Literally translated, Kiridashi means "to cut out". It is traditionally used by carpenters and gardeners, but the Kiridashi is perfect for so many everyday tasks: scoring paper, opening boxes, and marking wood. It is said that Japanese schoolchildren would use these knives to sharpen their pencils.

Knives don't get much more uncomplicated than this one; its single bevel makes it extremely sharp and precise, and it is easy to sharpen and maintain. Above all, we love the ingenious magnolia scabbard that securely slots over the blade, reshaping the Kiridashi into an unassuming, continuous baton. In its scabbard, this knife can be tossed into a toolbox, picnic bag, or kitchen drawer with impunity, knowing it won't come loose or scratch its surroundings. It comes with a handy red leather lanyard.

Forged in Miki City, located in Hyogo Prefecture, northwest of Kobe, by a 4th-generation, award-winning knife maker. This is a traditional Japanese ni-mai-style clad steel: a hard V2 cutting edge material over a softer iron body. Note: this blade is beveled on the user's right side, thus it is intended for right-hand use.