Vintage Japanese Project Knife Set 3-Piece Carbon Steel Made in Japan 1625

Experience a three-blade Japanese handle-fitting project

This pre-owned project set brings together a recorded 150mm utility blade, 120mm ko deba and 170mm nakiri. Supplied without handles, these carbon steel blades offer three formats for a craftsperson or knife enthusiast to assess and finish, rather than ready-to-use kitchen knives.

The Specs

• Set: three handleless project blades
• Utility blade length recorded: 150mm
• Ko deba blade length recorded: 120mm
• Nakiri blade length recorded: 170mm
• Steel recorded: carbon steel; exact alloys not specified
• Construction previously listed: handmade, hand forged, fully forged and full tang; not independently verified for each blade
• Hardness: earlier blanket 58 HRC figure requires verification
• Bevels, edge angles and handedness: not recorded
• Handles: none; suitable handle fitting required
• Origin recorded: Japan
• Condition: vintage, pre-owned project blades

Heritage & Use

No individual maker or production date is recorded. The listed utility, ko deba and nakiri formats provide a starting point for planning a custom finish, but each blade's profile, tang, geometry and condition should be assessed first. Handle fitting is central to the project, without implying it is the only work required. No suitability for bone chopping is established. Carbon steel can develop a natural patina with use and requires careful drying and protection against rust.

Care & Maintenance

• Fit secure, appropriate handles and assess each completed knife before kitchen use
• Handle exposed edges and tangs carefully; do not use bare tangs as handles
• Hand wash only; never use a dishwasher
• Dry immediately after washing
• Hone only if appropriate to each blade's confirmed geometry and condition after completion
• Sharpen on suitable water stones after secure handles are fitted, preserving each existing bevel and, where applicable, the back face; consult a specialist if unsure
• Apply a light coat of food-safe oil before extended storage
• Remove active rust rather than treating it as patina
• Store securely with exposed edges and tangs protected