CRKT Shizuka Noh Ken, "down and dirty"

[mwhich50]

I decided to try this one. I was a little hesitant to pull the trigger due to the lack of owner reviews. I also believe this knife may be discontinued soon.

Pros: 1. It is VERY light and thin. I forget it is in my pocket.
2. The pocket clip is nice and deep. It has good retention, and is not too stiff. The clip side is smooth so your pant's pocket won't get damaged.
3. Good traction. Very grippy with decent jimping on top, and a decent unjimped finger choil on the bottom.
4. Lanyard hole is on same side as the pocket clip!
5. Nice rust-resistant blade coating.
6. Blade centered, with no play whatsoever.

Cons: 1. The dullest blade I have ever received from the factory! Won't even cut paper, lol. I know, "it's a stabber".
2. Tip is needle sharp, but too delicate for most EDC duties.
3. Thumb plate is small, difficult to access, and blade deployment is not easy. (like the Hissatsu)
4. The frame lock very stiff, and also contributes to sore thumb syndrome.
5. The locking system has a mind of it's own, and frequently falls into the locked position. This is aggravating when trying to manipulate the already painfully stiff frame-lock.
6. No assisted opening. I like assisted openers.

Overall, I am glad I purchased this knife. It is very pleasing aesthetically, and it is just a "cool" knife. I think it was worth $62. For me, this is a collectable/self defense
knife like it's slightly bigger brother, the Hissatsu. If you prefer knives that you can actually use, I wouldn't recommend this one. The blade steel (AUS 8) doesn't really matter
since this won't be a user.

 

[Lycosa]

Good grab.
I like mine, a lot. I love the traditional handle shape and blade.
rolf

 

[GIRLYmann]

Yes! A vastly spectacular SD knife to say the least
Personally, I would have liked the option for the assisted opening feature included,
But I m guessing that would have let to the instantaneous withdrawal
of the older Hissatsu folder from the crkt product line.

Well, only die hard Hissatsu fans would get every model from the series.
(Give or take a few centimeters...)
But if one isn't,
the Shizuoka N.K. would certainly make the cut
For a very pocketable pal.
If anything, it's hard not to take notice of what it represents
In terms of looks and overall design.
Hopefully, one can appreciate and respect it for what it is.
Rather than become disillusioned about its lack of apparent utility applications
In the real world of PC EDCs.

 

[Lycosa]

GIRLYmann- You hit the nail on the head.^
As I got older, my mentality changed from carrying a knife for SD to carrying a knife for utility.
rolf