Suncraft Kouhei-Shinmatsu ZDP-189 Nakiri Japanese Kitchen Knife

Suncraft is a cutlery manufacturer with a long tradition of crafting Japanese kitchen knives. The Kouhei-Shinmatsu ZDP-189 Nakiri model is the result of ten years of accumulated experience and craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation.

The blade is forged from ZDP-189 powder steel with a Rockwell hardness of 65–67 HRC. It is one of the hardest blades in the Suncraft lineup, ensuring exceptionally long-lasting sharpness.

Blade Shape – Nakiri

A nakiri is a traditional Japanese knife with a square shape, a thin profile, and a flat belly. When cutting, the entire edge comes into contact with the cutting board simultaneously in a single vertical motion.

No horizontal pulling or pushing is required
The vegetables are cut neatly, without any pieces left stuck together
Best suited for cutting vegetables
It can also be used as a general-purpose kitchen knife

ZDP-189 Steel

ZDP-189 steel is classified as powder steel and is among the most technologically advanced steels used in Japanese knife manufacturing. It contains about 3% carbon, which allows it to achieve exceptional hardness.

Hardness of 65–67 HRC for long-lasting sharpness
About 20% chromium for high corrosion resistance
Requires work only from the most experienced blacksmiths

San Mai Lamination

The blade is constructed using the San-Mai technique—a hard steel core is wrapped in two layers of softer steel. This combination ensures the sharpness of the core and the flexibility of the entire blade.

3 layers – San Mai structure
Less prone to breaking
Fine traces of the forging process (tsuchime) adorn the blade

Rosewood handle

The handle is a traditional Japanese (Wa) octagonal design, crafted from rosewood with black pakka wood inlays. The shape is ergonomic and comfortable for both right- and left-handed users.

Knife Specifications

Specifications	Value
Brand	Suncraft
Model	Kouhei-Shinmatsu ZDP-189 Nakiri Silver
Category	Japanese Kitchen Knives
Type	Nakiri
Steel on the blade	ZDP-189 (powdered steel)
Hardness (HRC)	65-67
Blade Length	170 mm
Total length	315 mm
Blade Height	58 mm
Blade Thickness	1.8 mm
Handle Length	128 mm
Weight	180 grams
Layers of the blade	3 (San Mai)
Handle Material	Rosewood
Shape of the handle	Octagonal
Beveling	Double-sided
Country of Origin	Seki, Japan
Blacksmith	Suncraft

Japanese Knife Maintenance

Proper maintenance extends the life of the blade and keeps it sharp for longer.

Use a wooden, plastic, or rubber cutting board
Wash and dry the knife immediately after use
Store in a holder or protective case
Sharpen with whetstones
Proper cutting technique is the best way to protect the blade

Do not do the following:

Don't leave the knife in the sink
Do not wash in the dishwasher
Do not cut on glass, ceramic, bamboo, marble, or steel surfaces
Do not scrape food off with the edge of the blade—use the back of the knife
Do not use the knife for any purpose other than cutting food

Kouhei-Shinmatsu knives are handcrafted from natural materials. There may be slight variations in color, texture, and weight between individual items. The colors displayed on the screen may differ from those of the actual product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of steel is used in the Suncraft Kouhei-Shinmatsu ZDP-189 Nakiri knife?

The knife is forged from ZDP-189 powder steel, which is among the most technologically advanced steels used in Japanese knife manufacturing. It contains about 3% carbon, which allows it to achieve a hardness of 65–67 HRC. This hardness ensures exceptionally long-lasting sharpness. The steel also contains about 20% chromium, making it highly resistant to corrosion. Due to its complex composition, it can only be forged by the most experienced blacksmiths.

What does the San Mai technique mean in blade making?

San Mai is a traditional Japanese technique for laminating blades. In this process, a hard steel core is sandwiched between two layers of softer steel. This allows the blade to combine the hardness of the core—necessary for long-lasting sharpness—with the flexibility of the outer layers. The result is a blade that is less prone to breaking under stress. The Suncraft ZDP-189 Nakiri knife is constructed using precisely this 3-layer structure.

What is a Nakiri knife used for?

A nakiri is a traditional Japanese knife designed primarily for cutting vegetables. Its square blade and flat belly allow the entire edge to make contact with the cutting board simultaneously in a single vertical motion. This eliminates the need for horizontal pulling and ensures clean, precise cuts. The vegetables do not stick together in pieces after cutting. Despite its specialization, the nakiri can also be used as a general-purpose kitchen knife.

What material is the knife handle made of?

The handle is made of rosewood with black pakka wood inlays. It follows the traditional Japanese Wa style. Its octagonal shape makes it ergonomic and comfortable for extended use. It is equally suitable for both right- and left-handed users. Because it is made of natural materials, there may be slight variations in texture and color between individual pieces.

How do I properly maintain a Japanese ZDP-189 steel knife?

Wash the knife by hand immediately after use and dry it thoroughly. Never leave it in the sink or put it in the dishwasher. Use only a wooden, plastic, or rubber cutting board. Do not cut on glass, ceramic, bamboo, marble, or steel surfaces. Sharpen with whetstones and store in a holder or protective sheath.

Is this knife suitable for beginner home cooks?

ZDP-189 steel is popular among a wide range of users—from professional chefs to novice home cooks. Its long-lasting sharpness means less frequent sharpening is needed. The octagonal rosewood handle is ergonomic and comfortable for everyday use. It’s important to follow the care instructions, as this steel requires careful handling. With proper care, the knife can last for years.

Where is the Suncraft Kouhei-Shinmatsu Nakiri knife manufactured?

The knife was manufactured in Seki, Japan, by the Suncraft knife forge. Seki is a world-renowned center for knife production with a centuries-old tradition. Suncraft combines traditional craftsmanship with modern materials such as ZDP-189 powder steel. Each knife in the Kouhei-Shinmatsu series is handcrafted. Due to the handcrafted nature of the knives and the use of natural materials, slight variations between individual pieces are possible.

Weight

0,2 kg

Dimensions

6,0000 cm