The CRKT Otanashi Noh Ken (Silent Sword) was designed per a request from SOCOM for a large, thin combat folder that was easy to carry and conceal. The design is a collaboration between CRKT and James Williams. Williams, has designed many tools for Columbia River Knife and Tool, all which draw heavily on traditional Japanese blade design married with modern features, materials and technology. The majority of his offerings are informed by his martial arts training and work as an instructor teaching military and LE personnel.
The Otanashi Noh Ken is very much an extension of the Williams’ designed line for CRKT and fills a niche that other models in the series do not. More specifically the knife has a greater size than the other folders, along with features and a form factor to improve conceal-ability.
The 4.56″ x .157″ thick blade on the Otanashi Noh Ken is a tanto that is optimized for penetrating cuts. This is further augmented by a thin profile, slightly upswept point and swedged spine. Its geometry is essentially an Osoraku-zukuri style blade. This shape was made famous during the 16th century being favored by the powerful feudal ruler (diamyo) Takeda Shingen. The profile is defined by the tip (kissaki) making up approximately 2/3rds of the blade.
The blade steel used here is AUS 8 that is hardened between 58-59 Rockwell. AUS 8 is considered a mid-range grade steel that offers a great working edge and easy maintenance. The blade has a matte black finish that reduces glare and gives the knife a modern, aggressive appearance.
The handle on the knife is large yet very thin, designed with concealment in mind. On one side the handle has heavily textured G10 that provides an excellent grip. Additional traction comes from three deeply milled slots that also add a nice, subtle design detail. The opposite side is a stainless slab that includes the frame-lock and a unique variation on the LAWKS safety mechanism. Normally LAWKS is on the inner edge of the frame however this version is on the outside and doubles as a lock-bar over-travel stop. Lock-up is very solid and without play or rock in any direction. For carry there is a low riding, left or right handed tip up pocket clip. This, coupled with the handle thinness, does an excellent job keeping the knife comfortably out of sight.
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Over-all the Otanashi Noh Ken is an excellent offering from CRKT’s line targeted toward professional use. The blade design coupled with a quick, easy deployment and strong lock make for a formidable tool. In many ways this folder is the best yet from this line, providing excellent build quality and function in a desirable, aesthetic package. People who love big folders will easily find a home for this knife along with professionals and collectors of combat/utility style knives. CRKT has done an exceptional job keeping the Williams design style apparent while making improvements and adding something unique to the line-up.
Available at BladeHQ
Specs
Overall length: 10.13 in (257 mm)
Closed: Length: 4.57 in (116 mm)
Weight: 6.4 oz (181 g)
Blade
Shape: Osoraku zukuri (Japanese Tanto)
Material: AUS 8
Blade Length : 4.56″
Hardness (HRC): 58-59 HRC
Thickness: 0.16 in (4 mm)
Bevel Grind: Flat
Surface Finish/Coating(include color): Bead Blast (black corrosion resistant coating)
Handle Information
Length in the closed position: 5.56 in (141 mm)
Material: Black G10 & black coated 420J2 SS
Lock Mechanism: Frame Lock
Safety System: LAWKS
Carry: Low riding tip up reversible pocket clip
Surface Finish: Bead Blast
Made in Taiwan
Is the LAWKS manual or auto on this model? This one isn’t spring assist like his other models correct?
JD
This model is not spring assisted and the LAWKS is manual, not AutoLAWKS. Also, the LAWKS on this one is a bit unique in that it doubles as the over-travel stop. I generally prefer knives without safeties, but I think most will find this one tucked neatly out of the way when not in use and a good back-up if needing to do some heavy work. As always, thanks for reading and commenting JD!
A.One.Use.Knife.
You forgot to mention the length of the blade…Some where around 4 & 1/2 inches, I think…
What an excellent kife!…I can hardly wait to get one!
Hey Dan – the blade is 4.56″ Thanks for checking out the review.
Where can you buy this?
This knife won’t be coming out until January after SHOT 2013 after which, you should be able to pick one up in the usual places.
Thx & keep up the great work!
Excellent review, man. I like how James Williams has refined this design when compared with something like the Hissatsu folder. It’s sleeker, more elegant, almost has an industrial feel to it. Very cool.
I really like this one. I have most of Williams’ designs and feel that this model has a lot to offer. Thanks for checking out the review Dan!
Wow! Beautiful knife — love that deep-carry clip!
A nice one for sure! The clip is great!
Any idea as to pricing?
The Price is set at 150 MSRP but the street price will likely be much lower.
any idea to pricing
These will be released late March. The MSRP is 150 but the street value will probably be around 100.
The more I look at the thing the more I covet it, such an elegant shape.
[...] first I heard of this knife was in a review over at The Edge Observer. Available after the 2013 SHOT Show, the Otanashi Noh Ken is a thin, combat folder designed by [...]
Great review! I’m looking forward to acquire one for my self.
Thanks Sam – sure you’ll like it!
I have really enjoyed watching what Mr. Williams (CRKT)comes out with . Very exciting useful designs seated in such a rich interesting history. I can’t wait till this knife becomes available. Are you aware of any of Mr. Williams designs being produced by any other companies or custom makers aside from his swords?
As far as I know Williams is only designing for CRKT.
You are the best site where i can check knives reviews,also best videos.And this CRKT is very very cool!
Thank you The Edge Observer!!!You are very very cool!!!!!!!!!
Thanks! More on the way.
i hope this knife is better than that crap hissatsu folder, with the cheap, hollow plastic handle and the just-about-impossible-to-open blade action.
I have to ask my friend, is the blade coating on this durable or does it rub off easily? Also, considering the length of the handle, does it actually fit in the pocket of a pair of jeans?
Why I ask? Because I think I need one.
So far so good on the coating and no problem on the jean pocket fit. Flat and easy to carry….
I have a Hissatsu folder, and I agree that, as supplied, the blade is hard to deploy. My solution was to remove the “spring”, which is just a fat rod, and probably illegal in New York. Apart from that I like the knife, but find it heavier than I like to carry every day.
I think if you like the Hissatsu you’ll probably like the Otanashi Noh Ken more. Definitely not legal in New York from what I understand.
Very good knife.Fits in jeans pocket.Easy to deploy.High quality blade.However the handle lenghth should be extended another 1/8 in.or so.When folded the tip of the blade is pointed towards the clip and the blades tip is exposed. When reaching into your pocket it is possible to come in contact with the exposed tip of the blade resulting in injury.Speaking from experience, 4 stiches to the pinkie finger of my right hand.