These matching kiridashi were created as a thank-you gift for a friend who believed in me and supported my knifemaking journey during its early stages. In addition to being a talented woodworker himself, he was one of the people who encouraged me as I continued to develop my skills. I wanted to create something meaningful in return, and a pair of handcrafted kiridashi felt like a fitting gift for someone who appreciated working with their hands.

The blades were forged from a piece of Alabama Damascus steel that had been gifted to me by fellow bladesmith and mentor Austin M. Knowing the history behind the material made the project even more special. Rather than keeping the design overly simple, I added decorative chamfered holes to the handles, creating visual interest while also improving comfort in hand.

Like many of my projects from that period, the blades were hand sanded and carefully etched to reveal the intricate Damascus layers hidden within the steel. Watching the pattern emerge after the etching process never gets old, and these kiridashi showcased the material beautifully. The layered steel became one of the defining features of the finished pieces, creating depth and character that couldn't be achieved with a monosteel blade.

While relatively small in size, these kiridashi carried a great deal of meaning. They represented friendship, mentorship, and gratitude, while also serving as a reminder of the people who helped support and encourage me as I continued to grow as a maker.