Ikeuchi Folding Kiridashi Tsuchime 95mm (3.7")
🚩 This blade will develop patina with use, while improper maintenance may lead to rust formation.
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✔︎ No import fees & duties - worldwide |
- Description
- Specifications
- Knife Care
- Shipping
Inspired by the traditional Japanese kiridashi, this compact folding knife is a versatile tool for everyday use. Ideal for woodworking, leather cutting, paper crafting, grafting in the garden, or simply opening boxes. Thanks to its folding design with a locking mechanism, it's both safe to carry and easy to use on the go.
The 120mm blade features a core of Aogami #2 (Blue Paper Steel), renowned for its fine edge retention and ease of sharpening. The core is clad in softer stainless steel for added corrosion resistance, while the cutting edge is sharpened on one side only — making it perfect for right-handed users.
✔ Traditional Japanese folding design
✔ Extremely sharp, precise single-bevel edge
✔ Compact and easy to carry
✔ Handmade with attention to detail
✔ Durable materials that are easy to maintain
BLADE SHAPE:
The compact Kiridashi blade is prized in Japan for its versatility—from sharpening pencils to pruning bonsai. Its straight edge and fine tip offer excellent control, especially for pull cuts or precision tasks like carving, leatherwork, or crafting. As a folding knife with a locking mechanism, it combines traditional utility with everyday portability and safety. The blade locks firmly into place when fully opened, ensuring a safe and secure cutting experience. To close the knife, simply press down on the locking mechanism pin in the middle of the handle—this releases the blade so it can be folded safely back into the handle.
Folds down to 140 mm (5.5") for easy carrying and locks securely when open (240 mm / 9.4").
STEEL:
The Aogami #2 steel is hardened to 61-62 HRC. The advantage of such a blade is its long-lasting sharpness and ease of sharpening. The blade is single-beveled and extremely easy to re-sharpen, making it ideal for users who value precision. The knife needs to be taken care of though, it should not be left wet and have oil applied to the blade every so often - we recommend using Ballistol or Camellia oil.
BLADE FINISH:
The tsuchime (hammered) surface is a nod to traditional forging methods and helps reduce friction while cutting.
HANDLE:
The handle is crafted from laminated plywood, shaped for a natural and secure grip. Brass pins reinforce the construction, while the scalloped end nods to classical Japanese joinery. A lanyard hole at the base adds practical versatility—allowing the knife to be tied, hung, or carried with ease.
A black label with gold kanji characters and the craftsman's red seal completes the handle—an elegant mark of its artisanal origin.
Blade shape: Kiridashi / Folding knife
Steel type: Aogami #2
Blade construction: Ni-mai / tsuchime
Hardness (HRC scale): 62–63
Overall length: open: 240 mm (9.4") / folded: 140 mm (5.5")
Blade length: 95mm (3.7")
Blade height: 30mm (1.2")
Spine thickness: 2mm (0.08")
Weight: 100g (3.5 oz)
Handle length: 135mm (5.3")
Handle type / wood: Laminated plywood, fluted end, brass pins, lanyard hole
Kanji on the blade:
Blacksmith: Ikeuchi Hamono
Location of the smithy: MIKI / Hyōgo Prefecture / Japan
☝️ Japanese kitchen knives in our store are handmade from natural materials. Slight variations in color, texture, weight and other dimensions are possible. We try to give a good photographic representation of our products, however computer screen resolution and colors do vary, so products might not look exactly as they are seen on screen.
☝️ THIS KNIFE MAY DEVELOP PATINA
Knives made of carbon steels can, due to their low chromium (Cr) content, discolor and develop patina. The knife is the most sensitive when it is still new and a patina had not developed yet, but later, patina will protect the blade. These types of knives require a touch more care:
✔ Wipe it regularly with a clean and dry cloth (you can also do this during use).
✔ After use, rinse it with lukewarm water and wipe it dry.
✔ Coat it regularly with knife maintenance oil or plain refined sunflower oil.
✔ Store the knife by wrapping it in paper which will absorb moisture and protect the blade.
A patina is a thin layer that forms on the surface of oxidized steel and protects it from further oxidation. The patina should not be confused with rust. Patina protects the blade, while rust causes corrosion and deterioration of material, so it should be removed (see Rust erasers).
→ For in-depth information about patina, read our dedicated post on patina.
GENERAL KNIFE CARE TIPS:
Blade wear depends on the quality of steel, usage and maintenance of the blade. Japanese knives are made of high-quality steels. Follow these tips to keep your Japanese knife in top-notch shape:
✔ Use a wooden, plastic or rubber cutting board.
✔ After use, wash the knives and wipe them dry.
✔ For storage, use a knife holder or a protective knife sheath (saya).
✔ A good cutting technique is your best bet to prolong sharpness.
✔ Use sharpening stones to sharpen the knife.
❗️Don’t leave the knife in the sink. Wash it by hand.
❗️Don’t wash the knife in the dishwasher.
❗️Don’t use the knife on glass, ceramics, marble or steel surfaces.
❗️Don’t scrape the food off the cutting board with the edge of the blade. Use the spine of the knife instead.
❗️Knife is a tool intended for specific use - cutting food. It is not a can opener, screwdriver, trowel, wire cutter, hammer etc.
→ For more details, read our guide
on Maintenance of Kitchen Knives.
🤙 Contact us if you need some help. We reply within 1 business day.
SHIPPING RATES:
- €10 - flat worldwide rate with DHL Express (express delivery, 2-5 business days).
- FREE - all orders over €300 (DHL Express).
EXCEPTIONS:
See our Shipping page for more details.
DUTIES AND IMPORT TAXES:
We ship all orders DDP (duties & taxes paid). This means you will not be charged for any import fees and taxes (including VAT). All our prices are final. The price you see at checkout is the final price, no hidden costs.
DELIVERY TIME:
- Europe: 1-2 business days
- US & Canada: 2-4 business days
- Rest of the World: 3-5 business days
RETURNS:
Our return policy lasts 30 days. If more than 30 days have gone by since the day you received your order, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
→ Read our SHIPPING & RETURNS policy for more info. We strive to solve any issues fast and with as little hassle for you. If you have some additional questions, please contact us.
Each knife comes with:
✔️ Instructions and knife care leaflet.
✔️ A preventive Band-Aid – the knives are very sharp! 😉
✔️ Original box from the blacksmith, which we wrap in an old Japanese newspaper sheet – so every knife is ready to be passed on as a gift as soon as it hits your doorstep!
✔️ We also offer a special gift wrapping option with the traditional Japanese washi paper.
Quiz
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