Carved Boxwood Tokage (Gecko)

Product Description for Carved Boxwood Tokage (Gecko)

Maker: Hidetoshi Nakayama (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 92882
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 1.80 in.
Total length: 4.95 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.45 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.09 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.04 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.02 in.
Item weight: 2.00 oz.
Blade: D2 carbon steel with a hand rubbed satin finish
Bolster: Textured nickel silver
Handle: Carved boxwood
Style: Slip joint 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. 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. This knife was in a private collection since it was made in 2014. By all appearances it is in brand new, unused condition.
The blade of this folder is antiqued 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 has a unique shape that is very true to Japanese style and effect. Hand satin finished and antiqued blade.
The handle has been carved from a single piece of boxwood and forms a weathered log with a lifelike gecko crawling along the side. The 'log' has been meticulously sculpted for a very realistic appearance -- even to the point of creating areas where the faux bark has fallen away.
The gecko is particularly lifelike and looks as though it is ready to jump off the log at the slightest provocation. Following traditional netsuke techniques, the eyes have been double inlaid with cow horn and buffalo horn, bringing a vibrancy to the carving.
Exquisite work from a maker rarely seen in the United States custom knife community!


Availability: Not currently available