Miyao Cutlery Blue #1 Nakiri
In stock – Ready for dispatch (2)
A traditional Blue #1 carbon steel core clad in robust soft iron and with a well finished edge, perfect for both home and professional use without breaking the bank.
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Ally & James
Our Price Match PromiseAbout this range
First Impressions
Right out of the box the Miyao Blue #1 has a lot of typical and traditional signs it's going to be a quality knife, immediately you can see the thin edge profile and mid thickness workhorse shape are going to be durable but initial cutting performance out of the box is already good and care has been taken to ensure the edge is of a high standard.
Cutting feel is nice and toothy on softer ingredients and with a quick pass on a higher grit stone and strop you'll enjoy this one a lot.
Beauty
These are rustic knives, entirely forged by hand and made by Hon-Warikomi which is a traditional Japanese knife construction technique, literally meaning "true insertion" or "genuine split-forging." It's a high-skill method used to make sanmai (three-layer) knives, but with a more traditional and labor-intensive forging process than modern laminated steel production.
It gives each knife a unique finish with slightly varying tapers and hammer markings and a connection with Miyao-san's forging.
In Hand
The blades are moderately thick at the spine just above the heel but quickly taper and are a typical weight for the steel and shape and we've opted to fit them with some fairly lightweight handles which keeps a nice balance point just around the heel for easy daily use.
Durability
Blue #1 is a great choice if you're prioritising edge retention and this knife holds an edge well thanks to the quality heat treatment and profile.
Ease of Care
We would certainly recommend following our carbon steel care tips when caring for this knife as it's quite a reactive carbon steel while you develop a patina on it.
These knives are also coated with a protective (food safe) lacquer commonly used to keep the knives from rusting during initial storage and shipping so while it's ok to use them out of the box, we would recommend taking a little time to remove the lacquer.
Care Tip – Reactive Carbon Steel
The core (and on some ranges, the cladding steel too) of this knife is made using a carbon steel which can react with moisture and acids in your food and so is not stainless or rust-proof.
Our Verdict
If you'd like a knife with a connection to its maker and to experience traditional steel choices and the higher skill level involved in forging knives using the Hon-Warikomi method then the Miyao Blue #1 should be on your shortlist for sure.
* Please note - measurements and weights for knives are based on the knife with the oval enjyu handle fitted.
Knife Measurements - Miyao Cutlery Blue #1 Nakiri
- Blade Length: 164mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
- Total Length: 312mm (Blade tip to handle end)
- Blade Height: 49mm (Heel to spine)
- Blade Thickness: 3.6mm (Spine width above the heel) 1.9mm (Measured halfway along spine) 1.4mm (Measured 15mm from tip)
- Total Weight: 163 grams
Range Specifications
- Core Steel: Blue Steel #1
- Cladding Steel: Soft Iron
- Hardness: ~63 (HRC)
- Handle Style: Japanese (Wa)
- Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)
Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and things such as blade or wood finishes can vary. We will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.
Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.
Meet the maker
Miyao Cutlery
Based in Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, Miyao Cutlery is a family-run workshop known for blending regional craftsmanship with thoughtful innovation. While not widely recognised outside Japan, Miyao has steadily built a reputation for their quality agricultural tools as well as the small quanties of knives they make each year.
How to choose the perfect knife
We've helped thousands of customers choose their perfect knife since 2011 and we're here to help you too.
Read our guide to choosing a Japanese knife and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
