Shun Premier Blonde 5.5" Nakiri Knife

Precision, beauty, and Veggie Power

This knife is razor-sharp—possibly even sharper than my Master Utility—and it glides through produce like onions, zucchini, carrots, scallions, and apples with zero resistance. The 5.5” blade feels nimble and controlled, especially around the sink where I prep meals for my senior Labrador. Bonus: zucchini wedges cling gently to the blade and release cleanly, making transfers to the bowl a breeze. While it excels at fruits and vegetables, the Nakiri isn’t ideal for every task. I found myself missing a pointed tip for garlic cloves, strawberries, and vertical cuts on onions. It also lacks the curved belly needed for slicing meats—tasks where a knife like the Gokujo really shines. But that’s the tradeoff with specialized blades: they do their specific jobs exceptionally well, and are only so-so for other tasks. Beautiful, comfortable, and genuinely fun to use, the Nakiri has earned a permanent spot in my rotation… even if that means my Master Utility gets a little less attention these days. If Shun ever releases a Bunka, it might be the perfect middle ground. Until then, an Enso Bunka might just scratch that itch.