Kiritsuke Silver Steel #3 Damascus Black Mother-Pearl Inlay Handle 210mm (8.2”)

This Kiritsuke knife combines a Silver Steel #3 Damascus blade crafted by a skilled artisan in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, with a beautifully handcrafted blue mother-of-pearl inlay handle made by a traditional artisan from Toyama Prefecture.

The blade is made from Silver Steel #3, known for its excellent sharpness, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance. Its surface features beautiful Damascus patterns. The Kiritsuke is characterized by its sharp, angled tip and versatile design, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks, from precise vegetable preparation to delicate slicing of fish and meat.

The handle is handcrafted by Kazuyuki Yoshikawa, a traditional artisan from Toyama Prefecture. Using Raden, a traditional Japanese decorative technique, he carefully applies individual pieces of blue mother-of-pearl to the handle, one by one.

Raden is a traditional technique in which the iridescent inner layers of seashells are cut into thin pieces and applied to decorative surfaces, often finished with lacquer. Blue mother-of-pearl is an extremely thin and delicate material, requiring great care during cutting and application to prevent cracking or breaking. Each piece must be carefully shaped and positioned by hand, and achieving a smooth, beautifully arranged surface requires exceptional skill, patience, and precision.

Depending on the angle of the light, the blue mother-of-pearl reflects a variety of colors, including blue, green, and purple. The natural iridescence of the shell, combined with the intricate patterns created by individually placing each piece, gives the entire handle a beautiful, shimmering appearance.

This knife brings together the traditional bladesmithing techniques of Noto and the intricate Raden craftsmanship of Toyama, showcasing the skills and experience of artisans from both regions.