Harumi Hirayama folders

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Feb 17, 1999
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For many years, I have admired the work or Harumi Hirayama of Japan. She does some exquisites knives with exemplary embellishment using a variety of exotic materials. Harumi has a small website with photos of many of her creations

http://www.ne.jp/asahi/harumi/knives/

Harumi hopes to have a book of her knives available late 2010 and here is an image of a knife that will become part of the book.

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Harumi began the handle work in 1999 and after 3 months of intensive effort put the piece aside for then next 10 years as it was excruciatingly difficult to do.

She wanted to include it in the book and so began additional work in Oct. 2008 and completed the knife in May 2009. She is happy to have it completed and it is quite something to see in the photo and I certainly wish I could see it in person but because it will not depart from Japan that won't be happening.

Lobster means long life in Japan and Harumi hopes to have a very long life in order to create more of her masterpieces and I'm sure all collectors will want that too.

In 2008 at the Guild show, Phyllis and I were fortunate to obtain Pinks and Butterflies from Harumi.

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These are two knives that will pass on to one of my sons as they are meant to be together.

I believe Harumi will be at Solvang, Chicago and Boston shows in 2010 so check her work out at those venues as she is a true artist of custom folders and fixed blades.
 
Thank goodness my wife is asleep. I'll show her this thread tomorrow and we'll discuss Harumi knives all day. Since we first started collecting she's wanted one, preferably with insects or reptiles. Haven't landed one yet.

Beautiful knives Murray!!! We love 'em! Thanks for posting.
 
Harumi Hirayama has always made gorgeous HANDLES.....I have found her blade shapes very unattractive.

There is always a room for opinions, and that is why it is chicken soup for one, and chicken bones for another

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Murray, I think you and Phyllis are fortunate indeed, to have landed such a nice pair of her works of art.

I think Harumi's knives are all about the handles, and I would love to own one (or more) of her knives one day. Preferably one with a dragon or phoenix!!!

Marcel
 
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Murray,
Nice folders. I would be happy with one of them :D

best regards

Wim from NL
 
She does absolutely incredible design and inlays on the handles. Like STeven, I think the blades could be improved, but her work is distinctive and amazing as it is.

Congratulations Murray, and thanks for posting your treasures.

Peter
 
I came across a past article about her in a copy of Blade, year 1988! She's been around a while!
David
 
I came across a past article about her in a copy of Blade, year 1988! She's been around a while!
David

David,
You can read all you would like to know about Harumi
in an 8 page section in my first book on modern custom
knives "... Custom Folding Knives"...

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
 
Thanks David,
It was on my bookshelf all along!
Great writeup & photos. Cats and owls are my favorites. Definitely these knives have artistic soul, and a woman's touch. Very unique style.
David
 
I love her work. I like the handles mostly, but the blades don't bother me one bit. I love the dreaming cat knife.

I have seen very few pics of her work. I'd love to see more.
 

Do you think that handle on the SF knife by Warenski-Erickson is beautiful and the blade not, Severed?

If so, it is because you have not looked at enough SF knives...that knife looks EXACTLY what is supposed to look like.

Harumi has no peers...she has forged her own path, and has her own look....I just wish she would throw a Jess Horn-style dagger grind blade or a persian upswept in there once in a while.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Horn/Hirayama collab would be sweet!:thumbup:
 
just heard from Harumi today and she was pleased with the kind comments of all the collectors regarding her knives and mentioned to me that unfortunately, that while she was invited to Boston, she is unable to attend simply due to the time required to make enough knives for the shows she will attend so folk, try to see her at Solvang or Chicago.
 
Beautiful handles but I agree with Steven on the blades. Looking forward to seeing her work at Solvang.
 
An exceptional talent and inspired creations. I count myself fortunate just to have handled the beautiful pair that you and Phyllis acquired.

Roger
 
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