HZK C01 | Hira Zukuri Kaiken Custom 4.5”

The HZK C01 continues our series of custom projects, bringing the same materials as our SZW C01 Hisshou to a limited pre-order run of our compact HZK. Hand built in North Carolina by our friends at Primitive Woodsman, with Copper Dark Mai steel from Baker Forge, and Copper Camo carbon fiber from FatCarbon materials. Baker Forge is an industry leader in copper Damascus, using a mix of 80CrV2 steel for performance, and copper for a striking look, they produce steels that are both beautiful and functional. The Copper Camo CF from Fat Carbon materials is one of their strongest carbon fiber offerings, and it pairs perfectly with the subtle copper line in the blade. Based on the same design platform as our larger HZT and HZO, the HZK is a compact 4.5” fixed blade perfect for EDC, carried in a low-profile Kydex sheath with an Ulti-Clip. The Kaiken (懐剣) kanji is a custom work from Shodō artist Koshin. Kaiken pairs 懐 (kai, the bosom or chest fold of a kimono) with 剣 (ken, blade), describing a short blade carried tucked inside the kimono for self-defense. 

Shipping before Christmas.

Steel: Baker Forge Dark Mai (Copper & 80CrV2 San Mai)

Blade Length: 4.5” | 114mm

Blade Width: 0.94” | 24mm

Blade Thickness: 0.165” | 4mm

Blade Shape: Hira Zukuri

Finish: Raw

Handle Material: Copper Camo from FatCarbon

Handle Length: 4” | 102mm

Handle Width: 1.14” | 29mm

Handle Thickness: 0.55” | 14mm

Overall Length: 8.5” | 226mm

Sheath: Kydex

Clip: Ulti-Clip

Batch Number: C01

Release date: December 2026

Manufacturer: Primitive Woodsman

Design: James & Christopher Williams

Made in: Boone, NC USA