Ken-Nata-Red Orca Shop

Yoshihiko Akimoto is a third-generation knifesmith in Seki/Japan. The family-owned business Red Orca was founded by his grandfather Yoshiharu Akimoto (born 1896), and has since then fabricated forged blades for various applications. The Ken-Nata is intended as a universal tool for outdoor use and functions equally well as a small machete and as a larger camp or hunting knife. A core is formed by forging together classic Japanese Shirogami-2 steel (white paper steel, not stainless) with softer side layers, thus giving the blade flexibility and durability in spite of its high hardness. The blade on the Ken-Nata is given a bellied grind down to zero without a distinct cutting edge, thus combining excellent sharpness with durability. The handle and sheath are traditionally fabricated from wood. Whereas the handle wrap is secured with resin, the sheath has a removable leather belt loop. The Ken-Nata is therefore by no means a true vitrine or collector’s item, but instead represents a premium utility knife that vividly embodies the century-old Japanese forging craft in a modern day rendition.