Shun D-Shaped Ebony Finished Nakiri Knife, 6.5-Inch

Last updated: January 4, 2023


This nakiri knife features a rust-resistant stainless steel-clad blade. Along with razor-sharp precision, the surface of the knife prevents sliced vegetables from sticking to the blade. The traditional Japanese handle and lightweight blade let you breeze through slicing and dicing produce. In our testing, this knife sliced perfectly and the weight of the handle was just right.

Shun D-Shaped Ebony Finished Nakiri Knife, 6.5-Inch

We looked at the top Nakiri Knives and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Nakiri Knife you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: This nakiri knife is rust-resistant and easy to use.

In our analysis of 32 expert reviews, the Shun D-Shaped Ebony Finished Nakiri Knife, 6.5-Inch placed 7th when we looked at the top 15 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Nakiri is Japanese for ‘vegetable knife’; and with the Classic 6.5-inch Nakiri Knife, Shun delivers a vegetable knife that combines the beauty of an elegant design with the practicality of a sharp, clean and durable kitchen tool. The flowing patterns of the Damascus stainless-steel cladding, revealed through a process of grinding and bead-blasting, pairs elegantly with the classic lines of the D-shaped, ebony PakkaWood handle for a knife which offers as much in aesthetics as it does in functionality. Ideal for food preparation, the Classic Nakiri ensures that any type of fruit or vegetable can be effortlessly sliced, diced, chopped, julienned, or styled with a simple push cut, resulting in precise, easy meal prep. The excellent workmanship of this handcrafted knife makes the mundane task of vegetable prep fast and fun, meaning less time in the kitchen and more quality time with friends and family. Shun’s Classic Nakiri knife performs to the highest standards every time. Amazon.com Made from VG-10 stainless steel, Shun knives are specially constructed to be harder, less brittle, but also more flexible than traditional steel formulations. The VG-10 core is clad with 16 full layers of SUS410 high-carbon stainless steel on each side, for a total of 33 layers. These layers not only protect the VG-10, they create an exquisitely detailed surface reminiscent of Damascus or pattern-forged steel, the kind once used for Samurai swords. As a result, the knives are simply stunning to look at–much like antique Damascus knives but without their tendency to rust. The 6-1/2-inch blade of this Nakiri knife works great for slicing and dicing, and like many Asian-style knives, its handle is especially suited to smaller users. In contrast to the traditional round profile, however, Shun handles are D-shaped to prevent the knife from twisting in the hand, which provides extra stability and a firm grip. The handle is made from ebony-colored PakkaWood, a fused blend of hardwood veneers imbued with waterproof resin that combines the warmth and traditional look and feel of wood with the strength and durability of plastic. The offset stainless-steel bolster is designed for ergonomic comfort and maximum safety, while a stainless-steel end cap provides the finishing touch. Hand washing the knife is recommended. The Nakiri knife measures approximately 11 by 2 inches and carries a limited lifetime warranty. –Mary Park

Our Expert Consultant

Julie Chernoff
Culinary Expert

Julie Chernoff is a long-time member of Les Dames d’Escoffier (past president of the Chicago Chapter, and current co-chair of the LDEI Legacy Awards Committee), the Association of Food Journalists (AFJ) and the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

Chernoff is the dining editor of Better, a lifestyle website and print magazine. Her journalism started in the test kitchens of Weight Watchers Magazine. She holds a BA in English from Yale University and is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy. She has spent the last few decades styling, photographing, teaching, developing recipes, editing, thinking and writing about food.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

I have pretty much all the high end knives, but this one is my go to knife. Especially for garlic, crush the clove and then drag the flat tip across and the clove and you're done.
It is more effective in vegetables and fruits cutting than a traditional knife because it is razor sharp, and non-sticking of food on blade
Made of high carbon VG-10 super steel, this classic stainless-steel Nakiri knife is no different as it has the required sharpness and strength to give you perfect results. This knife has superb edge retention, adding to its value. It has a wood grain pattern that makes it stain-resistant, durable, and a pleasure to look at.

What reviewers didn't like

The wooden handle has to be kept away from moisture for it to last
Heavy for some users
View our Nakiri Knife buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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