Higonokami - Screw Hinged Knife
Higonokami - Screw Hinged Knife
Higonokami - Screw Hinged Knife
Higonokami - Screw Hinged Knife
Higonokami - Screw Hinged Knife
Nagao Kanekoma - Higonokami

Higonokami - Screw Hinged Knife

In stock
Sale price$145.00

Higonokami (肥後守) is a classic Japanese folding knife characterized by its minimalist design, which has remained virtually unchanged for over a century. Unlike modern pocket knives, the higonokami operates without springs or locks, relying instead on the friction of its pivot point and the user's thumb pressure on the distinctive brass "chikiri" (tail) lever to keep the blade securely open during use.

The blade is crafted from carbon steel, and the handle is formed from a single sheet of stainless steel. Each Higonokami embodies the Japanese philosophy of functional simplicity. The knife's clean lines and construction make it both a practical everyday tool and a piece of living history. Its compact profile and reliable performance have made it a favorite among craftsmen, outdoors enthusiasts, and collectors who appreciate authentic Japanese craftsmanship and timeless design.

The Stainless Screw Hinged Knife features a distinctive screw that holds the blade in place. Most Higonokami knives feature a rivet mechanism, which can loosen over time and needs to be tapped with a hammer to tighten it. The benefit of this screw is that the user only needs to tighten the screw with their hand. This, combined with the sharp and durable VG-10 steel blade, makes it a fantastic tool to bring on a camping trip or keep around the house.

Details:

  • Blade Material: VG-10 Stainless steel
  • HRC: 61
  • Blade thickness: Approx. 2.8mm
  • Handle - 100mm
  • Blade - 45mm
Authenticity You Can Trust

Authenticity You Can Trust

All of our products are genuine. No replicas, no knockoffs. We work with independent artists and publishers, so your purchase directly supports their creative art. As a small business, we handpick every item to ensure it's meaningful, beautifully made, and truly worth having.

Artist

Nagao Kanekoma Factory - Higonokami

Size

Handle - 3.93 inches | Blade - 3.54 inches

Material

Blade: VG-10 Stainless steel | Handle: chrome plated stainless steel base that has then been silver plated with stainless steel washers and screws

Guidebook

Certificate of Authenticity

Nagao Kanekoma Factory - Higonokami

Founded in the 1880s by Mr. Komataro Nagao in Miki City, Higonokami began as a traditional knife-making enterprise where skilled craftsmen hand-forged each blade. The iconic folding design emerged in 1894, featuring a distinctive "Chikiri" tail handle, which earned recognition from Crown Prince Taisho at the 1911 Kobe Export Exhibition.

Through decades of industry changes and fierce competition from low-quality imitations, Nagao Kanakoma Knife emerged as the sole surviving manufacturer authorized to carry the prestigious Higonokami trademark, continuing its 140-year legacy of exceptional Japanese bladesmithing.

Additional Information

About the VG10 Steel

VG10 is made using a combination of elements, such as carbon, chrome, molybdenum, vanadium, and cobalt, among others, which creates a finer structure between the molecules, as well as a higher amount of hard carbides. This results in a steel that is more wear and abrasion-resistant, as well as being more rust-resistant. 

The thinner the blade, the sharper the knife can be, but this also means that it can be more prone to chipping and fracturing, so a balance is needed regarding the thickness.

Carbon: the main element that gives the blade its sharpness in terms of hardness and tenacity. Tungsten: the element that gives the blade its abrasion resistance as well as contributes to its hardness. Manganese: used to remove impurities in the metal. Chrome: an element that has been used for a long time to make high-grade steel, which prevents the steel particles from becoming coarse. 

The combination of these elements creates steel of extremely high quality, which can withstand being dropped and retains a hardness that helps maintain its sharpness over time. 

The Blade Sheath

The sheath is made using stainless steel that has been plated with chrome and silver to create a rust-resistant sheath. The screws are made using stainless steel that has been finished to look silver.

The knife has a very secure hinge, with the screw hinge being adjustable to make sure it is extra tight. This results in a compact and foldable knife that is convenient for both indoor and outdoor use, as well as being easy to store.

How to care for the Higonokami Knife

After using the knife, wipe any dirt or grime off the blade. Then, using a cloth, coat the knife with camellia oil or a rust-preventative oil, and store it in a dry place. If the blade’s edge becomes dull, use a whetstone or file to resharpen it.

Regarding which Whetstone to use

We recommend using a #2000-#3000 grit whetstone.

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