Last week, CRKT announced publicly that they would be releasing a new knife designed by Sensei James Williams called the Shizuka Noh Ken. He has designed several knives with CRKT and I have to admit, I’m a pretty big fan. I own 2 out of the 3, wait, make that 4 folding knives from this lineup.
Hissatsu, Otanashi noh Ken and Heiho top to bottom
I own the Hissatsu folder and the Otanashi Noh Ken folder. My “need” list has included the Heiho to complete the set, but now I am 2 knives behind. That’s the problem with knife collecting, about the time you complete a collection, someone makes something new!
You may remember my reviewed the Otanashi Noh Ken here on HausofGuns.com which is the largest folder in the lineup and still is my favorite of the three. I haven’t had the opportunity to test out the Shizuka, but will seek to make that happen in the future. The Otanashi Noh Ken received a more than favorable rating from me and still remains a regular in my EDC rotation. In fact, I have been dubbed as one of the unofficial Captains of “Team Otanashi” or “Team Noh Ken” depending on who you ask.
The Awesome thing about the Shizuka, is the fact that they basically kept the same Otanashi Noh Ken design (I believe it is the best design out of the previously released three folders from the lineup) and scaled it down just a little to make it more concealable and pocket friendly. The Otanashi Noh Ken is not particularly difficult to conceal thanks to the pocket clip, but occasionally, I will have a pair of pants that the pocket does not lend itself well to carrying such a long knife. There seem to be many members of the knife community who prefer the Otanashi design, but prefer the Hissatsu for size. The new Shizuka Noh Ken should be the perfect in between or best of both world to satisfy those on each side of the fence.
I will remain a big fan/captain of “Team Noh Ken” and look forward to owning the Shizuka and Heiho somtime soon.
The exclusive entry into the market will be on Black Friday at www.bladehq.com. Images courtesy of BLADEHQ.
