What Is A Kiridashi Knife Used For?

A compact knife can be multifunctional only if you choose the one made of an ideal blade and material. And one such knife is the Kiridashi knife. If you already have that one or are planning to buy a new one, you first need to know “what is a kiridashi knife used for.” Only then you can make the best use of it based on your requirements.

In order to make your everyday use, camping, and hiking experience more convenient, you can consider keeping a kiridashi knife with you. Even they sometimes can be quick replacements for the tools you do not have.

And to make you more familiar with its functions, we will explore its different uses, pros, and cons in detail.

What is Kiridashi Knife’s History?

Kiridashi knives have been in use for ages. And its origin can be traced back to Japan. As the blade is suitable for carving, the Japanese craftsmen have named it “Kiridashi,” and the literal meaning of the term is “to carve.” However, the original name of the knife was “Buddhist Sword.”

Traditionally, Japanese school-going kids used to carry the Kiridashi knives with them in their pencil boxes. They used to use it for various art tasks, such as cutting paper, bamboo, and carving wood. And it was also in use for the writing desk set.

Gradually, adults started using it because of the sharpness and stability of the Kiridashi knife. They used to carve raw wood to make wooden kitchen utensils. Also, the Japanese used it to cut bonsai trees. Slowly the blade and shape of the knife started changing, and so did its uses.

What are Kiridashi Knives Used For?

There are different versions of the Kiridashi knives available nowadays. But they are no way different than the traditional ones when it comes to multipurpose uses. Craftsmen to this date use it to carve wood, shape brush tips, and cut strings. We have listed down some of its common uses below –

The modern version of the Kiridashi knife has several ranges of functions. So, you can use it to cut objects made of grass, wood, plastic, and wire.
You can rely on this knife if you need precise cutting for your art material or tasks. Because its shape and the pointed tip are ideal for wood chiseling and complex wood carving.
You can slice fruits and vegetables with it. And this knife works well as a corkscrew too.
Other than these common uses, these knives can be handy for carrying out other tasks too. And to know its everyday and occasional uses, have a look at our next section.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Kiridashi Knife?

The Kiridashi knives are more efficient than the regular-sized ones. Here are some of its pros and cons, allowing you to know what to do and what not to do with the knife –

Pros:

It’s a plus to have a Kiridashi knife for household use. It makes it easier to glide through the tapes to open packages or mail.
Sometimes, you might struggle to remove the stiff batteries from remotes. But using the tip of the knife, you can easily pop them out. Also, you can easily pull out staple pins with it.
You can remove the dust or dirt stuck on the tread of your shoes with the pointy edge of a Kiridashi knife.
Campers and hikers often carry the knife with them to clean and gut fish, make kindling, split firewood, and crush spices. It comes in handy to cut ropes when setting up camps.
You can use it as a self-defense tool as well in unwanted situations.
Untying knots can be super frustrating if your fingers do not get into tight spots. But a Kiridashi knife tip can get through those tips without much pressure to untie some knots.

Cons:

As the Kiridashi knives are compact, they can easily break after rough use, especially if the materials used in production are not of good quality.
Due to its small size, you may have difficulty having a good grip while holding it. Also, it can cause muscle fatigue after holding and using it for too long. Also, if you have big-sized hands, you will not be able to hold the knife properly. So, it is better not to use this knife roughly.
You cannot chop anything with this knife. Even if you try to do so, it may damage the blade.
In some regions, it is illegal to carry a knife that has a blade longer than 1.5 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q’s):

Can You Sharpen Other Knives with Kiridashi Knife?

Yes, you can sharpen other compact knives with a kiridashi knife. But professionals do not recommend it. Because it can lower the sharpness of the Kiridashi knife. And you will not be able to use it for a longer period.

Is It Difficult to Sharpen the Kiridashi Knives?

No, it is not difficult to sharpen the Kiridashi knives. But it does require steadiness, proper tools, and carefulness to sharpen such knives. Because of the compact size of the blade, you need to have a properly-edged stone and tools to sharpen it properly.

Can You Peel Fruits and Vegetables with Kiridashi Knife Blade?

If the fruit or vegetable peel is not thick, you can easily peel it with a Kiridashi knife. But you should not try to peel the thick skins of fruits with it. Because its size and shape are not ideal for peeling thick layers. You may harm yourself while doing so.

Conclusion

Not everyone uses a Kiridashi pocket knife, as it is not available in all regions. So, even if you have one, you might not be well familiar with what is a kiridashi knife used for. And to bridge the gap, we have described all the possible uses of the knife above.

In case you do not want to damage the blade, you can go through the cons listed above. It will help you realize what not to do with the knife.