Vintage Seki-Yamato kiridashi utility knife with single-bevel carbon steel blade
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Vintage Seki-Yamato Kiridashi Utility Knife, Single-Bevel Carbon Steel, Japan

$45.00

Vintage Seki-Yamato single-bevel kiridashi knife for marking timber, carving details, sharpening pencils and fine workshop cuts. Compact carbon steel utility blade for users who understand single-bevel sharpening. Ships from Perth.

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Product Care

Japanese carbon steel tools stay at their best when they are wiped dry, kept clean of sap, sharpened before they become blunt and oiled before storage. Read the full guide.

 

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Description

Single-bevel Japanese kiridashi for marking and detail work

This vintage Seki-Yamato kiridashi is a compact single-bevel utility knife for marking timber, carving details, sharpening pencils and making fine workshop cuts. The chisel-like edge gives direct control in wood and other light craft materials.

Use it as a small layout and craft knife, not as a pry bar or heavy outdoor knife. The carbon steel blade rewards clean cuts, careful sharpening and dry storage.

Best suited to

  • Woodworking layout and marking
  • Fine carving and trimming
  • Pencil sharpening and paper cuts
  • Leathercraft and light craft work
  • Users who understand single-bevel sharpening

What to understand before buying

  • This is a single-bevel tool, so it does not sharpen like a normal double-bevel pocket knife.
  • This is vintage stock, so small cosmetic marks and variation should be expected.
  • It is a sharp workshop tool, not a general-purpose heavy knife.

Who should not buy this

  • Do not buy this if you want a locking folding knife.
  • Do not use it for prying, twisting or rough outdoor work.
  • Do not buy carbon steel if you want to store the blade wet or dirty.

Care expectations

Wipe the blade dry after use, sharpen the bevel carefully on a waterstone and protect the steel with a light coat of camellia oil before storage. Avoid grinding the flat side heavily, as that can spoil the single-bevel geometry.

Browse related Japanese carving knives and spoon tools, Japanese woodworking tools and saws, or Japanese tool care and sharpening.

Specifications
  • Bevel type: Single-bevel chisel grind
  • Steel: Laminated carbon steel
  • Length: Compact, pocket-sized
  • Origin: Seki, Japan
  • Use: Carving, marking, woodworking, bonsai trimming
Maintenance

Wipe the blade dry after use and store it clean. Use a fine waterstone or leather strop for touch-ups. For surface marks or minor rust, use a Kespika Rust & Grime Eraser and finish with camellia oil.

For stones, oil and rust removal, browse the Japanese tool care and sharpening range.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Kiridashi knife used for?

Kiridashi are traditional Japanese utility knives used for carving, marking wood, leather work, and everyday tasks. The fine, single-bevel edge allows for controlled, precise cuts similar to a chisel.

Is the blade laminated?

Most Seki-Yamato Kiridashi are laminated, combining a hard carbon steel edge with a softer backing for durability and easier sharpening. This creates the visible line along the blade.

Can it be sharpened on standard waterstones?

Yes. Use a fine Japanese waterstone, keeping the bevel flat against the stone. Finish with a few light passes on leather or a very fine grit to restore razor sharpness.

How should I store it?

Wipe dry after use, oil lightly, and store in a dry place. A small leather sheath or cloth wrap helps protect the edge from moisture and contact damage.

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