A.G. Russell Knives

One of the most revered symbols in the Japanese culture is Mt. Fuji. This magnificant symmetrical cone has been depicted in Japanese paintings and prints for centuries. It is no surprise that it keeps appearing in Japanese knifemaking.

Reproductions of Ukiyo-e prints fill the handle scales of this folder. The images were originally created as woodblock prints in Edo (now Tokyo) during the second half of the 17th century.

Reproductions of Ukiyo-e prints fill the handle scales of this folder. The images were originally created as woodblock prints in Edo (now Tokyo) during the second half of the 17th century.

Reproductions of Ukiyo-e prints fill the handle scales of this folder. The images were originally created as woodblock prints in Edo (now Tokyo) during the second half of the 17th century.

Over the past few years, Blue Steel and White Steel from Japan have become fairly popular in the United States. This is partly due to the mystery surrounding just what these Japanese steels are, but it is largely because high carbon tool steels are no longer widely used in knives being produced today. Lots of A. G. Russell™ customers still feel that the non-stainless high carbon blade steels are the best.

Most horticultural or pruning knives being made today are very inexpensive and will not hold an edge. If your idea is to own a disposable knife, the common pruning knife on the market will probably satisfy you. If you want a knife that will deliver a perfect cut and will last for years, consider this elegant Japanese-made pruning knife with black Micarta® handle scales dressed with a turquoise and red fiber inlay.

Blue Steel refers to a non-stainless high carbon tool steel produced by the Japanese steel maker Hitachi Metals. It is commonly used in woodworking tools and knives. The name simply refers to the color of the paper the steel is wrapped in when delivered from the manufacturer. The paper represents a coding system to identify the steel.

When I first saw one of these knives, I could not figure out what on earth the handle and sheath were made of. Once I was told, I could see that the handles were easy, just cut the right size and shape sapling. But the rectangular sheath? The young Japanese makers explained that they take the bark of the cherry tree and soften it until they can cover the wooden handle and sheath with an almost undetectable joint.