Tsunehisa AUS8 Nakiri

Super looks, great out of the box sharpness and a well balanced nakiri that's exceptional value for money.

 

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Product Code: TSU-0040

First Impressions

When you first open the box, the first thing you'll notice is a similarity with some of the other Tsunehisa knives we stock, there's definitely some consistency once you take a closer look at the grind along the cutting edge of the AUS8 and this is a good thing. 

These are well finished and impressively sharp knives right out of the box.

Beauty

It's a great looking knife, Tsunehisa's hammer finish and the grind down to the cutting edge really have that visual appeal and practically, the hammered dimples aid food release so when paired with the full tang Western shaped pakka wood handle it's a great all round package.

In Hand

Obviously with the Western full tang handle the knife is a little heavier than its Japanese wa handled alternatives but it's still got a nice feel in hand and is well balanced light and easy to use.

Durability

Now with a knife at this price point, you do have to accept some degree of compromise to reach this price point and the compromise here is just that AUS8 at 60HRC understandably doesn't quite have the edge retention of harder and higher priced steels.

It means you will have to hone and sharpen a little more regularly to keep that edge super sharp but it's quick and easy to get an edge with AUS8 so it's hardly the end of the world having to spend a little extra time once in a while with your sharpening stone and honing rod.

This doesn't mean you're going to have to sharpen it every time you use it by the way - simply that in comparison, you will want to spend a little more time keeping up to maintenance than with higher priced knives.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

Just follow our normal care and storage instructions and learn more about carbon steel care.

Our Verdict

This is a knife with a lot of positives!

It looks fantastic, it's priced extremely well and would be a perfect choice for someone just starting to get into Japanese knives and it's got a great edge and fininsh quality. 

The only "downside" if we can even call it one, is simply that AUS8 doesn't retain an edge as well as knives in a higher price bracket made from higher standard steels but honestly it's hard to expect anything else. 

At this price point, Tsunehisa have made a very impressive knife that's a welcome addition to our site and one we'd happily recommend for a first time buyer or someone looking to add one to a collection.

Tsunehisa AUS8 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 - Tsunehisa AUS8 Nakiri

  • Blade Edge Length: 162mm / 6.38" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Knife Length: 285mm / 11.22" (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 50.4mm / 1.98" (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 2.05mm / 0.08" (Spine width above the heel)
  • Total Weight: 184 grams / 6.49 oz

Range Specifications

  • Core Steel: AUS8
  • Cladding Steel: Stainless
  • Hardness: 60 (HRC)
  • Handle Style: Western
  • Handle Material: Brown pakka wood
  • 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 finishes.

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

Meet the maker

Tsunehisa

Tsunehisa is a respected Japanese knife brand that represents the skill and consistency of Sakai and Tosa’s regional blacksmithing traditions rather than a single maker. Working with a network of experienced craftsmen across Japan, Tsunehisa produces high-quality kitchen knives that balance performance, value, and practicality for both professional and home chefs.

Tsunehisa’s product range covers a wide variety of steels and styles - from carbon steel gyuto and petty knives to stainless and Damascus series using VG10, AUS10, and Ginsan - all designed to deliver excellent edge retention and a comfortable, well-finished feel.

Each Tsunehisa knife reflects a blend of traditional Japanese handcraft and modern manufacturing precision, offering reliable sharpness and performance that embody the enduring quality of regional Japanese knife-making.

View all Tsunehisa products

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!