Kiritsuke Silver Steel #3 Damascus Black Mother-Pearl Inlay Rankaku 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 handle featuring traditional eggshell lacquer and blue mother-of-pearl inlay by an 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 distinctive Damascus patterns that highlight the craftsmanship behind the blade. 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. It features Rankaku-nuri, a traditional Japanese lacquer technique in which finely crushed eggshells are carefully applied to the lacquered surface to create intricate patterns. Each tiny fragment of eggshell is individually placed by hand, gradually forming a delicate and detailed design.

The artisan must carefully adjust the position and spacing of every fragment, making the process extremely time-consuming and requiring exceptional patience and precision. The natural whiteness of the eggshell, combined with its fine, crack-like patterns, creates a distinctive texture that cannot be replicated through painting alone.

The handle also incorporates Raden, a traditional Japanese decorative technique using mother-of-pearl inlay. Thin pieces of the iridescent inner layer of seashells are carefully prepared and applied to the surface. Depending on the angle of the light, the shell reflects beautiful shades of blue and green, giving the handle a different appearance from every perspective.

The delicate white patterns of the eggshell and the vibrant reflections of the blue mother-of-pearl complement each other beautifully. Every detail reflects the patience, precision, and craftsmanship involved in creating this remarkable handle.