This cult classic pocket knife was originally made in Japan starting in the late 1800s and is characterized by its lack of a locking mechanism. Made from carbon steel for strength, the Higonokami pocket knife features a hand-forged blade that folds into the base and a small latch to reopen it safely. The style was exceedingly popular in Japan until 1961 when the blades were banned. Still, a few craftsmen carry on this tradition today. This pocket-sized version comes in with a raw steel motif that lends it a more aged feel. The slim profile makes it comfortable in the pocket. Each blade is hand-forged with the maker’s stamp on it, letting you carry a little piece of Japanese history with you wherever you go.
There is beauty in simplicity. This brass and blue paper steel knife is about as simple and straightforward as it gets: a metal handle with a hinged reverse-tanto blade, It has no lock, no extraneous styling, and even the lever deployment is just an extension of the blade. But still, this friction folder is a superb EDC knife for those who don’t want to fuss around with a bunch of stuff they don’t really need.
About Higonokami Knives
In the 19th century, a blacksmith in Kyushu is said to have added a simple lever to a basic pocket knife to help open and close the blade more easily. The knife proved to be successful and a guild was formed to oversee the manufacturing of the knife. Only those belonging to the guild could manufacture the knife and use the respected name Higo No Kami, which translates to "Lord of Higo" in honor of the Lord of Kyushu. Today, each higonokami knife is still handmade by the last remaining maker in the guild, Nagao Seisakusho.
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