Low-tech Knives: Part 3

NONTRON




I decided to include the Nontron knife, because they are low-tech, and very similar to the Opinel, albeit more expensive. They are recognized as one of the oldest knives in France, and have been produced by hand in the Dordogne region since the Fifteenth Century. Today, the Nontron factory remains the oldest continuously operating cutlery forge in France. Each knife is made by one of only 6 knifemakers.


The handles are made of 40-50 year-old Boxwood, which is air-dried for a minimum of 4 years (usually 5) before being shaped and finished, and finally decorated with ancient woodburned figures. Boxwood, which grows in the region, is extremely lightweight and very strong. Each blade is hand-forged. There are many different styles to choose from, including high-carbon or stainless blades. The knife pictured retails for around $60, and can be purchased here.

OKAPI



Here is another unique knife. I first came across this knife while living in Jamaica. The locals called it a "3-Star". They were sold in markets all over the island for around $6 US at the time. I was initially attracted to how different this knife looked, as I had never seen anything quite like it, so I bought one. As it turned out, this knife was originally produced in 1902 for export to Germany's colonies in Africa, and was named after the Okapi animal.




The designs are from the 17th century and are known as "Clasp Knives". They are currently made from 1055 high Carbon Steel. In 1988, Okapi South Africa bought the trademark and began producing the Okapi line of knives in South Africa. Unlike any knife I have come across, the back spring design is one-of-a-kind. It rachets open in several positions so the blade won't close on your hand - a very ingenious design. Overall fit and finish cannot be compared to say, a Nontron knife, but they are definitely great workers and have a good reputation. The large Okapi knife retails for around $18, but they can be purchased in a set of 4 knives for $30 here.



As a side note, the US company Cold Steel makes a version of the Okapi knife called the "Kudu". Check it out here.




HIGONOKAMI



Here is a knife you don't see too often. The Higonokami - a traditional Japanese pocketknife widely used for at least the last century, carried by every school boy and young man in Japan. The knife is a friction folder, having no locking system, and is reminiscent of the Cat or the Douk-Douk in handle design.


The handles are made of polished brass, engraved with a Japanese fighter and on the reverse side with the maker’s stamps. The blade is a 3mm thick high-carbon, 3-layer laminated blue steel. And it comes SHARP. They go for $33 here.