Nakiri with a 175 mm blade measured from tip to heel. The cutting edge measures 165 mm.

Steel: Shirogami #2
Cladding: Stainless steel
Blade height at heel: 52 mm
Spine thickness at heel: 3.5 mm
Spine thickness at midpoint: 2 mm
Weight: 174 grams

Wakui is a highly talented smith who makes beautiful carbon-steel knives. The core steel is Shirogami #2, clad in stainless steel with a “hairline” finish. The handle is octagonal and made of ho wood, with a buffalo horn bolster. Wakui comes from the city of Sanjo in western Japan, a town known for many famous smiths such as Yoshikane and Shigefusa. You can actually see clear similarities between Wakui’s and Shigefusa’s blades in the meticulous craftsmanship. Wakui tapers the blades with great skill, the spine is well rounded for a comfortable grip, and above all, the edge is extremely thin and sharp. This is a knife that shows the highest level of forging and finish — a superb knife!

Note: Shirogami #2 is a carbon steel that is not stainless. Even though the blade is clad in stainless steel, the cutting edge is exposed. Be sure to dry the blade after use. Also use caution when using the knife, as the thin and very hard edge can easily be damaged if you chop into harder materials.