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Nigara  |  SKU: NIGA_ASMM_NA180_BC

Nigara Aogami (Blue) Super K-tip Nakiri 165mm Matt Migaki Tsuchime Finished Black Chacate

Regular price $279.95

IMPORTANT: Carbon steel knives can rust or patina quickly if not cared for properly. They require regular cleaning, drying, and oiling. If you are unfamiliar with carbon steel maintenance, we recommend choosing a stainless steel option instead.

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Nakiri
Double Bevel
Weight 169 g | 6.0 oz
Edge Length 167 mm | 6 37/64″
Heel Height 52 mm | 2 3/64″
Width @ Heel 2.3 mm | 3/32″
Width @ Mid 2.1 mm | 5/64″
Width @ 1cm from Tip 1.1 mm | 3/64″
Steel Blue Super / Aogami Super | Carbon
Hardness (HRC) 62 - 65
Handle Octagonal Black Chacate
  • Free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide.
  • World-wide shipping via DHL Express, 3 to 5 days.


Care Instruction
  1. Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
  2. Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
  3. Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
  4. Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
  5. It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
  6. It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.
  7. Oil the (carbon) knife if storing for an extended period of time to prevent rust.
Profile: Nakiri
Profile

Nakiri

The Nakiri knife is a distinctive tool in the Japanese kitchen, resembling a slender, shorter variant of a Chinese cleaver and serving as the household counterpart to the professional-grade Usuba. It is characterized by its relatively flat edge profile, designed specifically for a chopping motion ideal for vegetable preparation. Unlike knives intended for slicing or sawing motions, the Nakiri's design emphasizes straight, clean cuts through vegetables without the need for pushing or rocking. Its blade is notably thin, underscoring its specialization for tasks that do not involve contact with bones, even small ones. This specialization makes the Nakiri an indispensable tool for those seeking precision and ease in vegetable preparation.
Composition

Blue Super / Aogami Super Element Composition

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    Blue Super / Aogami Super
    2.0% 1.5% 1.0% 0.5% 0
    C Carbon 1.4%
    Primary hardening element. Raises hardness and wear resistance — but too much increases brittleness and corrosion susceptibility. As a reference: German 1.4112 (~0.5%) sits at the low end; VG-10 (~1.0%) is a common mid-range; SG2 (1.25–1.45%) and ZDP-189 (~3.0%) represent high and extreme ends respectively.
    C
    1.4%
    Cr Chromium 0.3%
    Raises corrosion resistance; 13%+ qualifies steel as stainless. Also improves hardenability and wear resistance. In kitchen use, higher chromium levels contribute to a slight drag or sticking sensation when cutting — a trade-off for the rust resistance it provides.
    Cr
    0.3%
    W Tungsten 2.0%
    Forms hard carbides for wear resistance and edge retention. Gives the steel hardness even at elevated temperatures.
    W
    2.0%
    Mn Manganese 0.2%
    Aids hardenability and strength. Acts as a deoxidiser during smelting. Excess can reduce toughness.
    Mn
    0.2%
    Si Silicon 0.1%
    Strengthens the steel matrix and acts as a deoxidiser. Improves hardness and resistance to oxidation.
    Si
    0.1%
    P Phosphorus 0.025%
    Impurity from the smelting process. Even small amounts cause brittleness — steelmakers keep this as low as possible.
    P
    0.025%
    S Sulfur 0.004%
    Impurity that reduces toughness and promotes brittleness. Intentionally added only in free-machining steels.
    S
    0.004%
    C — Carbon Cr — Chromium W — Tungsten Mn — Manganese Si — Silicon P — Phosphorus S — Sulfur
    Hardness 62–65 HRC
    555759616365+
    Steel
    Blue Super / Aogami Super
    Category
    Carbon
    Manufacturer
    Hitachi Special Steel, Japan 🇯🇵
    Hardness
    62–65 HRC
    Steel

    Blue Super / Aogami Super

    • Manufacturer
      • Hitachi Special Steel, Japan
    • Nature Carbon
    • Hardness62–65 HRC
    Aogami Super steel, also known as Blue Super Steel, is highly esteemed among Japanese carbon steels for its exceptional qualities. Produced by Hitachi Metals Ltd., this steel surpasses Blue Steel No.1 in its composition, featuring higher amounts of carbon, chromium, and tungsten, with the addition of molybdenum. Aogami Super is celebrated for its remarkable edge sharpness and superior edge retention capabilities. It can achieve high levels of hardness without becoming brittle, a characteristic that sets it apart and endears it to knife enthusiasts worldwide. The steel's enhanced carbon content enables it to maintain sharpness for extended periods, while the added chromium aids in rust resistance. A touch of vanadium increases its toughness, making it less prone to chipping. These attributes make Aogami Super one of the most revered high carbon steels globally, often described as a knife nerd's dream for its balance of hardness, durability, and maintenance ease.
    Handle
    Handle

    Handle Specs

    • Profile Octagonal WA
    • Material
      • Black Chacate

    Black Chacate is a highly valued timber known for its deep, rich brown to almost black coloration, fine texture, and exceptional durability. It polishes well, offering an exquisite finish that highlights its subtle, elegant grain patterns. This wood is often used in fine woodworking projects, including luxury furniture, decorative items, and high-end knife handles.

    An octagonal wa handle made from Black Chacate wood would exhibit a sleek, geometric shape that fits comfortably in the hand, enhancing the user's grip and control. The deep hues and natural luster of Black Chacate add a touch of sophistication and unparalleled beauty to the handle, making it not only a functional component of a kitchen knife but also a piece of art. The durability and stability of Black Chacate ensure that the handle withstands the rigors of kitchen use while maintaining its aesthetic appeal over time.

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