Santoku and Nakiri are two Japanese chef knives that often confuse. Despite their apparent similarities, these two knives serve quite different purposes. When cutting vegetables, meat, and fish, most people use their Santoku meat-slicing knife. Conversely, the Nakiri is explicitly designed for slicing vegetables. The Santoku and the Nakiri knives are excellent options; your choice will depend on your preferences. To help you decide which knife is best for you, we’ll look at the features that set Santoku and Nakiri apart.
What is a Santoku knife?
Japan is the birthplace of the versatile Santoku knife, a staple in Japanese kitchens. The name “Santoku” comes from the fact that it is ideal for all three common cutting tasks: slicing, chopping, and mincing. Three qualities or three uses is another possible interpretation.
The Santoku knife, or a meat-slicing knife, is a hybrid of the Nakiri and the Gyuto, and it performs very well while cutting both meat and vegetables. A Western-style chef’s knife has a longer blade and is heavier and more difficult to handle than its Asian counterpart.
It has long been a staple in Japanese cooking, but its current rise to fame is due to the widespread recognition of its many health benefits. That being said, a Santoku might be the greatest option if you’re looking for a multipurpose kitchen knife.
What is a Nakiri knife?
A nakiri is a Japanese knife used for cutting vegetables. The blade is square and designed for use in chopping vegetables. “Nakiri” translates to “vegetable cutter” in English.
Unlike a chef’s knife, a Nakiri Japanese vegetable knife is meant to be used with an up-and-down or back-and-forth motion for cutting vegetables. The curved blades of chef’s knives make them ideal for slicing and dicing. Therefore, it is often used for tasks such as dicing onions and garlic, mincing ginger, and cutting cabbage. Nakiri knives are prized for their use in the kitchen and their simple beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or just starting, a Nakiri knife might be invaluable.
Compared to Nakiri knives, what makes Santoku knives apart?
Let’s compare and contrast the Santoku knife with the more well-known Nakiri knife.
Blade
A typical Santoku blade length is between 12 and 18 centimetres, making it smaller than a standard chef’s knife. The curve of the blade’s tip is often less pronounced, and the blade itself is typically thinner. This means that the Santoku is great for push cuts and thin slicing.
In most cases, a Nakiri will be 15-18 centimetres long and rectangular. The blade is as sharp and straight as a cannon barrel, making it ideal for slicing through vegetables.
Uses
The Santoku is a well-known and flexible Japanese vegetable knife that can be used for various uses, from chopping vegetables to slicing meat to mincing herbs.
The Nakiri, explicitly designed for cutting vegetables, is the best alternative for vegans and vegetarians. Its profile is similar to that of a cleaver. However, unlike a cleaver, it cannot be used to cut food or shatter bones.
The heft of the blade
The blade of a standard Santoku knife typically weighs between 155 and 227 grams, whereas a standard Nakiri weighs between 4 and 6 ounces, handle length-dependent (varies depending upon the manufacturer).
This means they are easier to use for chopping and slicing vegetables and fruit because of their lightweight construction, making them feel more comfortable in your hand.
Grounding the Corners
Nakiri knives are excellent if you need a blade that can perform precise cuts. Nakiri knives can make precise cuts and maintain their sharpness because of their double beveling. The two types of utensils are interchangeable; however, some modern Santokus have thicker blades that are more suited to western-style cooking. When shopping for a Santoku, pay close attention to the thickness of the blade.
Cuts Like a Knife
Nakiri uses an aggressive chopping technique to prepare fruit and vegetables. But the rocking, straight up and down action of a santoku knife makes quick work of slicing meat, fish, and vegetables.
Cook’s blade is an unquestionable requirement for each kitchen-whether homegrown or business. Culinary specialist blades are accessible in various sizes changing from eight crawls to twelve inches. In the event that you’re not familiar with utilizing a culinary expert blade, you can favor a blade comparing ten inches.
A gourmet specialist blade generally known as a French blade includes a triangle and long edge and somewhat bowed ebb and flow. Thus, while you’re mincing spices, you can shake the blade to and fro. Likewise, you apply additional tension on the blade’s wide end.
• Boning blade
Boning blades accompany a solitary adaptable and incredibly slight cutting edge. The edge’s plan works with the partition of immense muscles with the bones appended to them. A boning blade beat the rundown of things that are unquestionable requirements for understudies attempting to dominate culinary abilities.
In any case, it isn’t required for everybody out there. For instance, you ought to try not to squander your cash on this blade until and except if you want to bone out meat.
• Santoku Blade
The word santoku is gotten from a Japanese word that means ‘three great characteristics’. The santoku blade is the most ideal choice when it comes cut, mince, and slash vegetables and natural products. Santoku blade’s comes in sizes differing from five to eight inches and highlight a somewhat slim edge. Along these lines, it permits you to unequivocally complete errands more.
A santoku blade comparing eight inches, will permit you to do in excess of 90% undertakings inside your kitchen. For instance, you can utilize it to slash vegetables, separate chicken bones and tissue, and cut cooked meats. Make sure to purchase a Santoku blade that can fit in your hold.
• Damascus steel cutting blade
Damascus blades have an edge over different blades. These blades can be utilized for both business and family purposes. Prior to picking Damascus blades, you’ll need to think about a couple of things.
You’ll need to watch out for its strength, materials, and cost. Damascus steel blades are very better compared to some other blades accessible on the lookout. Individuals who are partial to keeping a bunch of delightful cutlery are bound to buy these blades,
Damascus blades produced using steel are incredibly strong and can be utilized to slash nearly everything.
The lovely plans and exquisite wavy example of these blades can work on the tasteful and elements of your kitchen. Nonetheless, you’ll need to conclude your financial plan ahead of time as these blades come for an extreme price. Along these lines, you’ll need to pause for a moment before financial planning.