Ikeuchi Shozo-saku Kiridashi Blue Paper Steel Japanese Single-Bevel Knives

Enter the world of hand-forged Japanese tools with these beautiful and super-functional examples of the blacksmith’s art. 

Available in five widths, please select your preferred size.

The Kiridashi is the iconic Japanese knife, prized for its simplicity, precision, and versatility. It is made by forge-welding a layer of hard high-carbon steel to a softer layer of iron. The hard steel provides the cutting edge, while the iron layer absorbs shocks and makes it easier to sharpen. All knives are between 170-180mm long. 

Ikeuchi's Shozo-saku series knives are carefully hand-forged in Miki, Japan, using the classic Blue Paper Steel #2, a high-carbon steel renowned for its astonishing sharpness and excellent edge retention. The black finish is called ‘kurouchi’ which imparts an understated aesthetic to the tool – as well as great grippiness.

The back side of the tool has a hollow grind, as is customary for Japanese single-bevel blades. This hollow makes flattening the back easier, because it reduces the amount of hard steel that needs to be ground. All Ikeuchi Shozo-saku knives are sharpened but may require slight honing and flattening before first  use.