Ivory Ryu (Dragon)

Product Description for Ivory Ryu (Dragon)

Maker: Hidetoshi Nakayama (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 87830
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 2.20 in.
Total length: 5.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.55 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Item weight: 2.50 oz.
Blade: Blackened D2 tool steel
Handle: Carved fossil mammoth ivory
Style: Slip joint folder
Description: Knifemaker Hidetoshi Nakayama has been making knives since 1990. I was tremendously impressed when I first encountered his work back in 2004 and now, 6 years later, his work has continued to grow and develop. I am very pleased to be able to offer his work again this year.
Nakayama-san has been a netsuke artist for over 15 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 blade of this folder is D2 tool steel. This 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 recurve blade has a unique shape that is very true to Japanese style and effect.
The handle has been carved from fossil mammoth ivory and shows a detailed Japanese dragon resting on a swirling, watery surface. Following traditional netsuke techniques, the eyes have been double inlaid with sheep horn and buffalo horn, bringing a vibrancy to the carving. Both the dragon and water are exceptionally lifelike. Exquisite work from a maker rarely seen in the United States custom knife community!


Availability: Not currently available