Keychain Higonokami

Product Description for Keychain Higonokami

Maker: Hidetoshi Nakayama (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101391
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 2.10 in.
Cutting edge length: 2.00 in.
Total length: 5.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.40 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 1.80 oz.
Blade: D2 semi stainless steel with a differential finish
Handle: SUS304 stainless steel with textured brass overlays
Style: Spring lock friction folder
Description: Knifemaker Hidetoshi Nakayama has been making knives since 1990. I was tremendously impressed when I first saw his work in 2004 and have been very pleased to bring a selection of the best of his knives to the United States each year since then. He has been a netsuke artist for over 10 years. Netsuke is a unique form of small sculpture which developed as an art form in Japan over a period of more than three hundred years, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. Over time netsuke, which started as a toggle used to stop the kimono cord from slipping, began to feature elaborate carving, lacquer work, and inlays of rare and exotic materials including ivory, wood, precious metals, shell, coral, and semiprecious stones. Clearly the attention necessary for carving fine figures in netsuke has transferred to his knife making.
The Higonokami is a traditional Japanese folder, using the friction of the swivel and the pressure of your thumb on the protruding tang to prevent the knife from folding during use. Nakayama-san has made a slight departure from this traditional knife by making the tang lock into place by pressing it into a notch on the D2 spring in the handle. Push down on the spring and the tang is released and able to be closed.
The blade is forged from D2 tool steel. This tool steel has exceptional edge retention and takes on a keen edge, while having a relatively high chromium content. This chromium content makes the blade fairly resistant to rusting and oxidation (though not to the point of true stainless steel). The blade features a hand rubbed satin finish in the grinds and texturing on the flats.
The handle is made from SUS304 stainless steel with a heat blued finish. Textured brass overlays are secured to the stainless frame using five silver pins. Small flames and Nakayama's maker mark are textured into the handle. The antiqued D2 spring also acts as a backbar keeping the contruction strong, but lightweight. A ring is included in the rear of the knife to allow a lanyard attachment or so the knife can be hung from a keychain for easy daily carry.
Excellent work throughout!


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