Takahashi Blacksmith | Vegetable Knife

Hand-Forged Nakiri Knife

Takahashi Kajiya's 'Nakiri Knife' is crafted in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture.
The Izumo region is known as a iron-producing area, with tatara iron-making thriving since ancient times. In this land, which also inspired the legend of 'Yamata no Orochi', a family of blacksmiths has been making blades for generations. Tsutomu Takahashi, the 4th generation of Takahashi Kajiya, continues to uphold the traditional forging method of "fire-shaping and hammering" each knife by hand.

Particularly distinctive is the "wakashi" technique, which has been passed down in the Izumo region since ancient times.

"Wakashi" is the same manufacturing method as Japanese swords, where steel and iron are layered and hammered together at high temperatures to bond them. It is said that "wakashi" relies entirely on the craftsman's experience, as temperature control for heating and the strength of hammering are very difficult to manage. If the temperature is too high, the steel will melt; if too little force is applied, it will peel apart; if too much force is applied, it will stick too much. It is a very delicate and time-consuming process that can only be judged by eye.
Currently, Takahashi Kajiya is the only one in Shimane using this technique, and there are only a handful nationwide.

The blade, forged by skilled hands, cuts surprisingly smoothly, allowing you to beautifully slice soft vegetables like tomatoes without crushing them. It is widely suitable for preparing vegetables, such as shredding cabbage, katsuramuki (thinly peeling) daikon radish, and preparing potatoes and onions.

The straight blade has a wide contact surface with the cutting board, allowing for efficient cutting. It is convenient for those who primarily cook vegetables or for households that do a lot of prep work.
The steel extends firmly to the base of the handle, ensuring long-lasting use.

Knife sharpening and handle replacement are free of charge, so even those who find maintenance bothersome can use it with peace of mind. (Shipping costs are borne by the customer.)

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【Product Name】Nakiri Knife
【Size (approx.)】Total length 300mm (Blade length approx. 165mm)
【Weight (approx.)】110g
【Materials】Blade: Steel, Iron; Handle: Hou wood (unfinished), Copper
【Country of Origin】Japan
【Remarks】Knife sharpening and handle replacement are free of charge. (Shipping costs are borne by the customer.)

●Before Purchase
・Since each item is handmade, there may be slight individual differences in size and shape.
・Due to the use of natural wood, there may be variations in wood grain and color.
・The slot where the blade body is inserted into the handle may be off-center, or there may be a gap between the copper and the handle.
・Gaps or wood shavings may be visible at the joint between the copper and the handle.
Please purchase with the above in mind.

●Precautions for Use
・Always thaw frozen foods before cutting them. Attempting to cut semi-frozen food may cause chipping of the blade.
・After use, wash with water and wipe dry with a cloth. Always store with the blade tip facing down.
・Do not use a dishwasher or dryer. This may damage the handle.

Takahashi Kajiya, with a workshop in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. Blacksmith Tsutomu Takahashi was born into a family of blacksmiths dating back to the Meiji era and, as the fourth generation, inherits the tradition and techniques of blade making. Committed to hand forging, the knives are carefully finished while facing the materials, naturally fitting into the user's life and cherished by many as lifelong tools.
View more works by Takahashi Kajiya here

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The handle is made of light and water-resistant Hou wood. Easy to handle.
Blade made with the "wakashi" technique, where steel and iron are layered and hammered together to bond them.
Double-edged specification, usable by both right and left-handed individuals.
The blade and handle are robustly secured with high-strength and durable copper after inserting the tang.
From left: Paring knife, Santoku knife, Utility knife (small), Utility knife, Nakiri knife, Deba knife (medium)

Please be sure to confirm.

The following conditions are handled as good quality items by our store. We do not accept exchanges or returns, so please purchase with understanding.
※Knife sharpening and handle replacement are free of charge. (Shipping costs are borne by the customer.)
Since each item is handmade, there may be individual differences in size and shape. (Photo shows a small utility knife.)
The slot where the blade body is inserted into the handle may be off-center, or there may be a gap between the copper and the handle. Please understand this as a characteristic of handmade items. (Photo shows a paring knife.)
Gaps or wood shavings may be visible at the joint between the copper and the handle. Please understand. (Photo shows a small utility knife.)
The end of the handle may be black. Please understand. (Photo shows a small utility knife.)
When placed down, the handle may lift. (Photo shows a small utility knife.)