Mikikichan Japanese carving knife

Brand/Manufacturer: Ikeuchi – Mikikichan series
Blade steel: Blue Paper No. 2 (Aogami No. 2) – high-quality Japanese steel containing a lot of carbon with an exceptional cutting edge.
Manufacturing: Hand-forged in Miki (Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan)
Handle: Japanese hardwood with metal ferrule
Available profiles: Yoko, Maru, Kuri, Ken, Hira, Mikazuki, Hirato, Keiryu
Fine points: detail
Straight blades: clean cuts
Curved shapes: curves and hollows
Supplied with: protective sheath for the blade
Sharpening: Factory sharpened — ready to use
Uses: wood carving, trimming, detailing, removal

Fine details and precise wood carving (Yoko, Mikazuki)
Material removal and general trimming (Hira, Hirato)
Internal works and confined spaces (Kuri, Ken)
Textures, curved shapes and delicate transitions (Maru, Keiryu)

Interview :
- Cleaning after use: wipe the blades thoroughly to remove wood dust and residue.
- Regular sharpening: use fine sharpening stones (e.g. 1000 grit then 4000+) to maintain a precise edge; high carbon steel is well suited to resharpening.
- Protection against oxidation: apply a light coat of camellia oil or maintenance oil after cleaning if the blades are not stainless steel.
- Storage: Keep in a dry place, avoid prolonged humidity.

Mikikichan carving knives are traditional Japanese tools produced by Ikeuchi (also marketed under the Mikihisa brand). Made in Miki, the historical capital of Japanese cutlery, these knives combine high-quality Aogami #2 high-carbon steel with handcrafted construction, resulting in a sharp, durable edge for each blade, ready to use.

Each blade variant is named according to its shape and offers a different function in sculpture: some are suited to fine details, others to material removal or delicate curves. All are machined with a single-sided blade (Japanese bevel) allowing for precise and controlled cutting.

The different shapes of blades and their uses

Yoko
Skew/scissor profile, perfect for parallel or oblique cuts and delicate angular details.

Maru
Smooth curved blade suitable for rounded cuts, curved shapes and smooth surface transitions.

Kuri
Narrow straight blade (straight and thin) ideal for precise internal details in tight spaces.

Ken
Tapered tip for penetrating tight areas, marking or tracing precise patterns.

Hira
Flat and versatile blade, standard for general cuts and trimming in sculpture.

Hirato Double Bevel
A variant of Hira, often wider or slightly revised, designed for moderate material removal while remaining precise.

Mikazuki
Crescent-shaped blade (lunar shape) designed for soft, rounded strokes, excellent for curved surfaces.

Keiryu
Profile inspired by natural shapes, particularly good for textures and decorative cuts or irregular surfaces.