Madrone Burl Kwaiken

Product Description for Madrone Burl Kwaiken

Maker: Anders Högström (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 90453
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 5.40 in.
Total length: 10.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.17 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.23 in.
Item weight: 8.50 oz.
Shipment weight: 31.3 oz.
Blade: Clay tempered 1050 carbon steel with a triple hamon
Bolster: Chinese gold
Handle: Stabilized spalted madrone burl
Sheath: Quilted curly ash wood presentation box
Description: Anders specializes in combining traditional Japanese techniques with those of his native Sweden. This exceptional Kwaiken was made by Anders back in 2000, while he was apprenticing with Scott Slobodian. It has been in a private collection and has been meticulously cared for. By all appearances, Anders could have made it yesterday. It has never been used to cut.
Anders uses a Japanese method of heat treating the blade where clay coats the spine, resulting in a differential heat treatment and the subsequent gently undulating quench line called a hamon. In this case, Anders has triple quenched the blade, creating a primary, secondary, and tertiary gunome (repetitive wave pattern) hamon, showing off Anders' skill at its best. This method also creates a knife with superior edge-holding ability. The blade is 1050 carbon steel. The distinctive armor-piercing tip ensures strength and longevity. The madrone burl wood handle is formed from a solid piece of wood and has dramatic black spalting lines moving through the red/orange wood. The front and rear guard along with pin were made from Merlin's Gold, an alloy consisting of copper and zinc. It simulates a medium gold in color and develops a dramatic patina which evokes an antique feeling. The knife is accompanied by a dyed quilted curly ash wood presentation box. Excellent fit and finish throughout.


Availability: Not currently available