Higonokami 667 carbon steel folding knife 7.5cm engraved steel handle

The Higonokami folding knife is emblematic of Japanese culture.

It's the pocket knife par excellence (a bit like theOpinel in France)! Created at the end of the 19th century, it was very popular in Japan until the 1960s. Available in a range of sizes and materials, it has become a fashionable knife among connoisseurs, who appreciate it as much for its efficiency as for its authentic appearance.

Blade :

The blade of a Japanese pocket knife is called "San Mai", meaning that it has 3 superimposed layers of steel (like a simplified damascus).

The core of the blade is made of carbon steel, which makes it extremely hard. This hardness enhances sharpness, since the knife can be sharpened to a greater degree, and will hold a sharp edge longer than standard steels. For added authenticity, the surface is engraved with Japanese characters.

The core is then surrounded by a protective layer of mild steel. This gives it a slight suppleness that makes it more pleasant to use (as too much rigidity could make it brittle over time).

Important: carbon blades are sensitive to corrosion. It should therefore be hand-washed and wiped dry immediately after use. Note that the color of the blade may change slightly over time. This is a normal process resulting from use (acidity of food, contact with ambient air with varying humidity, etc.). To prevent this, oil the blade from time to time with mineral oil.

The handle :

The folding system is Piedmontese: a piece of steel is located in the extension of the blade, on top of the handle. To open the knife, simply press down on this small piece, to draw out the blade for use.

The Higonokami knife has no locking system: only your thumb will press on the steel rod during use, thus naturally locking the blade.

The handle is made of sheet steel folded over the blade. This surprisingly simple system gives the knife its lightness. The end of the handle has a hole for a lanyard, making it easy to carry.

Last but not least, its sleek, all-steel look and the engraving on the steel plate give it that original touch that sets it apart from other pocket knives.

It can be an original gift for a knife lover, or your companion in any situation! If you'd like to discover our other models of folding Japanese knives, the Knifeleader team has put together a small selection for you!