An answer in search of a question?

[ebidis]

Not having handled a higo, I'd say it's a friction folder. Something is stopping the blade from flopping.

Yes, it is a friction folder.

 

[singularity35]

So its the friction that's acting as a lock.of sorts. You really can't have a free moving blade if you want a useable knife.

 

[Jens Schuetz]

Yes, it is a friction folder.

So its the friction that's acting as a lock.of sorts. You really can't have a free moving blade if you want a useable knife.

To me it looks different from friction. The Ohta knife I have is of similar looking build and is free moving. Only my thumb pressing on the tang tail holds it in position. How would that be defined? Human powered pressure lock?

Real friction in my book would be the svord peasant where the tail squeezes between the scales when opening it and where it gets stuck because of friction.

Have a higo on the way and will see on Wednesday how it works.

 

[singularity35]

Yup, I have no idea what to call those knives with extended tangs like razors, that you have to.hold down.

 

[ebidis]

Yup, I have no idea what to call those knives with extended tangs like razors, that you have to.hold down.

As far as I understand, they are still called friction folders. Wikipedia defines the Higo as a friction folder, for what that's worth.

Maybe it's more that they are held closed by friction, rather than open.

 

[Jens Schuetz]

As far as I understand, they are still called friction folders. Wikipedia defines the Higo as a friction folder, for what that's worth.

That's great to know. Thank you. When the Ohta arrived I was surprised because I believed it to be a friction folder but there was no friction Maybe there is just no better name in use and since they are not that common they got thrown in to the friction category.
If I ever come across a different definition I'll make sure to post it.
Maybe it would be good to know how the Japanese classify it and then translate it.

 

[singularity35]

Yeh, good to know. Thanks for the info.

 

[Lycosa]

My newly arrived Higo is very stiff. Just right actually, for me.
I like how the folder can be safely handled using several different grip styles, thanks to that tang design. I love this classic folder.
rolf

 

[Bob W]

The Opinel #9 Inox handles absolutely everything I ask from a pocket knife...

Real Opinel knives, the originals from 1890, didn't even have a lock. The smaller sizes still don't.