Shelby Mihalevich Higonokami style friction folders

[d.r.h.]

I received my second friction folder from Shelby Mihalevich the other day. Figured it was about time to share some pics. Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of friction folders. However, two makers have been crafting Higonokami style folders that have really caught my eye ... Mark Daley (up in Canada) and Shelby Mihalevich down in North Carolina. I was fortunate enough to acquire one of Shelby's Higos back in July. Shelby is a metalsmith. In his own words, Shelby describes himself as "a designer, jeweler, blacksmith, bladesmith, tool maker, and all around metal mover". He makes his Higonokamis using copper and his own forged steel. The first one I got features a textured and oxidized copper handle and 3" San Mai blade (1084 with a 15n20 core). Construction is nice and tight and it is just the right size for slipping into my back pocket!

Received another of his Higos the other day, which he originally made this for a relative of his. Fortunately for me, his relative declined! He used a different pattern on the copper frame and the blade is a little longer (about 3.25 inches). He also made the blade with a sort of gomai construction (rather than san mai, as the other) ... 5 layers, but only two steels (1084 and 15n20. Blade turned out REALLY well. While I prefer the slightly smaller blade size on the one above (for overall fit and tightness of construction), the visual presentation of this blade is killer! And again, it is still the right size to slip into the back pocket. Very pleased with both.

And here are the pair together for comparison:

 

[abcdef]

I have always admired these. Didn't realize he was in NC.

 

[Lycosa]

Simple. Stunning.
rolf

 

[Ben Romney]

Those are beautiful!

 

[timw1]

Nice!

 

[thales2015]

Fantastic!

 

[MonkeyD.Luffy]

I received my second friction folder from Shelby Mihalevich the other day. Figured it was about time to share some pics. Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of friction folders. However, two makers have been crafting Higonokami style folders that have really caught my eye ... Mark Daley (up in Canada) and Shelby Mihalevich down in North Carolina. I was fortunate enough to acquire one of Shelby's Higos back in July. Shelby is a metalsmith. In his own words, Shelby describes himself as "a designer, jeweler, blacksmith, bladesmith, tool maker, and all around metal mover". He makes his Higonokamis using copper and his own forged steel. The first one I got features a textured and oxidized copper handle and 3" San Mai blade (1084 with a 15n20 core). Construction is nice and tight and it is just the right size for slipping into my back pocket!

Received another of his Higos the other day, which he originally made this for a relative of his. Fortunately for me, his relative declined! He used a different pattern on the copper frame and the blade is a little longer (about 3.25 inches). He also made the blade with a sort of gomai construction (rather than san mai, as the other) ... 5 layers, but only two steels (1084 and 15n20. Blade turned out REALLY well. While I prefer the slightly smaller blade size on the one above (for overall fit and tightness of construction), the visual presentation of this blade is killer! And again, it is still the right size to slip into the back pocket. Very pleased with both.

And here are the pair together for comparison:

Beautiful. Truly

 

[severtecher]

Me likey!

 

[d.r.h.]

(NOTE: This one has been gifted. )
Was fortunate enough to pick up yet another of Shelby's Higonokami style friction folders. This one, quite by accident. Shelby recently posted a couple small antler tip friction folders for sale in the knifemaker exchange. I snatched this diminutive one (because I thought it was cute and perhaps my daughter might like it):

Anyway, Shelby informed me that he also found stashed away another of his Higonokami style FFs that he had made a few years ago, but never listed for sale. He showed me a pic and asked me if I would be interested in it before he listed it in the exchange. Of course I said yes ... you can never have enough knives!!!

(NOTE: This one has been gifted. )
So .... here's the newest one. It has more of a traditional style Higonokami blade shape, is made from 1084, which Shelby blued, and measures a little under 3 inches. The copper handle also sports a pattern different from my other two.

And finally ... a new group shot of the three (bottom one was gifted):

 

[d762nato]

Beautiful knives and like you mentioned I'm also not into friction folders but these are nice. I'd love to have one like that top one in a regular locking folder with a 4" blade in that design. Thanks for the pics and posting. :thumbup:

 

[Todd Isa 53]

All these are amazing!
My only Shelby! Photo Credit: Him.

 

[d.r.h.]

All these are amazing!
My only Shelby! Photo Credit: Him.

Love it. They are all simple, but elegant! Looking forward to seeing more of his creations. (And maybe adding one or two more, as well!!)

 

[d.r.h.]

(Note: This one has been gifted)

Just added one more of Shelby's Higos to the collection. This one also has his textured and oxidized copper handle, but with an inlaid sapphire. It sports a 2.875" 1084 blade.

 

[d.r.h.]

Was fortunate to be able to add my 5th Higonokami style FF by Shelby Mihalevich. Would ultimately like to add one of each of the style variations on the Higonokami he crafts. The latest one is his Nubby version, but with a longer handle than he used previously on this design. The blade steel is his own Damascus from 1084 and 15n20 and the blade length is just under 2 inches. This is a great size for pocket carry and the longer handle makes it easy to hold.