Description
Features:
- The blade is forged from 31 layers of steel, using a method very similar to how samurai swords were historically forged, where hard edge steel is encased in a folded multilayered structure – suminagashi (also known as Damascus steel)
- A widely popular traditional pocket knife in Japan
- No locking mechanism – held in place by thumb pressure on the blade lever (also known as a friction folder)
- Long-lasting sharpness and easy to sharpen – due to it’s three layer structure and high carbon steel
- Higonokami knife design remains almost unchanged since its creation in the late 19th century
- This is an authentic Higonokami knife from the only remaining Miki guild forge – Nagao Kanekoma, which has the historical rights to manufacture Higonokami knives
- Perfect as a gift as the knife comes in a Japanese calligraphy ornamented, wooden box
Specifications:
- Blacksmith: Mitsuo Nagao [永尾 光雄]
- Blade steel: Aogami #2 (Blue Paper)
- Hardness: 62-63 HRC
- Blade construction: 31 layers (body – softer suminagashi carbon , core – Aogami #2)
- Edge: Double bevel
- Handle: Brass
- Total length: 170 mm
- Blade length: 75 mm
- Blade height: 15 mm
- Blade thickness: 4.3 mm
- Weight: 70 g
Usage Guidelines:
- Due to the non-locking blade, this knife is best suited for smaller tasks – opening envelopes, sharpening pencils, cutting rope, or preparing snacks outdoors. If you’re looking for a more serious tactical knife for survival or hiking – check here
- Like all high-hardness carbon steel knives, the blade is quite brittle, so we don’t recommend cutting bones, frozen products, and under no circumstances should it be used as a cleaver.
Sharpening and Maintenance:
- For sharpening, we recommend using Japanese Water Sharpening Stones and Leather Strops
- Always wash the knife with warm water and dry after use (dishwasher use not recommended)
- The blade is prone to rusting. After washing and drying the knife, coat it with camellia oil and store in a dry place
- If rust or stubborn residue appears: use our recommended Steel Care Products
About the Forge [Nagao Kanekoma -永尾かね駒製作所]:
- A family forge where fifth-generation master Mitsuo Nagao maintains an unbroken family craft lineage since its founding
- Established: 1894
- The only manufacturer of genuine and historical Higonokami knives in all of Japan
- Location: Miki Town, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
