Higonokami is a traditional Japanese pocket knife. It was created in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture in the early 19th century. The history of the Higonokami knives is interesting. After all, Japan is famous for its knives with fixed blades, swords and kitchen knives, but not pocket knives. Higonokami - a folding knife with a friction mechanism originally appeared in 1896 as a result of the difficulties that blacksmiths faced in post-samurai Japan after the significant reforms of the Emperor Meiji in the late 19th century. The disappearance of the samurai class led to a decrease in demand for swords, and blacksmiths began to make tools and knives instead of swords. Since then, the Higonokami folding knife has become a popular tool and knife for everyday carry.
At its core, the Higonokami was an EDC knife. Historically, these knives were used as a universal tool in everyday life in Japan - for cutting paper, woodworking, agricultural work and even as a school accessory. Today, Higonokami are prized by collectors and enthusiasts for their authentic design and cultural significance. They are distinguished by the absence of a lock: the blade is held open by friction. They are handcrafted from high-carbon steel (often SK-5 or Aogami), which ensures the blade is sharp and durable. Unlike modern folding knives with complex mechanisms, Higonokami are extremely minimalist: they consist of only a few parts - a blade, a handle (usually brass or steel) and a pin.
Higo is the old name of the Kyushu province, where the original knife was from. Translated from Japanese, "higonokami" means "governor of Higo". Currently, only one fifth-generation manufacturer, KaneKoma, is legally allowed to call their knives exclusively "Higonokami". Other knife makers must call their products "Higo" or "Higonokami-style". So in our store you can buy original Higonokami knives.
