Higonokami
In 1894 Mr. Tasaburo Shigematsu, a hardware wholesaler, introduced a new pocket knife with its blade and sheath folded by installing a small handle “Chikiri (tail)” on the blade, while inspired by the knife he brought back from Kagoshima.
He named it “Higonokami Knife” , and in 1911, at the First Kobe Export Articles Competitive Exhibition, Crown Prince (later Emperor Taisho) liked the Higonokami on display very much and bought one, which is said to have helped its fame further spread.
The Higonikami is a fantastic traditional utility knife at a low cost.
Discover the time-honored tradition of Japanese craftsmanship with our stunning Higonokami knives. The Higonokami, a traditional Japanese pocket knife, features a unique friction-folding design and a razor-sharp blade that has been masterfully forged using ancient techniques. These knives are not only functional tools but also true works of art, showcasing the beauty and skill of Japanese bladesmithing.
25 products
25 products
Sort by:
Knife Information
1894- Mr. Tasaburo Shigematsu, a hardware wholesaler, introduced a new pocket knife with its blade and sheath folded by installing a small handle “Chikiri (tail)” on the blade, while inspired by the knife he brought back from Kagoshima.
He named it “Higonokami Knife” because many of his customers were in Kumamoto area (formally Higo country), which turned out to dramatically increase his sales. The blades have gradually changed their shapes. Unlike single-edged knives, the double-edged blades (V-shaped cross section) were in those days considered common. The earlier blades had a sharper tip (shape of a bamboo leaf), but now they have square shapes. The sheaths had a vertically folding style and a cross folding style, now the vertical one has to be custom made.
In 1911, at the First Kobe Export Articles Competitive Exhibition, Crown Prince (later Emperor Taisho) liked Higonokami on display very much and bought one, which is said to have helped its fame further spread.
The Higonikami is a fantastic traditional utility knife at a low cost.
Specifications
| Style: | Higonokami |
| Blade Length: | 90mm |
| Weight: | 71g |
| Bevel: | Double Bevel |
| Blade Material: | Aogami (Blue) Steel |
| Handle Material: | Brass w/Birch Overlay |
Knife Information
1894- Mr. Tasaburo Shigematsu, a hardware wholesaler, introduced a new pocket knife with its blade and sheath folded by installing a small handle “Chikiri (tail)” on the blade, while inspired by the knife he brought back from Kagoshima.
He named it “Higonokami Knife” because many of his customers were in Kumamoto area (formally Higo country), which turned out to dramatically increase his sales. The blades have gradually changed their shapes. Unlike single-edged knives, the double-edged blades (V-shaped cross section) were in those days considered common. The earlier blades had a sharper tip (shape of a bamboo leaf), but now they have square shapes. The sheaths had a vertically folding style and a cross folding style, now the vertical one has to be custom made.
In 1911, at the First Kobe Export Articles Competitive Exhibition, Crown Prince (later Emperor Taisho) liked Higonokami on display very much and bought one, which is said to have helped its fame further spread.
The Higonikami is a fantastic traditional utility knife at a low cost.
Specifications
| Style: | Higonokami |
| Blade Length: | 65mm |
| Weight: | 33g |
| Bevel: | Double Bevel |
| Blade Material: | Laminated SK Carbon Steel |
| Handle Material: | Black Nickel |
Knife Information
1894- Mr. Tasaburo Shigematsu, a hardware wholesaler, introduced a new pocket knife with its blade and sheath folded by installing a small handle “Chikiri (tail)” on the blade, while inspired by the knife he brought back from Kagoshima.
He named it “Higonokami Knife” because many of his customers were in Kumamoto area (formally Higo country), which turned out to dramatically increase his sales. The blades have gradually changed their shapes. Unlike single-edged knives, the double-edged blades (V-shaped cross section) were in those days considered common. The earlier blades had a sharper tip (shape of a bamboo leaf), but now they have square shapes. The sheaths had a vertically folding style and a cross folding style, now the vertical one has to be custom made.
In 1911, at the First Kobe Export Articles Competitive Exhibition, Crown Prince (later Emperor Taisho) liked Higonokami on display very much and bought one, which is said to have helped its fame further spread.
The Higonikami is a fantastic traditional utility knife at a low cost.
Specifications
| Style: | Higonokami |
| Blade Length: | 70mm |
| Weight: | 43g |
| Bevel: | Double Bevel |
| Blade Material: |
Aogami 2 |
| Handle Material: | Stainless Steel |
Knife Information
1894- Mr. Tasaburo Shigematsu, a hardware wholesaler, introduced a new pocket knife with its blade and sheath folded by installing a small handle “Chikiri (tail)” on the blade, while inspired by the knife he brought back from Kagoshima.
He named it “Higonokami Knife” because many of his customers were in Kumamoto area (formally Higo country), which turned out to dramatically increase his sales. The blades have gradually changed their shapes. Unlike single-edged knives, the double-edged blades (V-shaped cross section) were in those days considered common. The earlier blades had a sharper tip (shape of a bamboo leaf), but now they have square shapes. The sheaths had a vertically folding style and a cross folding style, now the vertical one has to be custom made.
In 1911, at the First Kobe Export Articles Competitive Exhibition, Crown Prince (later Emperor Taisho) liked Higonokami on display very much and bought one, which is said to have helped its fame further spread.
The Higonikami is a fantastic traditional utility knife at a low cost.
Specifications
| Style: | Higonokami |
| Blade Length: | 70mm |
| Weight: | 45g |
| Bevel: | Double Bevel |
| Blade Material: |
Aogami 2 |
| Handle Material: | Stainless Steel |
Knife Information
1894- Mr. Tasaburo Shigematsu, a hardware wholesaler, introduced a new pocket knife with its blade and sheath folded by installing a small handle “Chikiri (tail)” on the blade, while inspired by the knife he brought back from Kagoshima.
He named it “Higonokami Knife” because many of his customers were in Kumamoto area (formally Higo country), which turned out to dramatically increase his sales. The blades have gradually changed their shapes. Unlike single-edged knives, the double-edged blades (V-shaped cross section) were in those days considered common. The earlier blades had a sharper tip (shape of a bamboo leaf), but now they have square shapes. The sheaths had a vertically folding style and a cross folding style, now the vertical one has to be custom made.
In 1911, at the First Kobe Export Articles Competitive Exhibition, Crown Prince (later Emperor Taisho) liked Higonokami on display very much and bought one, which is said to have helped its fame further spread.
The Higonikami is a fantastic traditional utility knife at a low cost.
Specifications
| Style: | Higonokami |
| Blade Length: | 65mm |
| Weight: | 33g |
| Bevel: | Double Bevel |
| Blade Material: | Laminated SK Carbon Steel |
| Handle Material: | Semi-Polished Steel |