Kwaiken folder question

[Josh Rider]

Are there any characteristics that define a kwaiken?
Most of the pictures I've seen show a curved spine and a bevel that terminates before the spine.

I was thinking about using a kwaiken design for my first folder.

Any suggestions or input on what qualifies as a kwaiken?

Thanks!

 

[Lycosa]

Kwaiken; Knife worn under clothing. Old style was chisel ground but later models varied. Straight, curved, double or single edge.
Can't wait to see your folder.
rolf

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Kwaiken is just a short "utility" knife, small enough to be carried in a kimono sleeve pocket. It isn't a shape, but a type. It is sort of the Japanese equivalent of the sgian dubh. Blade shape is normally simple, and grind is normally chisel grind. There are no rules, so you can make it as you wish and still call it a kwaiken.

Once you make it a folder, however, it isn't a kwaiken anymore. It would be called a higo-no-kami ... Named after Matsudaira, the real "Last Samurai" who was called "Lord of Higo" (old Kyushu).

Technically, all Japanese folders aren't higo, but that name has sort of stuck. Sort of like "Kleenex and Xerox". To be honest, I don't recall the proper term for a Japanese folder with a lock. Higo-no-kami is a registered trademark, and all made by others are called higonaifu.