Vanguard Nakiri Review – Sleek Titanium Meets Bohler M390 Performance

Hello everyone, and welcome back! Today we’re taking a closer look at a brand-new release from Vanguard — the Vanguard Nakiri. If you’re a fan of premium materials, clean design, and practical performance, this one deserves your attention.

Before we dive in, don’t forget to check out our other blog reviews to stay updated on more knife news. Now, let’s get straight into the review.

First Impressions: The Packaging

Right out of the gate, the Vanguard Nakiri makes a strong first impression with its packaging. The box features a modern, minimalist design with a clean layout and bold branding. The Vanguard logo is prominently displayed on the front, paired with sleek typography that reflects the knife’s refined aesthetic.

The color scheme leans toward understated and professional—perfectly aligned with the knife’s premium positioning. On the back, you’ll typically find product information and branding details that reinforce Vanguard’s attention to quality.

Inside the box, Vanguard includes a few thoughtful extras:

• A cleaning cloth to keep that mirror-polished blade pristine

• Brand stickers for collectors and fans

• Protective packaging to ensure the knife arrives in flawless condition

It’s a well-rounded unboxing experience that sets the tone for what’s inside.

The Knife: Design & Build Quality

Now for the main attraction.

Handle

The Vanguard Nakiri features a grey titanium handle measuring 4.5 inches in length. Titanium offers an excellent balance of durability and lightweight performance, and the grey finish gives the knife a clean, industrial look.

In hand, the grip feels solid and comfortable. The handle contours provide a secure hold without being overly aggressive. Notably:

• Lanyard Hole: No

• Pocket Clip: Yes

• Reversible Clip: No

The pocket clip is sturdy and functional, designed for secure everyday carry.

Lockup & Deployment

• Lock Type: Framelock

The framelock provides strong, reliable lockup with confidence-inspiring stability. Deployment is smooth and controlled. Depending on the variant, thumb studs may be included for easy opening, and the action feels crisp and refined.

There is also jimping present, adding extra control and grip where it matters most during detailed cutting tasks.

Blade Performance

This is where the Vanguard Nakiri really shines.

• Blade Steel: Bohler M390

• Blade Style: Cleaver

• Blade Finish: Mirror Polished

• Blade Grind: Flat

• Blade Length: 3.63 inches

The use of Bohler M390 steel puts this knife firmly in the premium category. Known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall toughness, M390 is a favorite among enthusiasts.

The cleaver-style blade gives the Nakiri its distinctive profile. Inspired by traditional nakiri kitchen knives, this blade shape provides excellent slicing capability and a large cutting surface. The flat grind enhances slicing performance, while the mirror-polished finish adds a high-end, eye-catching touch.

It’s functional and beautiful — a combination that’s not always easy to achieve.

Specifications Overview

Here’s a quick breakdown of the Vanguard Nakiri’s dimensions:

• Handle Length: 4.5 inches

• Blade Length: 3.63 inches

• Overall Length: 8.13 inches

• Handle Material: Titanium (Grey)

• Blade Steel: Bohler M390

• Lock Type: Framelock

• Blade Style: Cleaver

• Blade Grind: Flat

• Blade Finish: Mirror Polished

• Pocket Clip: Yes (non-reversible)

• Lanyard Hole: No

Variants & Availability

The Vanguard Nakiri is currently available in four different variants, giving buyers multiple options to suit their style preferences. Whether you prefer subtle and tactical or bold and eye-catching, there’s likely a version that fits your taste.

All variants are available on our website as of the product’s release.

Final Thoughts

The Vanguard Nakiri blends premium materials with a distinctive design and solid everyday performance. The titanium handle feels robust yet lightweight, the M390 blade delivers excellent cutting capability, and the mirror polish gives it that extra visual appeal.

For collectors and EDC enthusiasts alike, this knife checks a lot of boxes: quality steel, reliable lockup, sleek aesthetics, and multiple variants to choose from.

If you enjoyed this review, consider sharing it with fellow knife enthusiasts and keeping an eye on Vanguard’s latest releases. The Nakiri is a strong addition to their lineup—and definitely one worth checking out.