Mokume Gane: Jewelry from the Hand of the Swordsmith

Mokume Gane Jewelry from the Hand of the Swordsmith

Mokume Gane from Samurai Swords to the 21st Century

Mokume gane, a Japanese technique originated in 17th Century Samurai sword-making, is forged into every piece in the special William Henry collection that carries its name.

Fusing layers—as many as 89—of different colored metals, pressed together under heat, the artist then carves away layers, exposing artistic patterns that mimic wood grain (mokume gane translates as “wood grain metal”).

Touch the hand of an ancient Japanese swordsmith every time you grasp your own mokume gane custom pocket knife, luxury pen, or money clip. Each William Henry piece is created in a small, limited, or custom edition.

The 21st Century Samurai Contemplate your personal piece of Mokume Gane, and see yourself in 17th Century Japan, as the country enters a long period of peace. Men of the ancient Samurai warrior class gain political power, and Bushido is the new code of conduct, transforming hardened swordsmen through Buddhism and Confucianism. Ever the warrior, the Samurai retained his exclusive right to carry a sword, and the fierce beauty of Mokume Gane flourished.

The art of Samurai sword-making achieved its pinnacle with armourer Denbei Shoami (1651-1728) in Akita, Japan. Inspired by Chinese methods of engraving varnished layers of colored lacquer, he adapted the technique to swords of Damascus steel, the ancient world’s strongest element.

Shoami used varnished patterns on forged steel with copper, silver, gold, and alloys, laminating colored metals in thick layers to produce elaborate, prized works.

Pocket Knives Limited Edition Pieces The William Henry man gains strength from the artistry of present-day mokume gane masters who made this pocket knife into a timeless piece of jewelry.

The Monarch Cyclone blends the work of several skilled craftsmen. Its frame made of hand-forged, Raindrop-style mokume gane is inlaid with 10,000-year-old woolly mammoth bone, tempered by nature over aeons.

A high-end pocket knife becomes a collector’s item, used with respect for the ancient process that created it.

Edition of 50 pieces.

The Gentleman’s Pocket Knife Damascus Steel The blade is the hidden jewel in a William Henry mokume gane pocket knife. This Ventana Glacial uses a traditionally inspired Wave pattern in Damascus steel, fused from several types of steel and iron slices. At least 300 layers are stretched and folded repeatedly to achieve the right strength.

The frame is a handsome Twist-style mokume gane, distinguished by a stunning, jewel-like strip of woolly mammoth tooth. Just as nature took thousands of years to produce these materials, we take the time to forge them into new artifacts you’ll wear with pride.

Your knife may live in your pocket as a talisman of luck and fine taste, or be displayed in a place of honor. Ultimately, it will become a family treasure to be passed on through generations of men.

Edition of 100 pieces.

Luxury Pens A Limited Worldwide Edition

Commemorate a career or lifetime milestone with a mokume gane-enhanced, limited edition writing instrument. Crafted with the heft a William Henry man requires, the Cabernet 1101 employs a rollerball technology, plus our patent-pending Wavelock™ cap closure system for secure closed and post positions.

The ancient method of working steel to resemble wood grains is judiciously applied to accents on the ebonite cap, while the barrel features 100,000 year-old coral and aerospace grade, superlight titanium and aluminum.

Edition of 250 pieces.

Fountain Pens Tipped in Gold A fountain pen tucks neatly into his sleek suit pocket. Its simple technology fits the occasion as he pulls it out, preparing to write a few wellchosen words that will change lives. ..

Whether signing a contract or penning a love note, the words flow better from the 18K gold German-made nib on our Cabernet F8-1101 pen.

He grasps the smooth barrel made from 100,000year-old fossil coral and aerospace grade aluminum and titanium. He savors the mokume gane accents with hand-forged Damascus steel circling the cap, as he carefully covers and stows this fine writing instrument, until the next time.

Edition of 250 pieces.

Money Clips Metal and Bone A man should have some real folding money, the kind that fits perfectly into a finely crafted money clip. The elegant presentation implies there’s more where that came from.

A well-designed clip has the flexibility to hold a small, adequate supply of bills, or expand to secure a thick stack, suitable for a night on the town.

This Zurich Tusk is framed in Twist mokume gane steel, worked to resemble polished wood grain. The inlay of 10,000-year-old fossil woolly mammoth tusk is ring-cut, showing the extraordinary age. It is accented by inlaid spinel, a glassy oxide mineral.

Edition of 988 pieces.

Presentation Completes the Picture

In fine dining establishments, it is often said that presentation is everything. William Henry believes our extraordinary men’s jewelry collections deserve to be presented in appropriately fine materials.

Each executive pen is tucked inside a leather carrying case, and shipped in an elegant wood box.

No detail is overlooked. Even the tiny button locks and the thumb studs on collector edition pen knives are set with smoky quartz and other semi-precious or precious stones.

Writing instruments’ pocket clips may feature an inset sapphire or white topaz.

Contact Us William Henry is an American luxury brand that designs and builds superlative, luxury jewelry pieces for discerning men. The award-winning designs uniquely blend ancient arts with inspired, one-of-a-kind or limited edition interpretations by today’s artisans. Each creation expresses the original vision of a master craftsman, in pieces from writing instruments to pen knives, money clips, cuff links, and golf tools. Sought after by celebrities and collectors the world over, William Henry can be found at www.williamhenry.com, or call 888-563-4500.

Outside the U.S. call +1-503-434-9700.