Overview

The Takeshi Saji STRIX Tsuchime Nakiri brings Saji's distinctive hammered finish to a dedicated vegetable knife. Made in Echizen, Japan, it pairs an SPG STRIX stainless powder-steel core with stainless cladding. The broad, rectangular blade gives you room to guide precise cuts through onions, leafy greens and herbs, while the relatively flat edge suits controlled push cutting and chopping.

The polished tsuchime surface catches the light above a clearly defined cladding line. SPG STRIX was developed by Takefu Special Steel to combine high hardness with improved sharpenability. This model is listed at approximately 64–65 HRC, making careful cutting technique and a knife-friendly board worthwhile.

This listing is for the blade only. No handle is included. Choose a wa handle to build the knife around your preferred feel and balance. A handle must be fitted before the blade is used.

Choose a Handle

Start with the medium-size Tokushu Shattered Carbon Wa Handle, Shattered Carbon Gold Wa Handle, or Cypress & Horn Wa Handle. Handles are sold separately. Contact us to confirm tang fit and balance; free installation is available when an eligible blade and handle are purchased together.

Common Questions

What is a nakiri best used for? A nakiri is designed for vegetable preparation: slicing cabbage, dicing onions and making even cuts through produce. Its broad blade and relatively flat cutting edge suit cooks who prefer a push-cutting motion. It is not a bone cleaver.

Is this knife suitable for home cooks? Yes, once a compatible handle is installed. Its stainless construction makes routine care straightforward, and the compact vegetable-knife profile works well for everyday preparation. Use controlled cuts and avoid twisting the edge in food or forcing it through hard squash, frozen food or bones.

How should I maintain STRIX steel? Hand wash and dry promptly, then store with the edge protected. Use wood or a Hasegawa cutting board. Sharpen on suitable whetstones when needed; light stropping on the Tokushu Knife leather strop can help maintain a clean edge between sharpenings. Avoid dishwashers and glass cutting surfaces.

Specifications

Maker: Takeshi Saji.

Origin: Echizen, Fukui, Japan.

Knife Type: Nakiri vegetable knife.

Core Steel: SPG STRIX stainless powder steel.

Cladding: Stainless steel, san-mai construction.

Finish: Polished tsuchime (hammered).

Blade Length: Approximately 160–166mm; published measurements vary.

Blade Height: Approximately 50–52mm at the heel.

Spine Thickness (Heel): Approximately 2.1–2.4mm.

Spine Thickness (Mid): Approximately 2.1mm.

Hardness: Approximately 64–65 HRC.

Edge: Double bevel.

Handle: Not included; requires wa-handle fitting.

Dimensions are published model references, not measurements of the individual blade you will receive. Handcrafted blades vary slightly in size and finish.