User:Legitimus/Kiridashi

A kiridashi (切り出し) is a type of utility knife originating in Japan. It is characterized by its completely straight, chisel-grind edge, usually set at an angled to the handle and spine. This angle can be nearly horizontal, or steep like a chef's knife. This allows a great deal of leverage at the edge and tip. Traditionally they are entirely one piece of steel with no scales or handle around the tang, but some have cord wrappings to aid with grip.

Kiridashi were traditionally used by woodcarvers, and by artists or scribes for cutting paper and preparing writing/painting implements. They later become common items carried by children to school for sharping pencils and general use as a utility knife for art projects. This practice later faded away as modern writing implements and computers become the norm, as well as the general removal of knives from school environments for fear of injury or use as a weapon.