The Higonokami knife, also known as the “Japanese Pocket Knife,” is a traditional Japanese folding knife that has been a staple of Japanese culture for over a century. With its simple design and durable construction, the Higonokami knife is not only a functional tool but also a symbol of Japan’s rich history and craftsmanship. The knife’s origins can be traced back to the late 19th century, when it was first created by blacksmiths in the Hyogo prefecture. Since then, it has become a beloved tool for many artisans and outdoor enthusiasts.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, design, and use of the Higonokami knife, and explore why it continues to be a popular choice among knife enthusiasts today.
What is a Higonokami knife?
A Higonokami knife is a type of traditional Japanese folding pocket knife. It is characterized by its simple, elegant design and the use of a thumb lever, called a “chikiri,” to open and close the blade. The blade is typically made of high-carbon steel, and the handle is made of wood or metal. Higonokami knives have been in production since the late 1800s and are still made by hand in Japan today.
History of the Higonokami knife
The Higonokami knife has a long and rich history dating back to the late 1800s in Japan. The knife was first developed in the city of Miki, in the Hyogo prefecture, by a blacksmith named Iwasaki Kanekichi. He was inspired by a local knife called the “Higo-zukuri” that had been used by farmers and craftsmen in the area for centuries.
Iwasaki’s design was simple and elegant, featuring a folding blade that was held open by a spring-loaded thumb lever called a “chikiri.” This design eliminated the need for a separate locking mechanism, making the knife more compact and easy to use. The blade was typically made of high-carbon steel, and the handle was made of wood or metal.
The knife quickly gained popularity among craftsmen and farmers, and soon other blacksmiths in the area began to produce their own versions of the Higonokami. These knives were often sold door-to-door by traveling salesmen, or through local markets and shops.
During World War II, production of Higonokami knives was halted as Japan shifted its focus to military production. However, after the war, production resumed, and the knife continued to be popular among tradesmen and craftsmen.
In the 1960s, the Higonokami knife faced competition from imported knives, and the number of manufacturers began to decline. Today, there are only a few companies that still produce Higonokami knives, and they are all located in the city of Miki. These knives are still made by hand, using traditional methods, and are highly prized by collectors and knife enthusiasts.
In recent years, the Higonokami knife has seen a resurgence in popularity, due in part to its simple, elegant design and its connection to Japan’s rich knife-making tradition. The knife is now considered a classic piece of Japanese craftsmanship and is a symbol of traditional Japanese culture.
Features of the Higonokami knife
The Higonokami knife is characterized by several key features:
- Folding Blade: The blade of the Higonokami knife folds into the handle, making it compact and easy to carry.
- Thumb Lever (Chikiri): The knife features a thumb lever, called a “chikiri,” which is used to open and close the blade. This design eliminates the need for a separate locking mechanism.
- High-carbon Steel Blade: The blade of the Higonokami knife is typically made of high-carbon steel, which is known for its sharpness and durability.
- Wood or Metal Handle: The handle of the Higonokami knife is typically made of wood or metal. The wooden handles are usually made of Japanese Magnolia or Ho wood.
- Simple and Elegant Design: The Higonokami knife is known for its simple, elegant design, which emphasizes function over form.
- Handmade: Higonokami knives are still made by hand in Japan using traditional methods, which makes each knife unique.
- No Locking Mechanism : Higonokami does not feature any locking mechanism, the chikiri helps in keeping the blade open or closed.
- Lightweight: Higonokami is a lightweight knife, it easy to carry around and handle.
- Versatile: Higonokami can be used for various tasks like opening packages, cutting fruits, whittling, etc.
- A Symbol of Traditional Japanese Culture: Higonokami is considered a classic piece of Japanese craftsmanship and is a symbol of traditional Japanese culture.
Parts of a Higonokami knife
A Higonokami knife typically has the following parts:
The blade
The blade of a Higonokami knife is the most important part of the knife and is typically made of high-carbon steel. The blade is sharp and durable, making it ideal for cutting a variety of materials. The blade is also typically thin and flat, which allows for precision cutting. The blade is used to cut rope, paper, cardboard, and even some types of soft metals.
The handle
The handle of a Higonokami knife is typically made of wood or metal. The wooden handles are usually made of Japanese Magnolia or Ho wood. The handle is designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip, which allows for easy control of the blade. The handle also serves as the housing for the blade when it is folded into the closed position.
The chikiri
The chikiri is a thumb lever located on the handle of a Higonokami knife. It is used to open and close the blade. When the chikiri is pressed, it releases the blade from the handle, allowing it to be opened. When the chikiri is released, the blade snaps back into the handle, closing the knife. The chikiri eliminates the need for a separate locking mechanism. It’s a simple and functional design that allows the user to quickly and easily access the blade.
It’s worth noting that Higonokami Friction Folder knives do not have a chikiri, the blade stays open by friction between the blade and the handle, and it’s closed by pressing the blade into the handle.
Higonokami knife uses
Higonokami knives, due to their compact size and sharp blades, can be used for a variety of tasks. Some common uses include:
Cutting Fruit
The Higonokami knife can be used to cut fruit with ease and precision due to its sharp and durable high-carbon steel blade. The compact size of the knife makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, such as cutting around the core of an apple or removing the rind of a citrus fruit. The simple and elegant design of the knife also allows for a comfortable and secure grip, making it easy to control the blade while cutting.
Opening boxes
The Higonokami knife is a great tool for opening boxes due to its sharp and durable blade. The compact size of the knife allows for easy maneuverability in tight spaces, making it easy to cut through tape and cardboard. The thumb lever (chikiri) allows for easy opening and closing of the blade, making it quick and easy to access the knife when needed. The wooden handle of the knife also provides a comfortable grip, making it easy to hold and control the knife while cutting.
Carving
The Higonokami knife can be used for carving due to its sharp and durable high-carbon steel blade. The compact size of the knife makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, allowing for detailed and precise carving. The simple and elegant design of the knife also allows for a comfortable and secure grip, making it easy to control the blade while carving. The knife can be used to carve a variety of materials, including wood, soapstone, and even some types of soft metals.
Sharpening pencils
The Higonokami knife can be used to sharpen pencils due to its sharp and durable high-carbon steel blade. The compact size of the knife makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, allowing for precise sharpening of the pencil tip. The simple and elegant design of the knife also allows for a comfortable and secure grip, making it easy to control the blade while sharpening. The knife can also be used to sharpen other similar small objects like color pencils and charcoal.
It’s worth noting that Higonokami knife is a traditional pocket knife, it’s not designed specifically for these tasks, but it can perform them with ease because of its sharp blade and simple design.
Is Higonokami a great EDC knife?
The Higonokami knife can be a great everyday carry (EDC) knife for some people. It has a number of features that make it well-suited for EDC use, including its:
- Compact size: The folding blade design of the Higonokami makes it easy to carry in a pocket, purse, or bag.
- Durable high-carbon steel blade: The blade of the Higonokami is made of high-carbon steel, which is known for its sharpness and durability.
- Simple and elegant design: The Higonokami has a simple and elegant design, which makes it easy to use and comfortable to hold.
- Thumb Lever (Chikiri): The knife features a thumb lever, called a “chikiri,” which is used to open and close the blade. This design eliminates the need for a separate locking mechanism.
- Lightweight: Higonokami is a lightweight knife, it easy to carry around and handle.
- Versatile: Higonokami can be used for various tasks like opening packages, cutting fruits, whittling, etc.
However, using the Higonokami knife as an everyday carry (EDC) can present some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of a locking mechanism. The Higonokami knife relies on the user’s grip to keep the blade open, which may not be suitable for everyone and could be dangerous in certain situations. Additionally, the knife does not have a clip, which makes it difficult to carry around and easy to lose. The simple and elegant design of the knife is also not suitable for heavy-duty cutting or chopping tasks. The knife’s small size may also be a challenge for people with larger hands, as it may be uncomfortable to hold and control.
Different types of higo knives
There are several different types of Higonokami knives, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Some of the most common types include:
- Classic Higonokami: This is the original Higonokami knife, characterized by its simple and elegant design. It features a folding blade held open by a spring-loaded thumb lever (chikiri), and a handle made of wood or metal.
- Modern Higonokami: This type of Higonokami knife is a more recent development and often features updated materials and design elements. They may have different handle materials, blade finishes, and variations on the chikiri.
- Seki Kanetsune Higo: Seki Kanetsune Higo is a specific model of Higonokami knife that is produced by the company Kanetsune in Seki, Japan. It’s known for its high-quality and craftsmanship, and it’s considered as one of the best Higonokami knives available in the market, it’s a premium version of Higonokami. It’s usually made with high-quality materials, and it’s also usually more expensive than other Higonokami knives. This type of Higonokami knife is particularly popular among knife enthusiasts and collectors due to its quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
- Mujun Fuji Higo: Mujun Fuji Higo is a specific model of Higonokami knife that is produced by the company Mujun in Miki, Japan. Mujun Fuji Higo is characterized by its beautiful and intricate designs, which often feature elegant patterns and motifs. The knife is usually made with high-quality materials, such as premium steel and exotic wood. Some versions of Mujun Fuji Higo also feature a Damascus steel blade, which is known for its beauty and durability. Mujun Fuji Higo is a limited-edition knife, it’s only produced in small numbers, and it’s also more expensive than other Higonokami knives.
- Mini Higonokami: This type of Higonokami knife is a smaller version of the classic Higonokami, with a shorter blade and a more compact handle. It’s a great option for people who want a smaller knife that’s easy to carry.
- Higonokami Friction Folder: This type of Higonokami knife does not have a spring-loaded thumb lever (chikiri), instead the blade stays open by friction between the blade and the handle.
- Higonokami with Locking mechanism: Some Higonokami knives have added a locking mechanism to the design, making it safer to use when the blade is open.
- Higonokami with Damascus Steel Blade: This type of Higonokami knife features a blade made of Damascus steel, which is known for its beauty and durability.
It’s worth noting that not all Higonokami knives are made by the original manufacturers in Miki, Japan. There are also some knives that are made in other countries and are inspired by the Higonokami design, but they may not be authentic Higonokami knives.
Closing
In conclusion, the Higonokami knife is a traditional Japanese folding knife that has stood the test of time. Its simple, functional design, and durable construction have made it a favorite among artisans, outdoor enthusiasts, and knife enthusiasts alike. The knife’s rich history and cultural significance add to its appeal. Whether you’re looking for a reliable everyday carry or a piece of Japanese craftsmanship to add to your collection, the Higonokami knife is definitely worth considering. With its timeless design and quality craftsmanship, it’s not only a practical tool but also a symbol of Japan’s rich history and culture. Higonokami knives are still being produced by artisans and blacksmiths using traditional techniques and materials, and they remain a testament to the skills and heritage of the Japanese people.
