Higonokami Folding Knife – SK Steel 100mm Black

Beautiful little knife. They were used originally by Japanese school kids to sharpen their school pencils and as an everyday carry utility knife by men. Kinda reminds me of an old straight razor. Rough and semi crudely made, but very sturdy and super sharp. I did a little research on my knives and found out that the knives are hand made from start to finish by one older Japanese craftsman - one guy! He hand forges and hardens the blades and sharpens them so they are scalpel sharp. He also bends the handle in a small press and squeezes the pivot rivet in a small arbor press. Two things - the blade is a non finished, carbon steel. It has no coatings or anti corrosion treatments. It will rust if you don't care for it. It sharpens well and holds it's razor sharp edge well. There is no blade locking mechanism. Not a problem, just something to be aware of. This requires a little diligence on your part if you intend on using it as an every day knife. The blade stays tucked away nicely in the handle and the pivot rivet holds the blade securely, but one still needs to be careful that the blade doesn't open slightly and cut your fingers when you put your hands in your pocket. And there's the potential issue of having a razor sharp, partially open knife near your nads... I have several of these and carry one daily in my backpack, and I use it. These make nice gifts for your knife aficionado friends and family. They would love to be the owner of one of these and they would also appreciate the knife's story. Get busy buying!

I have the $25 brass blue-paper/aogami 100mm version. This too comes in the same classic rectangle box, and is warigomi/soft-hard layered but with SK steel, a less expensive grade of high carbon japanese steel. This info was not available in the description, other than the presence of SK. The steel does have a darker hue kn the outer-soft layer than the aogomi, and a beautiful finish. I assume the hard layer is the sk, i wonder what they use for the outter layers. SK seems just as sharp. The branding stamp on the handle has yellow paint or something to make it stand out, but it's quickly fading away so most of the stamping has no color. It's handmade so there are some other flaws, but adds to it's character. I will probably get the white paper steel version next. I wish it was available in the same blade shape.

Very hard to open at first but got better after I put lots of oil on it

I love this knife. Great quality for price, strong and sharp paper steel from Japan. Keep it greased so it doesn't patina. Perfect little knife for the fishing bag or to open packages.

I bought this a few days ago. At my job, I am required to cut open boxes, and cut plastic wrap off pallets and such. I did use this knife only once. Just to test it out. Knowing he history, and the purpose of this knife, I just could not bring myself to treat this knife rough. I can see the actual change in metal which is a plus. the Knife was not loose, was sharp, but not too sharp. A few rounds on a whetstone and the knife shaves hair. This is a beautiful, and simple knife. I collect Knives as a hobby. I am in no way a knife snob, but this knife set the bar not many of my other knives can reach. Out of my embarrassingly large collection, Only this Higo No Kami knife, a knife made by a Cherokee, and an Eafengrow knife stay as sharp, and are as beautiful as this knife.

Beautiful knife, appears to be genuine. Came sharp, not razor sharp but workable. Lost two stars because the size in the description does not match what shipped. This is the 3-inch blade version (~75mm), not the ~4-inch blade (100mm) as described. Will likely return for the brass 100mm Blue Paper steel version.

Great quality and craftsmanship for the price!!!

Very sharp.