri knife is crafted by Hironori Akahata, the fifth-generation blacksmith of "Kajiya Daitoku," which has its workshop in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture. Unlike mass-produced knives available on the market, the nakiri knives made by blacksmith Hironori Akahata are "kuro-uchi" (black-forged) finish, created by fire-forging and hammering steel.

Slice, slice, slice...

A truly sharp knife gives you the sensation of the blade falling naturally without needing much force. A nakiri knife, ideal for cutting vegetables, is recommended for those who want to use the right knife for specific ingredients or for cooking enthusiasts. It's an item you'll definitely want to have alongside your santoku knife.
[From top: Kuro-uchi Nakiri Knife 165mm, Kuro-uchi Nakiri Knife 120mm, Kuro-uchi Coro Knife (Nakiri type)]

Using Different Knives

In most households, the santoku knife is popular because it can be used for all sorts of ingredients like meat, fish, and vegetables. However, when chopping vegetables finely, such as for dicing or julienning, a nakiri knife is the most suitable.

A knife with a blunt tip and a thin, wide blade is not only convenient for cutting bulky items like cabbage and lettuce, but its moderate weight also allows you to slice through hard vegetables like pumpkins with less effort. The 165mm nakiri knife is a user-friendly size for home use.

The refined sharpness of a forged blade enhances the flavor of ingredients without damaging them, making your dishes even more delicious. Furthermore, it's a double-edged type, which is a welcome feature as it can be used regardless of your dominant hand.

Kuro-uchi Finish Knife

A kuro-uchi knife deliberately retains the blackened surface from quenching. Its rugged appearance, showing hammer marks, is part of its appeal. It is also said to be more resistant to rust than knives that are polished all over. It pairs well with wooden handles and boasts an excellent design.

Strong and Sharp Cutting Edge

By hammering, forging, quenching, and tempering, a strong knife is born. The strength varies depending on how it's heated and the degree of reddening, making the skill and experience of the craftsman crucial. Furthermore, to achieve a sharp cutting edge, Akahata-san himself hand-sharpens the knife as a final step.

Easy-to-Grip Wooden Handle

The handle is made from solid black walnut. The unevenness, intentionally left with carving marks, makes it easy and comfortable to grip. These carvings are not machine-made; Akahata-san meticulously carves them with a knife in three steps. After inserting the tang, the blade and wooden handle are secured with brass.

Engraving

Finally, an engraving is made to certify that it was crafted by Akahata-san, completing the process.

Knives You'll Want to Have in Your Home

The Akahata knife series. We've gathered knives you'll want to have in your home for everyday use.
[From left: Kuro-uchi Bread Knife 210mm, Kuro-uchi Bread Knife 120mm, Kuro-uchi Santoku Knife 165mm, Kuro-uchi Petty Knife 120mm, Kuro-uchi Coro Petty Knife, Kuro-uchi Nakiri Knife 165mm, Kuro-uchi Nakiri Knife 120mm, Kuro-uchi Coro Nakiri Knife]

Delivered in a Beautiful Gift Box

According to Akahata-san, the design was inspired by the image of drawing a sword from its sheath. The result is a cool finish, born from the unique perspective of a blacksmith. It's also recommended as a gift.

Easy Maintenance

While forged tools are often thought of as high-maintenance, they are actually very easy to care for. Just like with regular knives, after use, thoroughly wash off any dirt, wipe off moisture completely, and store. Due to the nature of iron, if rust appears, please remove it using a cleanser or an eraser-type rust remover.

For the wooden handle, about twice a year, or when you notice the oil wearing off, apply walnut oil or perilla oil soaked into a kitchen paper. After application, wipe off any excess oil and let it dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area. *Please dispose of the kitchen paper used for applying oil after wetting it with water.

Resharpening Service

For those who are not confident in sharpening knives themselves, we offer a resharpening maintenance service by Akahata-san. The round-trip shipping costs and maintenance fee will be borne by the customer. If you wish to use this service, please contact our shop.
Kajiya was founded in April 1894. From the first to the third generation, they were involved in manufacturing agricultural and forestry tools. The fourth generation did not engage in blacksmithing but started an ironworks construction business. After the third generation (grandfather) passed away, blacksmithing was suspended for approximately 20 years. However, Hironori Akahata, the fifth generation, resolved to revive the blacksmithing business. He apprenticed under Mr. Teiichiro Yamaguchi, master of the "Yoshisada" knife blacksmiths in Kyoto. In April 2008, he opened "Kajiya Daitoku," and continues the business to this day.
Click here for a list of Hironori Akahata's works


This is a 165mm nakiri knife crafted by Hironori Akahata, the fifth-generation blacksmith of "Kajiya Daitoku." These kuro-uchi finish nakiri knives, made by fire-forging and hammering steel, offer exceptional sharpness. They are recommended for those who want to use the right knife for specific ingredients or for cooking enthusiasts.

【Product Name】Kuro-uchi Nakiri Knife 165mm
【Size (approx.)】Total length 313mm, Blade body 185mm, Blade length 165mm
【Weight (approx.)】196g
【Material】Blade: Steel/Iron, Handle: Black Walnut (solid wood), Brass
【Remarks】Double-edged type, can be used regardless of dominant hand

● Precautions for Use
・When using for the first time, please wash with dish soap before use.
・After use, wash off dirt with dish soap, wipe off moisture thoroughly, and dry.
Dishwasher/dryer ×

● Please read before purchasing.
・As all items are handmade, there may be individual differences in size, weight, color, texture, shape, etc.
・Even with the same type of wood, each handle has a unique appearance, so the grain and color will vary.
Please enjoy these as the unique characteristics of a one-of-a-kind product.
Please understand the above points before making your purchase.