The Mcusta Zanmai Nakiri has a hammered mirror polish with Damascus layers. It includes a special Octagonal handle design that is unique.
Rockwell Hardness and Edge retention + (HRC)
The knife’s Rockwell hardness is 60. With regular honing sessions, you can get away with 5 to 6 months before needing a whetstone touch-up if you regularly hone your knife with a honing rod.
Core Material
The VG10 core material has excellent stainless properties, so you don’t have to worry about rusting your blade. Keep in mind that the VG10 is more brittle and should not be used to slice through frozen food, bones, cheese, or hard bread, or force your way through other food like chocolate or nuts with it.
Blade aesthetic
The blade comes with a hammered finish and a highly mirror-polished look and layered Damascus patterns. The knife also has a cladding that protects the core material.
Blade profile
The Blade profile is in line with a traditional Nakiri knife. It means that the profile is very flat, which is great for an up-and-forward chopping motion.
Weight and Spine tapering
The knife weight is around 210 grams, the knife does not have a spine taper, which is what I expect for a Nakiri, and the thickness across the spine is 2.3mm. The blade is very stiff, and there is no noticeable flex during use.
Knife balance point
The balance point of this knife is at the front. If you pinch grip at the curved cap, the knife will be front-heavy, which you want for a cleaver-style knife.
Knife handle
The knife handle has a special octagon-shaped handle that is unique. It is shaped very nicely and very comfortably, and in my opinion, it is more comfortable than a traditional octagon handle. It has a red Pakkawood and a mother pearl aesthetic and a rhombus shape with a rivet in the middle. The cap of the handle is very uniquely shaped. The small indent beneath the cap sits very comfortably on your finger.
Fit and Finish
The fit and finish are amazing on this knife. The heel and the spine are completely polished and rounded. The handle design is very ergonomic and is of very good quality.
Final Conclusion and my Recommendation
I like the Mcusta Zanmai Supreme Nakiri. It has everything that I expect from a Nakiri. It has a front-heavy balance point, and they have added some subtle changes in the design and ergonomics. Zanmai is an elegant brand and comes with a luxurious price tag.
N O T E S
Mcusta Zanmai is only sold at a select few retailers, look for a retailer that deals with Japanese knife imports in your country.
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