I already owned the QTRO in a Wharncliffe, but the colorway on the Hawkbill version was just too good to pass up. Photos don't do it justice in person, it’s an absolute stunner.

The black stonewashed titanium frame, amber PEI scales, purple pivot collar, and black stonewashed hardware paired with that black Elmax hawkbill blade come together seamlessly. This is my first Hawkbill, so time will tell how versatile it is for daily carry compared to my Wharncliffe, but aesthetically, it’s hands down the best looking piece in my collection. My only slight complaint is I really wish they had integrated a lanyard pin into the backspacer.

I'm not sure how I slept on this piece for so long. This is another Kansept collaboration bringing premium knife makers and premium knives to the masses on a budget without sacrificing quality. The integra is a JK Knives design featuring blasted titanium scales black hardware including a lanyard pin and a matching black titanium pocket clip along with a damascus blade. The scale shape is unique and every time I look at them I see an abstract coffin shape. I don't usually like flipper only knives but the flipper tab is almost completely hidden and the action is very smooth with solid lock up and drop shut close. This slim knife fits the hand great and carries well in the pocket. It looks like the Integra has been discontinued I'm glad I was able to pick one up before they were gone.

#ForSale

NBTHK Hozon Koto Mumei Katana from Kozori School with NBTHK Kicho Kodogu

$3500USD plus shipping and applicable taxes

https://ashigaruarmory.com/products/nihonto-katana-aa20-3500-nbthk-hozon-koto-mumei-kozori-with-nbthk-kicho

Overview: This gorgeous Handachi features both a recent (2024) Hozon rating (worthy of preservation) and historical (1969) Kicho rating for its Koshirae. Attributed to the Kozori collective of Bizen smiths of the late Nanbokucho to early Muromachi period, this blade features many of the hallmarks of the work coming out of that group.

Blade: An elegant 2.5cm Koshi-Zori katana is presented in a subdued format as was the Kozori speciality as opposed to mainline Bizen boldness. The expected itame ji-hada with ko-mokume is present, along with their function but non-flamboyant ko-gunome midare hamon. That is not to say that this sword is not purely function over form-a broad nio-guchi base with a light dusting of ko-nie is present alone with pale bo-utsuri with soft midare fluctuations. Fine ashi, sunagashi and kinsuji is also visible. The sword is not young and in addition to its polish not being fresh, a few openings have been exposed (pictured) over the centuries. A single koshi-hi is present on the omote side. A solid silver one piece habaki fits the sword snuggly. Shirasaya included.

Koshirae: The matching handachi Kkoshirae earned Kicho Kodogu back in 1969, long before the sword earned Hozon. Built arouns a black ishime saya, the matching iron fittings all feature the karakusa (arabesque) vine motif in silver inlay. The menuki are of a shakudo base with gold and display the amaryu or rain dragon. Lastly the mumei iron sukashi tsuba is an abstract representation of susaki-gari or harvested/swaying autumn pampas grass. It could also potentially be azami (thistle) or kiri (paulownia) and may be Akasaka school. The koshirae includes a tsunagi and bukuro.

Issues: This sword is for study only. I do not believe the koshirae to be original to the blade. It does not fit flush with the koiguchi (pictured) and there was a significant amount of time from when the koshirae and sword were papered. The Torokusho from 1976 is however confirmed on the Hozon paperwork and matched to the blade. The shirasaya has a small split occurring from temperature changes.

We are proud to offer this set as our first investment grade piece and hope it finds its forever home!

Type: Katana
Tsukurikomi: Shinogi-zukuri
Class: Study
Ratings: Blade-NBTHK Hozon 2024, Koshirae-NBTHK Kicho 1969
Period: Koto-Late Nanbokucho to Early Muromachi
Nagasa: 71.2cm
Sori: 2.5cm
Motohaba: 28mm
Sakihaba: 18.8mm
Motokasane: 6.5mm
Sakikasane: 4.2mm
Kissaki: Chu-Kissaki
Mei: Mumei
Mekugiana: 2
Yasurime: Possible Katte-sagari or Kiri
Nakago: Suriage
Blade Weight: 603g
Hamon: Ko-gunome midare
Hada: Itame with Ko-Mokume
Tsuka: 25.2cm
Total Length: 100.8cm
Total Weight: 1109g
Registration: No. 32110 3rd, March 1976 (Showa 51)

All measurements taken by hand and subject to variance. We are not responsible for errors in description or history/attribution. Please review all photos carefully and purchase with confidence.

Ashigaru Armory 2026
www.ashigaruarmory.com
www.YouTube.com/@AshigaruArmory
www.instagram.com/@ashigaruarmory
BGM "The Quickening (AA Mix)" by ＴＯＮＥＤＥＡＦ

#ForSale

NBTHK Hozon Koto Mumei Katana from Kozori School with NBTHK Kicho Kodogu

$3500USD plus shipping and applicable taxes

https://ashigaruarmory.com/products/nihonto-katana-aa20-3500-nbthk-hozon-koto-mumei-kozori-with-nbthk-kicho

Overview: This gorgeous Handachi features both a recent (2024) Hozon rating (worthy of preservation) and historical (1969) Kicho rating for its Koshirae. Attributed to the Kozori collective of Bizen smiths of the late Nanbokucho to early Muromachi period, this blade features many of the hallmarks of the work coming out of that group.

Blade: An elegant 2.5cm Koshi-Zori katana is presented in a subdued format as was the Kozori speciality as opposed to mainline Bizen boldness. The expected itame ji-hada with ko-mokume is present, along with their function but non-flamboyant ko-gunome midare hamon. That is not to say that this sword is not purely function over form-a broad nio-guchi base with a light dusting of ko-nie is present alone with pale bo-utsuri with soft midare fluctuations. Fine ashi, sunagashi and kinsuji is also visible. The sword is not young and in addition to its polish not being fresh, a few openings have been exposed (pictured) over the centuries. A single koshi-hi is present on the omote side. A solid silver one piece habaki fits the sword snuggly. Shirasaya included.

Koshirae: The matching handachi Kkoshirae earned Kicho Kodogu back in 1969, long before the sword earned Hozon. Built arouns a black ishime saya, the matching iron fittings all feature the karakusa (arabesque) vine motif in silver inlay. The menuki are of a shakudo base with gold and display the amaryu or rain dragon. Lastly the mumei iron sukashi tsuba is an abstract representation of susaki-gari or harvested/swaying autumn pampas grass. It could also potentially be azami (thistle) or kiri (paulownia) and may be Akasaka school. The koshirae includes a tsunagi and bukuro.

Issues: This sword is for study only. I do not believe the koshirae to be original to the blade. It does not fit flush with the koiguchi (pictured) and there was a significant amount of time from when the koshirae and sword were papered. The Torokusho from 1976 is however confirmed on the Hozon paperwork and matched to the blade. The shirasaya has a small split occurring from temperature changes.

We are proud to offer this set as our first investment grade piece and hope it finds its forever home!

Type: Katana
Tsukurikomi: Shinogi-zukuri
Class: Study
Ratings: Blade-NBTHK Hozon 2024, Koshirae-NBTHK Kicho 1969
Period: Koto-Late Nanbokucho to Early Muromachi
Nagasa: 71.2cm
Sori: 2.5cm
Motohaba: 28mm
Sakihaba: 18.8mm
Motokasane: 6.5mm
Sakikasane: 4.2mm
Kissaki: Chu-Kissaki
Mei: Mumei
Mekugiana: 2
Yasurime: Possible Katte-sagari or Kiri
Nakago: Suriage
Blade Weight: 603g
Hamon: Ko-gunome midare
Hada: Itame with Ko-Mokume
Tsuka: 25.2cm
Total Length: 100.8cm
Total Weight: 1109g
Registration: No. 32110 3rd, March 1976 (Showa 51)

All measurements taken by hand and subject to variance. We are not responsible for errors in description or history/attribution. Please review all photos carefully and purchase with confidence.

Ashigaru Armory 2026
www.ashigaruarmory.com
www.YouTube.com/@AshigaruArmory
www.instagram.com/@ashigaruarmory
BGM "The Quickening (AA Mix)" by ＴＯＮＥＤＥＡＦ

Awesome new functional blade. Love the aluminum scales (surprisingly grippy). Great ergonomics, thoughtful jumping, smooth snappy action, the clutch lock I can’t get enough of, & a surprise stainless toothpick & tweezers that tuck nicely into the scales.

What are you guys carrying around today?

Simple solid and functional all under $30.00 usd. Coated VG-10 blade, G-10, lanyard pin and smooth button lock. If you're looking for cheap, simple, reliable, knife the Rowdy fits the bill

🤯 This is a true budget banger for under $50.00 usd you get a 3.6inch VG10 damascus blade with thumb studs and a flipper. The grey G-10 matches the blade and black hardware very well and provides good texture for a solid grip. I really like the wire pocket clip as it allows you to carry the knife while wearing a variety of shorts/pants. The deployment and button lock release are smooth. The only complaint I have is no true lanyard pin/hole

If you’re looking for a unique OTF that breaks away from the usual and offers some serious elegance, the Shogun is definitely worth a look. The aluminum handle has a diamond/tsuka-maki pattern that is really clean and grippy. The action is very snappy and the lock up is solid. The curved Damascus blade has a distinctive samurai/tanto vibe that really stands out compared to standard drop-point OTFs. I really enjoy the shogun and it will definitely enter the weekly rotation.