There are various methods for cutting vegetables, including julienne, slicing, and using tools like knives, slicers, food processors, and peelers. However, cutting vegetables evenly and finely with a knife can be quite challenging.
In salads, the cut edges, width, and uniformity play a significant role in the appearance, so many people prefer to cut them as neatly as possible.
In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of using a vegetable (nakiri) knife.
What is a Vegetable Knife (NAKIRI)?
Here in New Zealand, a Vegetable knife (Nakiri) might not be as familiar, but it has been used in Japan for centuries. The word “Na” refers to vegetables, and “Kiri” means “cut,” so it’s called a Nakiri knife in Japan, which specifically refers to a knife for cutting vegetables.
This type of knife is closely tied to the Japanese diet, which has traditionally centred around vegetables and fish.
The Vegetable knife (Nakiri) is specifically designed for cutting vegetables, and it’s highly recommended for those who want to achieve beautiful, clean cuts when preparing vegetables.
Key Features of the Vegetable Knife (Nakiri)
Straight Blade and Square Shape
- The blade has a large surface area, and the tip is almost flat with minimal curvature, allowing the entire blade to stay in contact with the cutting board.
- This distributes pressure evenly across the food, making it easy to slice vegetables uniformly with a simple up-and-down motion.
Vertical Chopping Motion for Even Cuts
- The straight, vertical chopping motion ensures efficient and clean cuts.
Ideal for Dishes Where Appearance Matters
- Perfect for dishes like salads, where presentation is important.
- The large surface area makes it easy to cut and transfer large amounts of vegetables to a pot or bowl.
Less Suitable for Detailed Tasks
- The tip is not sharp, so cutting through meat or fish may require more effort.
- For precise cuts or delicate tasks, other knives, such as a chef’s knife for meat, may be better suited.
Comparing the Shape: Differences Between the Vegetable Knife (Nakiri) and Other Knives
Comparison of Blade Sizes and Shapes of Saki Sanbonsugi Knives
The Vegetable Knife (Nakiri)
The knife has a blade width of 45mm, which is wider compared to other knives, and the width remains almost uniform all the way to the tip.
As a result, the larger contact area with the cutting board allows for even pressure distribution when cutting vegetables, leading to clean and smooth cuts.
How Different from All-Purpose (Santoku) and Chef’s Knife (Gyuto)?
The All-purpose (Santoku) and Chef’s knife (Gyuto) have gently curved blades, designed as all-purpose knives. This curved blade makes pulling and pushing cuts easier, allowing for smooth cutting of meat and fish.
The curve helps the blade slide effortlessly through the fibres of meat and fish, resulting in a tender, clean cut. Additionally, the blade cuts without crushing the fibres, leaving a clean, neat surface.
Although both the All-purpose (Santoku) and Chef’s knife (Gyuto) are versatile and can cut vegetables, they are not as efficient with larger, flat vegetables as a Vegetable knife.
The curve of the blade makes it difficult for the entire edge to make contact with the vegetable, which may slightly slow down the cutting process compared to a Vegetable knife.
Our Vegetable Knife (Nakiri)
If you follow a vegetable-centric diet or are particular about the appearance of your vegetable cuts, the Vegetable knife is highly recommended. It ensures delicate and even cuts, enhancing the texture and visual appeal of vegetables.
Additionally, for those who want to use specialised knives for different ingredients alongside their current knives, the Vegetable knife is the perfect choice. Having a dedicated vegetable knife, separate from those used for meat or fish, will make your daily cooking more comfortable and enjoyable.
Having a variety of vegetables on your table is an important habit that supports the health of you, your family, and your loved ones. To make your daily vegetable dishes even more delicious and enjoyable, the Vegetable Knife is highly recommended.