The kiritsuke is a large, multi-purpose kitchen knife known for its diamond-shaped tip that gives the blade a distinctly sword-like appearance. Kiritsukes are single-grind knives - while some makers produce double-grind blades that look similar, only a single-grind knife is considered a true kiritsuke. The shape and size give it a dual personality: it can be used like an usuba for cutting vegetables or like a yanagiba to slice raw fish. These knives demand real skill to use correctly and are therefore typically reserved for executive chefs in Japanese kitchens.
This Kitaoka Damascus kiritsuke is a completely handmade knife, forged by Hideo Kitaoka in his small workshop in Takefu Village. The core uses Shirogami #1 steel with a multilayer cladding of soft carbon steel that forms a beautiful Damascus pattern while enhancing strength and durability. As with all single-bevel knives, this is a one-handed design suited to right-handed users only, and the carbon blade requires careful cleaning and drying to reduce the chances of corrosion. A traditional octagonal handle made from sandalwood with a black pakka wood ferrule completes the package, with a Tokyo-style gap at the machi referencing traditional Japanese sword design.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer cannot say enough good things about this knife, praising the surprising heft, the masterful forging and grind, and calling it a genuine delight both to use and to look at.
Care Instructions: White #1 is a highly reactive carbon steel and will develop a natural patina with use - this is normal and helps protect the steel. Hand wash only and dry immediately after use. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and twisting cuts. Use wooden or rubber cutting boards. Store carefully in a saya or blade guard when not in use. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
This Kitaoka Damascus kiritsuke is a completely handmade knife, forged by Hideo Kitaoka in his small workshop in Takefu Village. The core uses Shirogami #1 steel with a multilayer cladding of soft carbon steel that forms a beautiful Damascus pattern while enhancing strength and durability. As with all single-bevel knives, this is a one-handed design suited to right-handed users only, and the carbon blade requires careful cleaning and drying to reduce the chances of corrosion. A traditional octagonal handle made from sandalwood with a black pakka wood ferrule completes the package, with a Tokyo-style gap at the machi referencing traditional Japanese sword design.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer cannot say enough good things about this knife, praising the surprising heft, the masterful forging and grind, and calling it a genuine delight both to use and to look at.
Care Instructions: White #1 is a highly reactive carbon steel and will develop a natural patina with use - this is normal and helps protect the steel. Hand wash only and dry immediately after use. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and twisting cuts. Use wooden or rubber cutting boards. Store carefully in a saya or blade guard when not in use. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
- Blacksmith: Hideo Kitaoka
- Location: Echizen, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Cladding: Carbon Steel Damascus (12-Layer)
- Edge Steel: White #1
- HRC: 63-64
- Grind: One-Sided Traditional, Right-Handed
- Handle: Sandalwood Octagonal
- Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
- Handle Install: Tokyo Style (Gapped Machi)
- Engraving: Hand Engraved
- Weight: 5.8 oz (164 g)
- Blade Length: 230mm
- Total Length: 380mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3.5mm
- Blade Height: 37mm
- Please Note: We only ship Kitaoka knives within the USA
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
