Higonokami Knives
A higonokami is the traditional Japanese folding pocket knife, a friction folder made in Miki, Hyogo since 1896 and carried in Japan for well over a century. There is no lock and no clip, just a simple brass or steel handle, a thumb tab and a hand-forged carbon-steel blade that takes a wickedly sharp edge. It is minimalist everyday carry with real history, at home whittling, opening parcels or slicing an apple. Our range runs to 3 higonokami knives, from $35.95.
Higonokami knife specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Blade type | Traditional Japanese friction-folding pocket knife |
| Folded length | Around 100 to 140 mm |
| Locking | None, a friction folder held by thumb pressure |
| Best for | Everyday carry, whittling and light cutting |
| Steel options | Blue and White paper steel, SK and VG10 |
| Authentic maker | Nagao Kanekoma, the original Higonokami workshop |
Higonokami knife facts
We stock 3 higonokami knives, from $35.95 to $74.95, in traditional carbon paper steels and modern stainless. The higonokami is a friction folder with no lock, prized for its simple design, keen carbon edge and long heritage from Miki in Hyogo. The carbon-steel versions rust if left wet, so wipe and lightly oil the blade after use.
How to use a higonokami knife
Open a higonokami by pressing the chikiri, the long thumb tab, and swinging the blade out. There is no lock, so keep your thumb on the tab or your grip behind the pivot while you cut, using steady pressure rather than force. It suits light everyday tasks, whittling and slicing; keep it off bone and hard materials, wipe the carbon steel dry after use and give it a little oil to prevent rust.
Higonokami knives in stock
SK Steel Folding Knife - Small — $35.95
Aogami Folding Knife - Large — $59.95
SK Steel Folding Knife - Medium — $74.95
Higonokami knife questions
What is a higonokami knife used for?
It is a traditional Japanese pocket knife for everyday carry: whittling, opening parcels, slicing fruit and general light cutting. It is a simple friction folder rather than a kitchen or tactical knife.
Are higonokami knives good?
For a simple, sharp everyday carry, yes. The carbon-steel blades take a very keen edge and the design has been refined for over a century, though there is no lock, so they suit light tasks rather than hard use.
How can you tell if a higonokami is real?
An authentic higonokami is stamped by its maker; the original workshop is Nagao Kanekoma in Miki, Hyogo, whose blades carry their mark. Genuine ones use quality carbon or paper steel rather than unmarked stainless copies.
Does a higonokami lock?
No. It is a friction folder held open by pressure on the thumb tab and your grip, with no locking mechanism, so keep your thumb on the tab while cutting to keep the blade steady.
Related Japanese knife ranges
Related ranges: petty knives, whetstones, knife care and the Knives and Stones range. Learn more in our guides on carbon vs stainless steel and caring for a carbon-steel blade.