Oku Butter Knife & Board by Kathleen Reilly
The Oku Butter Knife and Board by Kathleen Reilly is a beautifully crafted tableware set made in collaboration with master artisans in Tsubame-Sanjo, Japan, a region celebrated for over 400 years of metalworking excellence.
Inspired by traditional Japanese place settings, the knife features a distinctive folded handle that enhances both form and function, creating a subtle interplay with other table objects.
The board is crafted from sustainably sourced Japanese wood by Karimoku Furniture, Japan’s leading maker of fine wooden furniture. Together, the knife and board embody a harmony of design, material, and craftsmanship — uniting modern elegance with centuries of tradition.
Choose from Japanese Sakura (Cherry) Hardwood or Hinoki Cypress Softwood - see more details here:
- Japanese Sakura (Cherry) Hardwood (No. 1 in comparison image): The beauty and transience of Sakura (cherry blossoms) have been loved by Japanese people throughout history, with many handcrafted items made from the Sakura tree's wood and bark. Sakura is a hardwood, which makes it durable, smooth to the touch, with a moderate weight. You can enjoy how the wood changes colour over time as you use it.
- Hinoki Cypress Softwood (No. 3 in comparison image): Hinoki has a pleasant aroma. It is a strong and lustrous wood used widely in Japan since ancient times for everything from bathtubs to temples. In addition to its natural antibacterial properties, it is water resistant.
Winner of Dezeen Awards Homeware design of the year 2022
Details
- Oku butter knife | High corrosion-resistant Japan-made stainless steel - Size: 170x20.5x15.5mm approx.
- Wooden board | Domestically sourced with urethane coating - Size: 170x95x13mm approx. (Each board is unique, made of strips expertly cut and assembled to recreate a natural wood grain pattern. Since natural wood is used, there are individual differences in the material and colour of each board, making every Oku set one of a kind.)
- The knife and board are held together with a removable strap and packaged with a poem expressing the themes of the design.
Pickup available at 53 London Street
Usually ready in 2 hours
Oku Butter Knife & Board by Kathleen Reilly
Japanese Sakura (Cherry) Hardwood
53 London Street
53 London Street
Edinburgh EH3 6LX
United Kingdom
Rated Excellent in Online Reviews 
TRUSTED FOR 9+ YEARS.
Delivery Prices:
- FREE 1-2 Day Delivery for all orders over £59
- FREE Click & Collect from the Edinburgh store
- £3.95 standard 1-2 Day Delivery
- £8.50 weekend delivery (order by 11am Friday)
Delivery Times:
We pack and ship orders daily. All orders placed before Midday (GMT) will be shipped the same day, or next working day if you place your order at the weekend.
For full details and FAQ see our Delivery & Shipping page
We have extended the standard returns policy from 14 days to a generous 60 days.
If your purchase does not meet your expectations simply let us know, and then return it to us unused and in its original condition and packaging, including any labels which must remain attached, within 60 days of receipt.
Please note that the conditions 'unused and in its original packaging, with labels attached' is a requirement of our returns policy, we will not accept returns that are returned in any other condition. We will then either exchange it or offer you a refund, whichever you prefer.
The cost of returning any item is at the Customer's own expense. The only exception to this is if the item is faulty or was sent by us in error.
For full details of how to complete a return or exchange, including exemptions, gifts and faulty or damaged goods please review the full Refund Policy.
All cards accepted securely + Klarna, Apple Pay, Paypal
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Frequently Asked Questions
Delivery and Packaging
We pack and ship orders daily. All orders placed before Midday (GMT) will be shipped the same day on a next day service, or next working day if you place your order at the weekend.
For full details and FAQ see our Delivery & Shipping page
Yes, absolutely. At checkout you can choose the FREE option to click and collect from our physical shop in Edinburgh. Our address is Lifestory, 53 London Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6LX.
All orders are picked and carefully packed with a personal note from our Edinburgh store. We pride ourselves on recycling packaging and ensuring that even the most fragile pieces arrive safely and undamaged.
Read our Judge.me reviews here and our older Trustpilot reviews here to see what our customers say about our packing.
gift wrap and messages
Yes, we offer gift wrapping for a range of products. When selecting the product, tick the gift wrap option before adding to your basket.
Yes, if you've selected our gift wrapping service you can add a note to the recipient when you click the option.
You can select our gift wrapping service by ticking the box.
You can even choose your own Christmas or greetings card from our lovely selection and we will write your note on your chosen card for you.
(If you've not selected gift wrapping or a card you can still add a note in the cart and we will handwrite this for you on our comp clip and pop it into the order.)
gift vouchers
Yes, Gift Vouchers are a great way to give someone a Christmas Gift from Lifestory. Our vouchers work both in store and online for maximum convenience. They last for 12 months from date of purchase.
How it works:
1. Choose one gift voucher or combine to make the amount you desire e.g. £50 + £20 = £70
2. The gift vouchers will be delivered by email immediately and have a 12 month lifetime
3. The gift voucher is a 12 digit code which can be redeemed online/in-store
4. If you don't see your gift voucher email within 5 minutes please check your junk mail as it may have gone in there
returns and refunds
We have a 60 day policy for your convenience. Our full returns and refunds policy can be found at this link : Refund and Returns Policy