Shun Higo Nokami Personal Folding Stainless-Steel Steak Knife

I came across this very unique knife on another website, but found it for a better price here on Amazon. It's advertised as a steak knife, but to be honest, I would more likely use this as a fancy letter opener than anything else. The packaging is nothing short of what one would expect from Shun. It comes in a very nice black box, along with a wine red leather pouch for carrying in your pocket.The construction of the knife is excellent, another feature one would expect from Shun. The cutting edge of the blade itself is about 3 1/4 inches, while end to end the knife is about 7 1/2 inches, and it unfolds and locks into place with a reassuring click once fully opened. The handle is made of dark pakka wood with a metallic samurai crest worked into it. The blade itself is high quality stainless steel, and extremely sharp.I wouldn't use this knife for day-to-day kitchen utility, nor do I believe it's designed for this. But as a beautifully crafted piece of bladework, or as a gift for someone who appreciates great knives, this is a special item to treasure or keep as a conversation piece.

I'm not sure why exactly this is listed as a "steak knife", it could surely be used to carve up some choice meats, but not exclusively. It's size is similar to that of a steak knife or straight edge razor however...Regardless, this little gem is VERY sharp, well made, and elegant. It opens and locks positively; there is no spring assist, and the opening lever is a bit tricky at first, but adaptable. The finish of the ebony handle to the metal frame is superb, the silver and "gold" (possibly brass) inlay is simple but precious.It comes in a quaint wood box lined with felt as well as a leather sheath/case. The box itself isn't anything to write home about, in fact, neither is the leather case- but I didn't pay for those, I paid for the knife. The quality of those two items belie the understated beauty and quality of the instrument inside. I was almost disappointed upon opening the packaging to see the hokey box, but as soon as I saw the knife, I couldn't have cared less.I'm afraid whatever I cut isn't worthy of the blade!Like a Japanese tea ceremony; where the act of drinking tea is more than gulping down your favorite diluted herbs, but a drawn out, important, and fulfilling affair; so is using this knife. It takes time and conscious effort to open the blade, and as soon as it's blade touches the unfortunate object that must be cut, the act is so effortless, clean, and rewarding that you will have new appreciation for such a simple tool.This knife will make an excellent gift for that person that appreciates Japanese culture and isn't looking to impress their buddies at the campsite (although it probably could).

This knife is very well put together and very aesthetically pleasing. It is important to note that there is more than one version; this is the smaller version. Williams-Sonoma is the only retailer I have seen that carries the larger version, and even Shun's own website does not list the larger one, but has photos of this knife.Comparing to the larger one, this knife is the better and more appropriate size, particularly for a steak knife. It is thin but handles easily, and long enough to cut meat without scaring the other dinner guests. It is very nice in appearance and function, so that it would not seem ridiculous to bring with you to a nice dinner.While it would also make a very nice general pocketknife, it would not be well suited to heavy duty tasks and is a tad long for small things like cutting string. It is still quite nice for the dapper gentleman who would like a stylish pocket knife for a nice evening out, and is more than adequate in a pinch.

This is truly an amazing knife. It arrived razor sharp and functions flawlessly. I really can't put into words the level of craftsmanship that went into this piece...the best I can say is that this is a true luxury personal knife. It probably won't see much use but will definitely be in the rotation of fine pocket knives that I carry when dressed for formal functions. The only complaint that I have is the low quality of the presentation box. It is so cheaply made that I would be embarrassed to display this knife in it. It is sad that a company that makes such fine cutlery would put it in a poorly made chinese box that looks like it came from a flea market.

Okay ... what can I say, except ..... THIS IS ONE HELL OF A KNIFE! Oh my, few things exceed my expectations, but this one truly does. It is well built and exceptionally sharp. The Shun Higo Nokami Gentleman's Steak Knife is refined, yet very effective for it's intended purpose ... that is ... cutting cleanly through a piece of meat. Pull this baby out in a fine steak house and watch heads turn in envy and appreciation. Not only is it exceptionally beautiful, it cuts a steak (or pork chop, or any meat) with no effort at all. Now, understand this, if you are looking for a camping knife or an everyday all purpose cutting tool, this knife NOT it. However, if you are looking for a knife that is artwork in form and function, and something to enhance your culinary experience, then you can get no better. This is it. The train stops here. The Shun Nokami Gentleman's Steak Knife comes with a neat leather carrying pouch and is easy to carry in a pocket or purse. Well worth the $$ spent and will give you decades of enjoyment! I highly recommend the Shun Nokami Gentleman's Steak Knife to family and friends.