Sakai Takayuki Moonlit Waves Nakiri

Sakai Takayuki Moonlit Waves Nakiri

One of our favourite knives in this range. The size of the blade shows off that patterning perfectly. Vegetables almost slice themselves out of fear when in the presence of this one.

Featuring a quality handle; solid and weighty with a full tang which is unusual for a Japanese knife but that is why this one is so popular, it brings together the quality and beauty of Japanese steel with a more familiar Western handle. The blade is sharp as you'd expect and simply wonderful to look at.

Certainly a pleasure to use or just stare at.

Performance

A VG10 cutting edge gives this knife a truly great cutting edge and allows it to keep it for a long time meaning you get to spend more time cooking rather than sharpening. The stainless steel clad on to each side protects it from corrosion.

The dimpled hammer finishes helps prevent sliced of food sticking to the blade by reducing the surface area in contact with the food, they also look great too.

Beauty

The blades look stunning and are certainly eye catching. The 17 layers of stainless steel on each side are hand ground to reveal each one in turn like tree rings.

The hammered dimples are a by product of getting the layers to bind together but leave the blade with this wonderful finish. The mahogany wooden handles finish it off well and make this range very attractive.

Comfort

The handle will be very familiar to most Western users as its what we are used to seeing in a kitchen knife. The grip is good and the balance of the knife is nicely central or neutral. A great knife with a lot of feel.

Durability

Japanese blades are all about sharpness and the ability to cut. To achieve that they are always thinner than most Western knives. As a result a little extra care is needed with them. That said they are more than up to the job of working in any kitchen be it pro or home.

The handle is really study being made from mahogany and riveted to the full tang of the knife, its going no where.

The edge steel does need a little more care than some of our other knives as it is a little softer so we'd recommend a quick hone with a sharpening rod every couple of weeks to avoid it going too dull over time.

Ease of care

The stainless steel cladding makes this nice really easy to care for by protecting the cutting edge steel (VG10 in this instance) from rusting. The handle being wood should not be immersed in water so its the usual ritual of use, wipe, dry and store. Job done.

Value for money

Great Japanese blades, super sturdy handles, fabulous looks and performance to match. At this price what is not to like?

Technical details

  • Blade Length 160mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Length 290mm (Blade + Handle)
  • Blade height 45mm Heel to spine
  • Total weight 185 grams
  • Steel Type - Cladding Stainless
  • Steel Type - Cutting edge VG10
  • Left or Right handed Either
  • Hardness 60-61 HRC
  • Handle style Western

Our aim is to measure everything as accurately as possible but some specifications (such as hardness for example) are provided by the manufacturer and therefore should be used as a guide only.

Blacksmith Profile

Sakai Takayuki

Well known and respected, Sakai knives are created by a skilled team of craftsmen and as a company have been creating knives for more than 600 years.

Meet Sakai Takayuki

What you get

A textured yellow box, lined with navy blue card. Each knife is enclosed in a clear plastic cover to keep it protected.