Knifewear Blade Guard 200mm

A Vegetable Laser with Character

’ve been using the Masashi KOKUEN Nakiri 165mm for several months, and it has quickly become one of my favourite knives for vegetable preparation. The first thing that stands out is the grind. This knife moves through dense vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and cabbage with remarkably little resistance. It has that “fall through food” feeling that knife enthusiasts often talk about, but rarely experience. The thin geometry behind the edge makes a noticeable difference compared to more workhorse-style knives. Despite being a performance-focused knife, it doesn’t feel delicate in use. The blade has enough height and weight to make large vegetable prep sessions comfortable, and the nakiri profile excels at push-cutting and chopping. If most of your cooking involves vegetables, this shape makes a lot of sense. The fit and finish are excellent. The KOKUEN finish gives the knife a striking appearance without being flashy, and the craftsmanship feels very much like a handmade piece rather than a factory-produced knife. The spine and choil are comfortable, and the handle balances the blade well. What I enjoy most is that the knife has personality. Many high-performance knives cut well, but this one feels distinctive every time I pick it up. It encourages good technique and makes prep work genuinely enjoyable. I would recommend this knife to anyone looking for a premium Japanese vegetable knife who values cutting performance and artisan craftsmanship. If you’re primarily processing vegetables and want something that combines exceptional performance with unique character, the Masashi KOKUEN Nakiri is easy to recommend.

Great customer service

I finally decided to replace my 9yo knife guard and the customer service top notch. Apart from selling their products, they also give great care tips and I can tell they actually care for their customers. This is and will always be the only knife shop in Calgary I will ever go to!

Knife and cover. Exceptional.

My new knife is great. So easy to chop and slice veggies - and occasionally some meat. The black case was a smart purchase as it really protects to blade. Very happy with new acquisition.