Made in Japan Hidetsugu Shimada "Ishitora" Custom Handmade Hunting Knife

The Ishitora is the latest original creation by Japanese custom knifemaker Hidetsugu Shimada.

Inspired by the traditional hunting knives of Taiwan's Indigenous peoples, Shimada reinterprets the classic form through his own design philosophy and craftsmanship, creating a knife that seamlessly blends cultural heritage, functionality, and artistic expression.

The blade is crafted from VG XEOS steel, offering an excellent balance of edge retention, toughness, and durability for outdoor use and everyday cutting tasks.

The handle is made from natural deer antler, with each piece featuring its own unique grain and coloration. Carefully shaped with ergonomics in mind, it provides a secure and comfortable grip while preserving the warmth and character of natural materials.

Every knife is entirely handcrafted by the maker. The hand-finished surface retains subtle yet expressive file marks that reflect the maker's touch and dedication to detail. These carefully controlled finishing marks give each knife its own individuality and unmistakable handmade character.

Designed with versatility in mind, different sections of the blade serve different purposes:

The forward edge excels at slicing meat and preparing food.

The tip is ideal for skinning and precision hunting tasks.

The heel provides added strength for heavier cutting and bone processing.

The sheath combines solid wood and rawhide in a distressed, traditional style, providing both secure protection and quick deployment. Hand-braided leather lacing allows comfortable belt carry, while brass rivets and deer antler accents complete the rugged yet refined aesthetic.

Specifications

Maker: Hidetsugu Shimada

Country of Origin: Japan

Blade Steel: VG XEOS

Handle: Natural Deer Antler

Sheath: Handcrafted Solid Wood & Rawhide

Overall Length: 330 mm

Blade Length: 200 mm

Blade Thickness: 3 mm

Weight (with sheath): 493 g

Weight (knife only): 318 g

Notice

Sale to minors is prohibited.

This product includes the Ishitora knife and sheath only. All other items shown in the photographs are display props and are not included.

Each knife is individually handcrafted and represents the maker's personal artistic expression. Variations in natural materials, hand-finishing marks, and minor details are inherent characteristics of handmade work and should be appreciated as part of its unique craftsmanship.