Knives
Williams Blade Design makes fixed-blade and folding knives that draw on Japanese blade traditions, pairing established profiles with contemporary materials. James and Christopher Williams develop the designs, while specialist makers produce different models in varying materials and countries.
The HZK Hira Zukuri Kaiken and SZK Shobu Zukuri Kaiken are compact fixed blades for everyday carry. The larger SZT Shobu Zukuri Tanto offers a longer fixed blade, while the OZF Osoraku Zukuri Folder gives a folding option, including a 4.5-inch OZF 003 version.
Design approach
Williams Blade Design builds its knife range around Japanese blade forms, including hira zukuri, shobu zukuri and osoraku zukuri. These names describe blade profiles or grind styles, not one shared specification. James and Christopher Williams design the models, while specialist makers manufacture them, so production and country of origin vary across the range.
Fixed blades for carry
The HZK Hira Zukuri Kaiken is a compact 4.5-inch fixed blade intended for everyday carry. The HZK 005 uses 80CrV2 carbon steel, black canvas Micarta scales, a blackwash finish and a low-profile Kydex sheath. The HZT and HZO share its design platform, but specifications vary by model. The SZK Shobu Zukuri Kaiken is another compact fixed blade. In the SZK 007 batch, its 4.5-inch blade uses RWL-34 steel and green linen Micarta. Williams Blade Design describes the Shobu Zukuri grind as providing lateral strength and cutting ability. The SZM is a shorter 3.5-inch mini Kaiken, while the SZT is a larger 5.75-inch Shobu Zukuri Tanto. Selected SZK, SZM and SZT batches are made by TRC Knives in Lithuania.
Folding option and materials
The OZF Osoraku Zukuri Folder offers a folding alternative to the fixed-blade Kaiken and Tanto models. The OZF 003 has a 4.5-inch MagnaCut blade, a titanium frame lock and a carbon-fiber handle, and is made by LionSteel in Italy. These details apply to that generation, not every OZF model. Materials also differ among fixed blades: HZK 005 uses carbon steel and Micarta, while the cited TRC batches use RWL-34 and linen Micarta. Compare the exact model and batch for details such as steel, handle material, finish and sheath.