Lightning Koa Nakiri 165mm

World-class fit, finish, and above all, technically superb balance and geometry, define this Signature Nakiri by Arizona designer, engineer, and bladesmith Don Nguyen. In handsanded, satin-finished Nitro-V stainless steel, a material developed specifically for use in high-performance cutting tools like this one, the 165mm / 6.5″ blade stands 51mm off the board and delivers a thin, hard, and very sharp edge beneath outstanding compound ‘S-grind’ geometry. The nuanced details of those bevels, especially the convex section just above the near-zero edge (i.e. almost non-existent secondary edge bevel), Don has shaped carefully and purposefully for efficient vegetable chopping in any environment. The edge profile is traditional, flat for several inches from the heel forward for push-pull cutting, then sweeping upward slightly in the final two inches for added versatility. With a slim handle and overall profile, the knife mass balances around one inch in front of the blade’s rounded, polished choil to allow the forward-leaning weight and gravity to assist with each cut. For comfort and control, a beautifully carved handle with wonderful details at every turn is crafted from curly koa wood with a bolster of tapering, head-turning Lightning Strike carbon fiber, a woven material infused with copper for a unique and exceptional crown on an already striking culinary tool.