I've really not been a huge fan of friction folders ... until, that is, I ran across the work of Shelby Mihalevich out of North Carolina.  Shelby is a designer, jeweler, blacksmith, bladesmith, tool maker, and all around metal mover.  He has been doing a number of Higonokami style friction folders using textured copper for handle material.  Their beauty and simplicity is (to me) really astounding.  He uses both stock removal and his own forged blades for his pieces and the results are superb.  Am always on the look out for his work so I can add different versions of his "Higos" to my collection.  If you are a fan of friction folders ... in particular those in a Higonokami style, you might want to try one of his out.