This is SG2 steel purchased from Japan; it arrived in a pre-forged state and was not forged at our facility. I have found that the quality of Japanese steel is merely average; the primary issue is that the core layer they embed is not centered. Consequently, the quality of the knives we produce from this material is entirely a matter of luck: from a single steel plate, the core may be perfectly centered at one point, only to veer off-center further down the line.
As a result, the blade cores in these knives vary significantly and are not consistently positioned in the exact center. This is not a reflection of any issues with our processing or quality control; rather, it suggests that the Japanese steel mill in question may no longer represent the pinnacle of modern manufacturing craftsmanship.
North Mountain Blade 2412 – Japanese-Style Tanto Front Flipper
The 2412 series is our flagship model, a true pioneer that helped spark the front flipper trend. While front flippers remain a niche choice in the U.S., this knife has achieved legendary status in Asia, with over 50,000 units sold.
It features a Japanese-style tanto blade crafted from premium SG2 Japanese steel, forged in a stunning three-layer San Mai construction with visible wave patterns. The result is not only visually striking but also delivers outstanding cutting performance. the blade offers exceptional edge retention and durability.
Every element of the 2412 series reflects pure design philosophy — clean, functional, and free from unnecessary decoration. It’s a knife that blends elegance with strength, making it a true signature piece in our collection.
