This is a left-handed kiridashi knife for bamboo work. Total length: 170mm Bamboo kiridashi, left-handed I made several of these special left-handed knives when I was commissioned to do so. Bamboo is easy to cut along the grain, but it's very hard to cut across the grain. You need a knife with a strong steel blade, otherwise it won't cut and the blade will chip easily. It doesn't look the best, but this one uses high-speed steel, so it's hard and won't be defeated by bamboo, and it cuts very well. The blade angle is also slightly more obtuse than a standard kiridashi for bamboo. Thank you.