The Shrike - AFK002
Available Knives
About The Knife
The Shrike has been a flagship design of mine for many years, since I began knifemaking in fact, and has simply been refined over alll those years. From its origins as a bare bones Defensive Knife to what you see here, it has always been a platform for me to balance the needs of fuctionality and the aesthetics of the Japanese style.
This then marries the brutal nature of a Pikal style defensive knife with the elegance of noble Samurai’s blade, equipping a modern warrior for the battle we hope never comes. This specific knife also marks a new era for me as a maker, focussing more on the details, aiming more intently at perfection, and ultimately composition. This is a minimum standard for me going forward.
Best Fighting Knife at CTKS 2026
This very knife also won “Best Fighting Knife” in the novice division at Cape Town Knife Show 2026. For me this is a personal milestone being my first award in 3 years of exhibiting.
I think it is also a milestone at least in South African competition, as I believe it is probably the first modern knife design, and certainly the first Pikal design to win in the Fighting Knife category at an SA show. Regardless, it stands as a testimony to my focus going forward, that I’m aiming for the best with each piece I make, regardless of extic material or complexity, the standard must be of a high standard if it bares the mark of Akitsu Forge.
You can discover the full details of this piece in the descriptions below.
The blade of this Shrike is made from 80Crv2 high carbon steel, and is free hand ground before salt bath hardening. This blade tested at 61 Rockwell after tempering. The blade was then finish ground and polished by hand to a 3000 grit polish. before receiving its final finishing treatment of traditional hot bluing. The result is difficult to do justice with photos. The blade is a deep dark, near black colour with a reflective mirror-like finish. Keep this blade oiled and clean to preserve that black mirror blade.
The handle is constructed in my modern Tsukamaki style. Using brass liners, each scale is built up using Buffalo horn for the front and back fittings. The horn is hand shaped and hand sanded to 3000 grit before being machine polished to a beautiful lustre, with the polished brass adding a glint of warm colour. Underneath the wrapping is a layer of sting ray skin, called Samegawa in Japanese, this is the traditional material used which is lacquered crimson. Finally the wrap is completelyed using traditional leather Tsukaito imported from Japan. The wrapping is done in the traditional Hineri Maki style, using washi paper underneath the cord and proper termination knots. The leather is not coated, just pulled extremely tight like on a sword. This results in a grip that is warm, tactile, and pleasing to the touch, while also being practical. The wrapping can always be replaced should it begin wearing with use.
Specifications
Blade Steel:
80Crv2
Hardness:
61 Hrc
Finish:
Polished & Blued
Edge Geometry:
Flat Grind with Secondary Bevel
Blade Configuration:
Pikal with Short Secondary Edge
Blade Thickness:
~ 5mm
Blade Length:
~ 90mm
Overall Length:
~ 190mm
Handle Style:
Modern Tsukamaki
Handle Materials:
Polished Brass, Polished Buffalo Horn, Lacquered Samegawa, Matte Black Leather Cord
Sheath:
Black Kydex Retention Sheath
Mounting:
Optional; Accepts Soft Loops, DCC Clips or Ulti-Clips.
Availability & Edition Info
Serial Number:
AFK002
Date Completed:
22-10-2026
Included:
Certificate of Authenticity, Specifications and Care instructions in presentation box
Notes:
This knife won “Best Fighting Knife” in the novice division at Cape Town Knife Show 2026
Availability:
Available
Price:
R 12 000.00 ex Shipping
~ US$ 720.00 (Indicative Price)
If you are interested in purchasing this knife, please Contact Me to make the neccesary arrangements.
Please see the Ordering page for details on the purchasing process.
