Description
Hidetoshi Nakayama
Knifemaker Hidetoshi has been a netsuke artist for over 15 years. Netsuke are miniature sculptures that were invented in 17th-century Japan to serve a practical function (the two Japanese characters ne+tsuke mean “root” and “to attach”). Traditional Japanese garments—robes called Kimono had no pockets; however, men who wore them needed a place to store their personal belongings, such as pipes, tobacco, money, seals, or medicines.
Their solution was to place such objects in containers (called sagemono) hung by cords from the robes’ sashes. The containers may have been pouches or small woven baskets, but the most popular were beautifully crafted boxes which were held closed with sliding beads on cords. Whatever the form of the container, the fastener that secured the cord at the top of the sash was a carved, button-like toggle called a netsuke. Hidetoshi has taken his talent for carving in a fresh new direction by blending his Traditional Craftsmanship with innovative new Designs.
Fort Henry Custom Knives is proud to be a direct Dealer for Hidetoshi Nakayama
~ Direct from the Maker ~
This is an extremely unique Hand Made – Locking Friction Folder from Hidetoshi that has incredible detail.
What appears to be some strange Steam Punk type of mechanism is in fact a Completely Hand Made – a Discreet Friction Folder! Merely push on the extended Tang and the blade slowly opens.
A Friction Folder is the oldest of folding knife designs, ancient Viking Age Friction Folders (or Penny Knives as they were called) were used in Ancient Rome where they were a standard item for men of wealth and privilege!
The Blade of this simple knife is made of Hitachi Blue Steel with a Cutting Edge of Approx 1 1/2″.
Once open the Blade Locks, by simply depressing the Rear Lock Bar downward the blade is then free to close.
Hidetoshi painstakingling hand finishes the entire piece. It measures approx 4 1/4″ OAL and has wonderful Atristic attributes. The Handles are an Antiqued Steel frame structure that completely encloses the Blade, with Polished Brass overlays and Nickel Silver Pins.
This is a unique treasure that would be valued by anyone who prefers and unique creativity of a precision, hand made – working piece of art.