Just ordered two Japanese folding knives. They are the famous Higonokami Gold Aogami knives that only one man is licensed to make...blades all hand forged...these from Hitachi Blue Paper steel. They are San Mai (laminated process with hard steel enclosed by softer steel. Use extreme care with these as there is no locking mechanism. There are a number of makers but only one "official" forger and if it doesn't come in the gold box with the blue label, it's not a Higonokami. With the blue steel and the proper 1000/3000 water stone these can be brought to straight razor sharpness quickly. They are rustic, not finely finished. They are cheap: $25 - $35 for the blue steel version. Also made in white steel for more or SK steel for less.
Here is a "Nutjob with a Machete" video re a Chinese knife in the same sort of design. Very different steel, I imagine. Note: there is the large one he shows and three others at the Gearbest site in successive sizes. These are really cheap. Five bucks delivered.
https://youtu.be/fATJlJVoDfQ


Here is a "Nutjob with a Machete" video re a Chinese knife in the same sort of design. Very different steel, I imagine. Note: there is the large one he shows and three others at the Gearbest site in successive sizes. These are really cheap. Five bucks delivered.
https://youtu.be/fATJlJVoDfQ
