This is my first Nakiri knife. I had never used a Nakiri so looked for training videos on how to handle one properly. There are several, including one on Cutlery and More’s own YouTube channel. So I practiced some on carrots and onions. For me, it was easy to get used to since I am already more of a push or pull cutter.
I have used this Masutani Tall Nakiri to cut tomatoes, carrots, onions, cucumbers, green beans and scallions. It practically falls through tomatoes and cucumbers with just the weight of the knife and pulling back. It has cut everything with little effort. The cut on carrots is slick as glass and when you cut onions properly with a very sharp knife like this one there are no burning eyes. This knife is very slicy. There is very little resistance even cutting through carrot. It has maintained its edge well. So far, all I have done is strop it once.
The fit and finish on this knife is great. The blue handle and sandblasted blade look great. The handle may look small, but is quite comfortable for me when I pinch the blade. The balance is blade forward, over an inch in front of the bolster. As I understand it, this is proper for a Nakiri as it helps the knife to do the work of cutting with less effort from the person.
I believe it also pays to follow care instructions, washing and drying immediately after using.
To close, I have purchased all seven of my Japanese knives from Cutlery and More. They ship quickly and every one has arrived in perfect shape.