Description
Shosui Takeda Blacksmith
Fort Henry Custom Knives is proud to be a direct Dealer with Shosui Takeda
~ Direct from the Maker from the NYCKS 2014 ~
I have admired Shosui Takedas knives for many years. The Takeda Smithy was founded in 1920 and moved to Niimi in 1951. They produce hand-forged blades and tools such as kitchen knives, hunting knives, hoes, hatchets, etc. A third generation master blacksmith, Shosui Takeda specializes in hand forging blades from the highest quality carbon steel, Aogami Super Steel (AS), which has added Vanadium. The blades are marked with “AS” and Takeda’s Signature, all forged entirely by hand, as it has been done for generations. Each blade holds its edge extraordinarily well and resharpens easily.
Just Received from the Maker
Takeda has been SOLD OUT of his Hunting Knives (Seiryu) and his Camp Knives (Ken Nata) for a while, it will be several Months before more are made!
This is an Extra Large traditional KenNata Japanese Woods / Hunting knife in the Kuro-Uchi style finish. This big 10 1/4″ blade is a full 1/4″ thick with a fine distal taper and it is a full 2” Wide!
Master Takeda hand forged the Aogami Super Steel blade, it was forged with a Straight Spine and then precision ground. Takeda then passed the blade to another Master who crafted and completed the handle. This is the way that Japanese Swords and knives have been made for centuries.
The generous sized handle has been placed on at a slight angle so that forward Chopping power of the blade would be naturally enhanced by the Leaf Shaped blade (think of a Khukuri).
The Wooden handle is Cord Wrapped and the Cord and Hard Wood handle are coated with a waterproof Resin from a Poisonous plant. The knife also has a hand worked Iron Ferrule.
Takeda’s Signature is hand stamped into every blade. The Hamon on this one is nearly perfect and easily visible. The blade was hand sharpened on increasing grits of Japanese Waterstones by Takeda to a laser sharp edge.
A knife this big and bold requires a great sheath, and this one has it, a snug fitting, thick Vegetable Tanned Right Hand Leather belt sheath.
This knife challenged the size of my light box! It is sure to appeal to anyone who values true hand made tools with a rich history.
