Hezhen Retro 7.2" Nakiri
A 7.2" nakiri knife from Hezhen with a 37-layer Tri-color Copper Damascus blade and wood composite handle — a strong AliExpress value in the nakiri format.
Pros
- +Beautiful Damascus cladding
- +Premium powder-steel core
- +Comfortable, finished handle
Cons
- −Requires stone sharpening to maintain
- −Long ship time from AliExpress
Full review
Design
The Hezhen 7.2 inch Nakiri Knife Custom 37 Layers Tricolour Copper Damascus Steel pairs a 37-layer Tri-color Copper Damascus blade at 60-62 HRC with a wood composite handle. The nakiri profile follows the standard Hezhen grind for this format — a flat-ish belly for push cuts and a controlled tip for detail work, with a lightly rounded spine and choil so extended prep doesn't wear on the fingers.
Edge retention
Run at 60-62 HRC, 37-layer Tri-color Copper Damascus holds a clean edge through weeks of home use before it needs more than a strop. It sharpens predictably on a 1000/6000 stone; keep the angle slightly obtuse if you plan to work through hard produce or bone-in cuts so the fine edge doesn't micro-chip.
Ergonomics
The wood composite handle is nicely finished with no proud pins or hot spots, and the balance point sits close to the bolster for a neutral pinch grip. At 7.2", the blade is a natural fit for the nakiri role — long enough to work confidently, short enough to feel controlled on a home board.
Value
At around $130 shipped, this Hezhen undercuts comparable Japanese-branded nakiris that sell for roughly double, and the fit and finish holds up to the comparison — real wood scales, a properly ground bevel, and a stone-friendly edge. As with most factory grinds in this bracket, a short session on the stones takes it from very sharp to genuinely scary.
Specifications
| Brand | Hezhen |
|---|---|
| Type | Nakiri |
| Blade Material | 37-layer Tri-color Copper Damascus |
| Core Hardness | 60-62 HRC |
| Blade Length | 7.2" |
| Handle Material | Wood composite |
| Edge Angle | 15° per side |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Price | $130 |
A well-made nakiri that hits above its price on AliExpress.
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