NASHVILLE: For knife enthusiasts and serious chefs, this knife will certainly rev up the appetite to own it.
Handmade in Japan, the knife is a partnership between Nissan Design America, Chef Hiroyuki 'Chef Hiro' Terada and legendary knifemaker Kiryu.
The Z Nismo Precision Sushi Knife is available for a limited time, priced at US$300.23 (RM1,328) — a subtle nod to Nissan’s racing heritage.
Limited to 240 examples – a tribute to the original 240Z – each Z Nismo Precision Sushi Knife is individually marked, with the blade number engraved in red. Owners will also find the Z logo, 'Chef Hiro's asignature and the Kiryu’s insignia.
Each knife arrives in a black-lacquered box designed as part of the unique collaboration between Nissan Design America, Chef Hiro and Kiryu.
Outside, the box is marked with the Nissan logo alongside Chef Hiro’s name. Inside the lid, six generations of Z logos are printed – going back to the first model’s 1969 debut.
The knife is exclusively available to order on the Nismo Parts website.
The 210-millimetre (8.27-inch), double-bevelled blade is crafted for clean, precise cuts – just as a high-performance machine is built for optimal execution.
“I designed this knife with an image of the Z Nismo always in my head,” said Satoshi Kiryu, principal knifemaker at Kiryu. His grandfather founded the company in 1927, and for nearly five decades, he has continued that legacy of excellence.
The kiritsuke-style design was drawn by Kiryu, who laser-cut each blade with meticulous attention to detail.
“I always try to design a knife making the best use of the materials,” said Kiryu, who has been working at Kiryu for 48 years.
After the knives are cut, he quenches, tempers, grinds and polishes each one. The knife’s kuro zome (black-dyed) finish is then applied using oxide film on stainless steel. Finally, the handle is fitted and the knife is sharpened.
“Sharpening is the step in the process that demands the most attention – you must balance the amount of steel on each side of the blade. If not balanced, the blade is not symmetrical,” Kiryu said.
When Nissan began seeking a partner in the knife project, Kiryu stood out – not just for his reputation and expertise, but because of his passion for the Z-car. To him, the project is personal.
“When I was a kid, the Fairlady Z was my favourite car, especially the 240Z. It was such a cool-looking car,” he said. “Today, we have a new Z that reminds me of the first Z’s design. When Nissan approached me for this project, I was so happy.”
The knife design is a direct reflection of Z Nismo’s unmistakable aesthetic. Crisp lines conjure images of Z’s iconic silhouette, mirroring the katana (samurai sword)-inspired silver roof accent that emphasises the car’s side profile. The striking red spacer on the buffalo horn handle reflects the unmistakable red accents exclusive to the Nismo edition’s bodywork.
“I was constantly thinking of the side view of the Z when I was making the knife,” Kiryu said. “The knife’s top edge is designed to look sharp, with no excess metal.”
Few understand the importance of a high-quality sushi knife like Chef Hiro, a fellow longtime Nissan fan.
Having amassed over 2 million YouTube subscribers for his adventurous sushi creations, the Miami-based chef relies on the finest instruments for his craft.
When working with Nissan designers and Kiryu, Chef Hiro emphasized the importance of creating a blade specifically crafted for preparing sushi – not a typical multipurpose kitchen knife.
“A chef is only as good as their knife,” he said. “A handcrafted kiritsuke-style knife like this one allows us to elevate our craft to the highest level possible. Whether you’re a professional chef or a passionate home cook, you’ll immediately feel the quality in your hand.”
