Nigara Hamono VG10 Damascus Nakiri

A uniquely stylised and relatively short nakiri perfect for your daily veg prep, especially if you work on smaller ingredients or in limited space.

➡️ Also available as blade only, order a compatable handle from our Japanese knife handle selection and we'll fit it for you at no extra cost. You must email us your order number first to request fitting.

Handle
 

All orders shipped UK and Worldwide are sent fully tracked and insured as standard and we dispatch on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

UK Shipping

  • Free DPD Shipping on all orders over £100
  • Orders under £100 are charged a small fee and different delivery speeds and services are available to select at checkout

If your order contains a blade, no matter what the price it will be dispatched with DPD and ID will be required on delivery.

Worldwide

  • Flat rate - £25 on orders under £350
  • Free Shipping on all orders over £350

Some international exclusions apply and all orders sent outside UK are dispatched DDU (Duties Unpaid) and payment of local tax and import duty is the responsibility of the customer.

Postage and returns

Product Code: NIG-062

First Impressions


The VG10 damascus range is seriously impressive. Right out of the box, it's got Nigara Hamono's thin edge and high finish standard and lets talk about those looks...

Beauty

This has to be one of our favourite knives in the pure looks department, the subtle matt finish on the cladding with a unique tsuchime pattern tapers down to the striking damascus and polished VG10 core. 

Lots of visual interest and classy design packed into the blade but without it being overpowering. 

In Hand

At the this price point it's not unusal to perhaps find a rougher spine finish or somewhere the blacksmith has been able to make a saving in order to use a quality steel or put more effort into the overall package but not here.

As soon as you pick this knife up it's got a nicely finished spine and heel, the mono ebony handle is classy and balances the blade nicely and the overall polish and feel is that of a very well made knife.

Durability


The VG10 core at around 60HRC is not as hard as some of the other steels Nigara Hamono use and so while it's durable, you will need to sharpen it a little more regularly than the harder steels but for home kitchens you won't mind this slight compromise to get such a good blade.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

VG10 clad with stainless steel is easy to care for and sharpen and is a commonly used combination for Japanese knives for this reason. 

For long term care and maintenance we recommend a Japanese knife care kit.

Our Verdict

Superb!

A truly beautiful knife with Nigara Hamono's attention to detail and thin edge that's easy to sharpen and care for. 

It may be more suited to home kitchens where sharpening isn't required as regularly as a professional environment due to the lower level of heat treat than some of their other steels but other than that, these are a very impressive set of knives from one of Japan's best regarded forges.

Nigara Hamono VG10 Damascus Nakiri - Product quick view

Want to see a little more of the knife? Check out what the knife looks like in hand and up close.

Knife Measurements - Nigara Hamono VG10 Damascus Nakiri

  • Blade Edge Length: 143mm / 5.63" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Knife Length: 295mm / 11.61" (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 50.3mm / 1.98" (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 2.14mm / 0.08" (Spine width above the heel) 2.11mm / 0.08" (Measured halfway along spine) 2.12mm / 0.08" (Measured 15mm from tip)
  • Total Weight: 169 grams / 5.96 oz

Range Specifications

  • Core Steel: VG10
  • Cladding Steel: Stainless
  • Hardness: 60 (HRC)
  • Handle Style:
  • Handle Material: Mono ebony
  • Left or Right handed: Suitable for both (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 finishes.

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Meet the maker

Nigara Hamono

Nigara Hamono is a historic knife maker based in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, with roots that date back more than 350 years to the early Edo period. Originally established as a swordsmithing family serving the Tsugaru clan, Nigara has evolved through eight generations into one of Japan’s most respected modern forges.

Today, the workshop is led by Go Yoshizawa and a small team of highly skilled artisans who continue to uphold the traditions of their ancestors while embracing modern metallurgy and design. Nigara Hamono is best known for its visually striking damascus patterns and meticulous heat treatment, producing knives that combine exceptional performance with artistic beauty.

Often forged from high-performance steels such as VG10, SG2, and Blue Super, each knife is finished by hand to exacting standards. With deep historical roots and a commitment to constant innovation, Nigara Hamono exemplifies the perfect balance of heritage, precision, and artistry in Japanese blade making.

View all Nigara Hamono products

Helping you find the perfect knives & accessories

Cutting Edge Knives is a proudly independent family run small business established in 2011 and based in the picturesque town of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire in the UK.

We love the history and craftsmanship that goes into making Japanese chef knives and accessories and the excitement and enjoyment you experience when using a truly sharp knife in the kitchen. Over many years we've helped thousands of happy customers find their dream knife and look forward to helping you too.

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