Sugimoto Stainless Steel Large Nakiri (Chuka)

Sugimoto's history goes back to the 1830s, and after World War II the firm was the first to begin producing Western and Chinese-style knives. These two large nakiri carry that Chuka (Chinese cleaver) DNA in a stainless package.

The CM4040 was originally designed for slicing roasted Beijing duck skin, and it is ground very thin behind the edge. Its flat profile works as a large nakiri, and both knives share a chromium molybdenum stainless steel at HRC 57 to 58 in a sanmai stainless clad build. The CM4040 is the lighter of the pair at 245 g with a 66.2 mm heel height; the CM4030 covers more ground at 94.9 mm of height and 320 g.

Both run 190 mm edge length with a comfortable oval handle, and the stainless steel means no ritual after washing: dry the knife and put it away. For high-volume vegetable work without rust worries, this family is an easy recommendation.