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Higonokami

Higonokami White Steel Clad Bamboo Leef Shape Black Folding Knife

Higonokami White Steel Clad Bamboo Leef Shape Black Folding Knife

Regular price $49.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $49.00 USD
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This Higonokami White Steel Clad Folding Knife features a distinct bamboo leaf-shaped blade, handcrafted using the traditional "Warikomi" technique. The core of the blade is made from White Steel (Shirogami), which is known for its ability to achieve an exceptionally sharp and durable edge, making it a reliable tool for precision tasks.

The elegant bamboo leaf-shaped blade design adds both aesthetic charm and functionality, offering a balanced profile perfect for everyday use. Its black handle complements the blade’s clean lines, providing a sleek and minimalist look while ensuring a firm and comfortable grip. The classic Warikomi-clad construction reinforces the blade’s strength while maintaining the rich tradition of Japanese knife-making.

Compact yet sturdy, this folding knife captures the essence of timeless craftsmanship and practicality, making it an excellent addition to any collection or a versatile tool for daily carry.

Handle length: 10.0cm / 3.9in
Handle: Brass

  • Handwash only
  • Please be careful when opening and closing the blade. Higonokami recommends pushing the Chikiri (tail) with your thumb to open the blade safely
  • Keep it dry
  • Avoid cutting through bones
  • No metal scrubs or abrasive detergents
  • Store safely
  • Sharpen as needed
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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.

Brand History

In 1894, a hardware wholesaler named Mr. Tasaburo Shigematsu sought to create a more practical and affordable design inspired by a folding knife he encountered.  The resulting Higonokami knife, named after the former province where many of his customers resided, featured a folding blade and sheath operated by a small lever.  This innovation, coupled with the growing popularity of the design, led to the formation of the "Higonokami Knife Union" in 1899.

The union embodied the collective spirit of these artisans, with the Nagao family at its heart.  Komataro Nagao, the founder, established a company to produce knives in Miki City before transitioning to Higonokami production.  Following generations, Shigeharu Nagao secured the Higonokami trademark, while Akira, Motosuke, and the current generation's Mitsuo Nagao continued to refine and develop the design.  In 2021, Mitsuo Nagao took a significant step by formally establishing Nagao Kanekoma Factory Co., Ltd., solidifying the company's legacy and ensuring the future of this cherished craft.  Today, Nagao Kanekoma Factory stands as the sole producer of genuine Higonokami knives, carrying forward the legacy of these dedicated artisans.