Higonokami Blue Steel Damascus Clad Large Brass Folding Knife and Paulownia Gift Box

The Enduring Higonokami Knives

The Higonokami folding knife boasts a rich history deeply rooted in Japanese craftsmanship. In its early days, these knives were meticulously crafted by hand in Hyogo, a region renowned for its metalworking tradition. Each piece was a testament to skilled artisanship, with blades forged from a combination of steel and iron, housed in beautifully decorated sheaths of brass or black-dyed iron. These sheaths were often adorned with intricate carvings depicting landscapes, figures, or nature, reflecting the artistic flair of the makers. The production process was slow and deliberate, with a single craftsman typically making only a handful of sets per day.

A turning point came in 1894, when a hardware wholesaler in Hyogo was inspired by a folding knife from another region. He envisioned a more practical and affordable design for everyday use.  His design featured a folding blade and sheath operated by a small lever on the blade itself. He named it after a former province, now Kumamoto prefecture, where many of his customers resided, a decision that proved instrumental in its success.  This knife, later known as the Higonokami named after the Kumamoto region, became a popular choice throughout Japan once the Taisho Emperor purchased one himself. The design itself evolved over time, with blade shapes transitioning and sheath styles changing.  However, the industry faced challenges later on, including competition from mass-produced utility knives and social campaigns discouraging knife ownership. This ultimately led to a decline in manufacturers, with only a single maker remaining today who can use the original Higonokami trademark.