This is cool. I am a big fan of the knives that James Williams has designed and my daily carry both CONUS and OCONUS is his Hissatsu folder. But the Otanashi noh Ken knife looks like an excellent upgrade.
The big differences is that this knife is slightly longer, the body is thinner, the clip is moved further towards the end of the folder, and the thing is designed to be quietly opened. The name of the knife describes exactly what this blade is all about–Silent Sword.
As to it’s availability, who knows? It was supposed to start selling in January and yet it still says ‘coming soon’ on CRKT’s website. I am sure all of the usual sellers will have these ready to buy soon. Either way, this is a knife that I would like to get my hands on. –Matt
Otanashi noh Ken – Designed by James Williams
As a veteran and current martial arts practitioner/instructor, James Williams knows cutlery—especially the tactical variety. So, it’s no surprise that his Hissatsu™ knife designs have quickly become mainstays within the military Special Forces and tactical Law Enforcement communities across the globe.
Whether a folding or fixed blade knife variation, these are focused, single-purpose knives, for use in close quarters battle (CQB) environments, either as a primary or a secondary weapon to augment the handgun in the hands of well-trained professionals.
The Otanashi noh Ken™ was designed by James Williams per a request from SOCOM for a larger, thinner, folding combat knife that was easy to carry and conceal.
The Osoraku style blade, made famous by the 16th century Samurai warlord Takeda Shingen, is efficient and effective. This knife has a longer blade than the Hissatsu™ Folder and yet is slimmer to carry than the popular Heiho folding knife.
The Otanashi noh Ken™ and Hissatsu™ knife designs were developed for exceptional penetrating ability in tactical use situations.
The clip allows deep, inconspicuous, carry and the frame lock design is for strength and simplicity in operations.
James Williams’ work with worldwide military Special Operations and his extensive classical Samurai training means that this knife is designed to perform at the highest level, when you need it most.Dimensions
Open Overall Length 10.13 inches
Weight 6.4 ounces
Blade Length 4.52 inches
Thickness 0.16 inches
Material AUS 8
Blade-HRC 58-59
Finish Bead Blast (Black Corrosion Resistant Coating)
Grind Hollow
Style Clip Point
Edge Plain
Handle Material Black G10
Lock Type Frame Lock
Safety System LAWKS
Carry
Carry System 1 Position Clip
Buy the knife here.