I tested 5 knives: 1) Custom Kiridashi made by Jason from Ecos Knives, blade cutting length 1 1/2", overall length 4 1/2". 2) Custom Kiridashi by maker Gary Kisella, cutting edge 1 3/8", overall length 4 1/2". 3) A larger Custom Kiridashi maker Unknown, cutting edge 1 7/8", overall length 7" and 4) Custom Kiridashi with a karambit retention ring made by Eric Draven 5) Custom Kiridashi made by Klase, cutting edge 1 1/4", overall length 3 1/4".
The meat test remained consistent with the methodology I have used in the past. I took a round roast 5" thick and 8" long, left in the original packaging, wrapped in an additional 4 layers of saran wrap to simulate the resistance of skin. Placed it inside a denim pant leg and hung to swing freely in air for the testing.
Results and Observations:
Regardless of the edge length when doing an angle one slash all the blades cut very shallow in terms of depth into the meat but long in terms of length of cut. No more that 1/2" in depth of cuts was recorded. With one exception the larger dashi blade did cut deeper and better than the smaller blades, but not by much that it's worth mentioning. Then I thought to myself I can get these dashis to perform a little better. I next tested its ability to cut by using small continuous rotary (circular) motions (like in a boxers jab). Depth increased by using this method to a depth of 1 1/2" -1 3/4" in the meat but length of cuts were shortened. Then I tested by holding the kiridashi in Pakal Grip Reverse Grip Edge facing Inwards, thrust in the meat and ripped out pulling towards my own body. The depth of the cuts increased to 2" -2 1/4". The next test involved just stabbing the target and making a Comma Cut by cutting out of the meat with a horizontal motion cut. The depth of penetration was only about 2" in depth but the wound channel opened up to depths of 2 1/2"to 2 3/4" using this method. The cuts were also very long in length.
Conclusion and Thoughts:
I think the tests prove that the Kiridashi is both worthy of being used not only as a utility knife, but if used with the proper techniques can be a very effective self-defense tool. Slashing seems to produce little effect when using a Dashi, not much different from using say something like a ladybug. But if you employ the quick rotary motion vertical cuts and stabs with horizontal cutting your way out (comma cuts) should prove to be more than effective for using the kiridashi in not only a back up-role, but also as a primary defensive tool......2 3/4" in these test, compared to a 3" depth of cut from a Yojimbo is pretty darn good considering the edge of most dashis are about the same size as a ladybug or smaller.....Doc :)
