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of any issues with our processing or quality control; rather, it suggests that the Japanese steel mill in question may no longer represent the pinnacle of modern manufacturing craftsmanship.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 SLD-Magic 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. With a hardness of 60–61 HRC, 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.
