Tsunehisa ZA18 Nakiri 160mm Pakka Wood Handle Made in Japan

Experience ZA18 Stainless Steel in a Flat-Edged Nakiri with a Full-Tang Pakka Wood Handle

The Specs

• Steel: ZA18 stainless steel (San Mai) with stainless Damascus cladding
• Hardness: 57-61 HRC
• Blade length: 160mm | Blade height: 40mm | Spine: 2mm
• Edge grind: Double-edged (50/50)
• Handle: Full-tang brown pakka wood (Western style) with stainless ferrule
• Origin: Japan

The Nakiri

ZA18 was developed by Osaka Clad Co. in partnership with Aichi Steel Corp as a direct competitor to VG10. With higher carbon (1.20%), chromium (18%), molybdenum, and cobalt content than VG10, ZA18 achieves excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The San Mai construction wraps the hard ZA18 core in stainless Damascus cladding for added toughness and visual appeal. The nakiri profile - flat edge, squared tip, tall blade - is designed for the push-cut technique used in Japanese vegetable prep. This model pairs the ZA18 core with a full-tang brown pakka wood Western handle, making it a comfortable crossover for cooks who prefer a familiar grip with Japanese blade performance.

Care & Maintenance

• Hand wash only - never dishwasher
• Dry immediately after washing
• Hone regularly on a ceramic or leather strop
• Sharpen on Japanese water stones (1000/3000 grit)
• Store on a magnetic strip or in a knife block