I have a kiridashi made with tamahagane. It's one of those things swordsmiths make with little bits of leftover steel for a few extra bucks. The name of the smith has escaped my memory and I don't read kanji. As a great tool it would have been better to buy a knife from a tool smith, which might have been 2x, 3x as much. These type objects, I believe, are purchased as a gratuity. You know, you have an appointment with a swordsmith or exclusive shop and don't buy a sword - so you buy a couple trinkets and bow out.
As a true made from scratch blade, I have an orishigane tanto made by Louis Mills. Many an expert will tell you his work is closest to the real deal. I think it is kinda neat. My initial plan was to have the blade fully polished. That never materialized.
I have read statements by Louis to the martial artist just to let them know his blade is unlikely to perform like a modern blade with scientifically perfect heat treat.
