Ichibishi Oil Brush Stainless Steel Housing

The Ichibishi Oil Brush is an adjustable-length brush with a stainless steel housing, a plastic adjustment knob and a 100% cotton brush head. It comes in three sizes, Large, Medium and Small. All three share the same 100mm length and differ in diameter, from about 25mm to about 45mm, and the knob sets how much of the cotton head extends from the housing.

Keeping the brush head short allows for precise use. It applies oil to cast iron and carbon steel pans, takoyaki pans, griddle plates and planchas, either before or after cooking. It also puts a thin layer of oil on the surface for roasting, which helps food crisp up and release.

If you sharpen and maintain knives regularly, the brush is also handy for applying a thin, even coat of oil to a carbon steel blade after sharpening or washing, to help protect it from moisture.

Ichibishi Metal Co., the maker of this brush, is based in Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture. Tsubame and neighboring Sanjo form one of Japan's best-known metalworking regions, producing cutlery, cookware and stainless steel kitchen tools.

• Brand: Ichibishi Metal Co.
• Sizes: Large, Medium, Small
• Size, Large: (shortest) 100mm length x diameter about 45mm
• Size, Medium: (shortest) 100mm length x diameter about 33mm
• Size, Small: (shortest) 100mm length x diameter about 25mm
• Material: cotton, stainless steel, plastic (knob)
• Made in Tsubame, Niigata Japan