A.G. Russell Knives

The asagao (morning glory) is a strong symbol in the Japanese culture. Originally brought to Japan around the 10th century from China for medicinal purpose, their lovely flowers have captured the hearts of the Japanese people and have been the inspiration for many Japanese poems.

Seki, Japan has been the center of Japanese cutlery production since the middle of the 13th century. This area, like Solingen, Germany, Sheffield, England and New York and Pennsylvania, was a natural area for knife production due to its abundant sources of iron, sand and coal and its proximity to flowing streams for power. Mcusta has built upon this centuries long tradition, marrying the traditional with modern technology including lasers and CNC machining for the most precise fit and embellishment.

Mcusta® has built a reputation for high quality, precision production of very beautiful knives, but their newest Koi Fish folder takes the intrincy to a much higher level. The company has been built on limited production of folding knives making use of the latest in technology to produce unbelievable detail cut either into beautiful cocobolo or stainless handle scales.

In Japan, symbols are a large part of the culture. This latest selection from Mcusta's series of Limited Edition knives based in Japanese symbology features the Kaeru (frog) and lily pads. In Japanese, the word Kaeru (frog) also means, "to return". The frog is seen as a symbol of good fortune. To ensure a safe return from their journey, travelers often carry something with the image of a frog.

The rabbit and the moon are often found within the paintings and fables of artists and storytellers in Japan. Artists often paint the moon with rabbits racing across its face.

This folder is our third selection in Mcusta's series of Limited Edition knives based on traditional Japanese Art images. The butterfly is a popular symbol in the Japanese culture. It is often used to represent metamorphosis or transformation and often represents spring. For centuries Japanese family crests have contained designs based on the butterfly.

At the 2007 S.H.O.T. Show, we arranged with Mcusta® to receive a series of Limited Edition versions of this beautiful folder created with precision inlay work in natural wood handles.