HIGONOKAMI - MADE IN JAPAN

KEN-GATA SWORD SHAPE TRADITIONAL JAPANESE FOLDING POCKET KNIFE IN BRASS

FEATURES

- Comes with box

- Handle Length: 100mm

- Colour: Brass

- Handle Material: Folded Brass

- Blade Material: Hand-forged White Steel

DESCRIPTION

Designed and made in Japan by 6 skilled artisans, the Higonokami is an iconic and historical pocket knife. This traditional blade is a friction folder or 'penny knife', meaning, it uses the friction of the swivel and the pressure of the user's thumb on it's iconic lever or 'chikiri' to keep it open.

The blade, stamped with the craftsman's mark, takes a sharp edge due to its hand-forged White Steel construction. Featuring a folded brass handle stamped with Japanese characters that read 'Trademark Higonokami', makes for a robust and durable tool.

A wonderful utility knife and a great gift, this will become a cherished addition to your daily essentials.

HISTORY

The knife first appeared in 1896 as a result of blade smiths struggling with the lowering demand for swords with the decline of the samurai under the reforms made by Emperor Meiji in the late 19th century.
The name "Higonokami" was trademarked by a Miki guild, and today only the maker KaneKoma (Nagao) is legally allowed to use that name. Musashi is another brand that goes back to the guild days. Today a number of Japanese knifemakers make traditional styled Higonokami, or modernized versions of the unique blade.
Higonokami pocket knives proved very successful and were popular in Japan. The popularity of the blades dwindled after the tightening of knife legislation in Japan in 1961.
Today, the Higonokami is praised by knife aficionados and has cemented itself as one of the most iconic and stylish traditional pocket knives.