Big Dave
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 1998
- Messages
- 548
Hi Everyone,
It's been a while.
First, I really like Ohta. I've purchased directly from him for quite a few years. When I visited Japan in 2017 I picked up one of his small, basic friction folders at a knife shop in Tokyo. As you know, that model is only in the $50 range. I wanted to see what it would be like carrying a friction folder and made a deal with myself that if I carried it for a year I'd upgrade to his fancy model. Well, I really like carrying a friction folder.
I started out carrying tactical designs in the 1990s (in my 20's) and moved to traditionals sometime in the early 2000's (in my 30's). Now I'm into friction folders (pushing 50). Guess I'm getting old.
Anyway, how bout some photos... These are just over 3" closed and both have D2 blades.
So, it's been over a year and I was ready to order one of Hiroaki's higher end friction folders but he's out of ironwood. My buddy who is a world class woodmaker hooked me up with some very nice Koa that was from a tree in Honolulu. I've sent that off to Hiroaki to make me some knives.
In my search for friction folder pics I came across Mr. Kotoh's work. Evidently he taught Hiroaki how to make knives. I was so impressed with his take on the friction design that I ordered the above model directly from Japan. The cost was over double than Hiroaki's knife but still very reasonable. It arrived yesterday and I'm very happy with it.
Now I've got to decide on what type of steel to use with Hiroaki's new folder. I was thinking of trying the VG10 damascus but after looking at a bunch of photos I'd rather something plain.
I never had much experience with D2 until Hiroaki's friction folder and it has been outstanding. It takes a hair popping edge and holds it. My cutting is pretty much limited to envelopes but and light stuff. But, the D2 has outperformed pretty much everything else I've used in the past. That's quite surprising. It does take a lot more effort to initially sharpen. But after the initial part it's been easy to touch up. I don't like rust...but the D2 has not had any issue with corrosion.
Or, I could go with ATS-34. I think all the charts would say ATS-34 is a better choice for edge holding, ease of sharpening, etc. But, has anyone else had really impresive experiences with D2 vs ATS-34 / CPM 154? I'm leaning towards D2 again but would like to get some input before making a decision.
Isn't this a pretty little knife? I love the blade profile.
It's been a while.
First, I really like Ohta. I've purchased directly from him for quite a few years. When I visited Japan in 2017 I picked up one of his small, basic friction folders at a knife shop in Tokyo. As you know, that model is only in the $50 range. I wanted to see what it would be like carrying a friction folder and made a deal with myself that if I carried it for a year I'd upgrade to his fancy model. Well, I really like carrying a friction folder.
I started out carrying tactical designs in the 1990s (in my 20's) and moved to traditionals sometime in the early 2000's (in my 30's). Now I'm into friction folders (pushing 50). Guess I'm getting old.
Anyway, how bout some photos... These are just over 3" closed and both have D2 blades.
So, it's been over a year and I was ready to order one of Hiroaki's higher end friction folders but he's out of ironwood. My buddy who is a world class woodmaker hooked me up with some very nice Koa that was from a tree in Honolulu. I've sent that off to Hiroaki to make me some knives.
In my search for friction folder pics I came across Mr. Kotoh's work. Evidently he taught Hiroaki how to make knives. I was so impressed with his take on the friction design that I ordered the above model directly from Japan. The cost was over double than Hiroaki's knife but still very reasonable. It arrived yesterday and I'm very happy with it.
Now I've got to decide on what type of steel to use with Hiroaki's new folder. I was thinking of trying the VG10 damascus but after looking at a bunch of photos I'd rather something plain.
I never had much experience with D2 until Hiroaki's friction folder and it has been outstanding. It takes a hair popping edge and holds it. My cutting is pretty much limited to envelopes but and light stuff. But, the D2 has outperformed pretty much everything else I've used in the past. That's quite surprising. It does take a lot more effort to initially sharpen. But after the initial part it's been easy to touch up. I don't like rust...but the D2 has not had any issue with corrosion.
Or, I could go with ATS-34. I think all the charts would say ATS-34 is a better choice for edge holding, ease of sharpening, etc. But, has anyone else had really impresive experiences with D2 vs ATS-34 / CPM 154? I'm leaning towards D2 again but would like to get some input before making a decision.
Isn't this a pretty little knife? I love the blade profile.
I see Fendrihan your side still stock them.
- not to me