Mr. Ikuo Nagata is a 70 years old skilled Custom Knifemaker in Akita prefecture. He mostly makes Folders with precision and detailed work of art inlaying shells on integral or interframe one-piece solid stainless steel handle, and file work on back spring bar and back of the blade.

We have been noting this maker for some years at our Seki knife show, and finally got some folders for sale at JKD. He won the Best Folder Award at 2024 Seki knife show, and also won "Excellent Folder award" at JKG (Japan Knife Guild) knife contest in 2021.

In 2026, so far, we have sold his 21 work of Art knives and received great reputations from the purchasers in the world. At 2026 Seki knife show held on October 10-11, we are honored to get 6 of his latest works from his table.

IN-140 Double Assised Damascus Folder

This is his patented unique Double Assisted blade opening & closing mechanism that locks both in open and closed positions. By pushing side button on the bolster, the blade opens in 20 degrees to manually full open with thumb-stud. For closing, push the button to release lock and close in 30 degrees automatically. Please see  the video for this unique Double Assisted mechanism, that is a friendly function for those with hand disabilities. When opening and closing, you will hear 3 steps snap sounds. See video at 

IN-140 Double Assised Damascus Folder

This is his patented unique Double Assisted blade opening & closing mechanism that locks both in open and closed positions. By pushing side button on the bolster, the blade opens in 20 degrees to manually full open with thumb-stud. For closing, push the button to release lock and close in 30 degrees automatically. Please see  the video for this unique Double Assisted mechanism, that is a friendly function for those with hand disabilities. When opening and closing, you will hear 3 steps snap sounds. 

IBeautiful design and Mosaic White MOP + Abalone + Blue Lapis Raspberry inlays on the Interframe hand rounded solid Stainless steel 4-1/4" Mirror polished handle with file worked stainless steel back spring bar and Push botton to open and close, 2-3/4" SPG2, Takefu Super Gold II Hi-Speed Powdered Stainless Damascus steel blade with thumb-stud and swedge, and file work on back,  Comes with Black velvet cloth pouch and hand-made Ho-wood box.

SPG2 Damascus blade in 2.5mm thick, 70mm blade, 170mm in open , Weight 100g

Specifications

Knife Model: Ikuo Nagata IN-140 SPG2 Damascus Double Assisted Folder
Blade Material: SPG2 Hi-Speed Powdered Stainless Damascus Steel 
Rockwell Hardness (HRc):  60

Handle Material: Stainless steel Interframe with Mosaic MOP+Abalone+Lapis Raspberry inlays

Overall Length: 170mm in open
Blade Length: 70mm
Blade Thickness: 2.5mm
Weight: 100g

Velvet cloth pouch & Wooden box:  Included.