Japanese friction knife

kamagong

kamagong

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Got this in today. It's a Japanese friction knife, or higonaifu. Some of you may be familiar with the better known Higo No Kami, this knife is the same design. This one is a generic version of the Higo No Kami knife. The term Higo No Kami is a registered trademark, and only members of a certain association can call their wares as such.

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The higonaifu is about as basic as you can make a folding knife. From what I can see there are only five pieces used in the construction of this knife -- a folded piece of metal that comprises the handle, the blade, the pivot pin, and two small washers. As you can see this knife is pretty crude. But as with all knives the beauty is in the blade. The higonaifu has a laminated blade with iron sides and a high carbon steel cutting edge. Sharpness isn't that great, but it shouldn't take much to bring it up to snuff.

I don't know if I'll be using this knife much. It is too thin and would not be very comfortable to use for an extended amount of time. But it is a pretty cool knife to have and should fill the need for a simple cutting tool.
 
The blade is a very interesting shape. I am sure the ergonomics are rough, but thanks for pics. Make sure you do not cut your couch, or your wife will be skinning you with that one.:D
 
cj65 said:
Make sure you do not cut your couch, or your wife will be skinning you with that one.:D
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Don't worry, I took the picture on the tablecloth. It's not my first time around, I've learned that it's much easier to hide cuts when you can easily put a centerpiece on top of it.

;)
 
kamagong said:
Don't worry, I took the picture on the tablecloth. It's not my first time around, I've learned that it's much easier to hide cuts when you can easily put a centerpiece on top of it.

;)
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I am finally putting a slope on my learnin curve, so I like to share the upsweep part when I can.:cool:
 
I have a few.

The quality seems uneven - some take a wicked, acute edge and some exhibit edge crumbling when sharpened to similar angles.

Overall, I like them for descrete "have a knife" carry.
 
I believe I have the same model as you kama, or at least the chinese inscription is the same. It is fairly crude, but I did a quick touchup on some fine stones, and it got pretty sharp. I like it, worth the price in any case.
 
I think I saw the same or a similar knife in a Lee Valley tool catalogue. Simple friction folders are about as old and traditional design as you can get. Goes way back to the Roman times I think I read.

Nice one handed operation. I wonder if that is the original one hander.:D
 
jackknife said:
IGoes way back to the Roman times I think I read.

Nice one handed operation. I wonder if that is the original one hander.:D
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Actually yes, there are some reproduction of Roman friction folders are out there. The higonokami knife was the serpentine jack of it's day. Everyone had one. From what I hear, the steel is premium grade.
We had a version of the same knife in China when I was kindergarten.

God Bless
 
I like higonokamis, I've EDC'd them at times.

By the way, "naifu" is that "japanese english", it spells like "knife". Just like ice cream in japan is "aiso kuriimu". Im by no means an expert, but I think the proper term is higonokami like mentioned.

Very old design.
 
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