Superb High Quality Razor Sharp Japanese Grafting Knives
Perfect for cleaning up the edges of pruning wounds, taking cuttings and air-layering.
Leaving a very cleanly cut surface on pruning wounds will increase the speed at which the scar heals a lot.
Especially useful for air layering and taking cuttings.
 
All 185mm in length.
Width 9mm. Cutting edge 28mm
Width 18mm. Cutting edge 50mm
Width 21mm. Cutting edge 53mm
 
These grafting knives are handmade in Japan by Okeya, a traditional family blacksmithing business that has specialised in Kogatana knives (of which Kiridashi are a sub-type) since 1927. Each blade is signed by maker.
Kiridashi Kogatana grafting knives are made by laminating a high carbon (white paper steel) very hard steel (which will take an edge like no other steel) to a softer but tough steel backing. The hollow ground back means that they are easier to sharpen. Learning this skill is recommended.
They can be used as they are or with a wooden handle and sheath construction.
 
The knives are bevelled for right hand use.
Due to the extreme hardness of the steel they should only be used for cutting and not for carving. DO NOT twist the blades when cutting as this may damage the sharp edge.
These blades are extremely sharp and should be handled with extreme care.
To get the best from these blades I recommend sharpening with a Japanese 6000 or 8000 grit waterstone.