Japanese Knives

Our Japanese knives section spans traditional marking knives, whittling and carving knives, and Higonokami folding pocket knives, each suited to a different kind of precision work in the workshop.

• Marking knives, including kensaki, kasaya, kogatana and kiridashi styles, for clean, accurate layout lines ahead of cutting joints. Many feature a single bevel blade, a traditional Japanese design that aids control along a marked line
• Whittling and carving knives, including Damascus steel options in drop point, geometric and willow leaf profiles, suited to fine detail work and curved cuts
• Higonokami folding knives, a traditional Japanese pocket knife design originating in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture, over a century ago. These friction folders have no locking mechanism, relying instead on thumb pressure against the blade's lever to stay open during use
• Boxed sets, pairing a knife with a sharpening stone for those wanting a complete starting kit

Most blades are carbon steel, with some makers leaving the bluing from heat treatment intact on the finished knife, a process that gives a grippy surface with a degree of natural corrosion resistance.

Whichever style suits your work, these knives reward a patient hand and proper care of the edge.