The Making of a Higonokami

transmaster transmaster
Thanks for sharing that vid.
The definition of functional art.
Not only is it educational I found it therapeutic and very relaxing to watch.
Special mention to the craftsman wearing the Sheffield peaky blinder cap.
After the day I had yesterday I needed that.Cheers.
 
Mine's not hardly as elegant, but it's definitely the ultimate in simplicity...
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(Recycled photo)
 
I nearly clicked through your linked site (Hochu-knife) which is a seller for this brand/co knife, to purchase one as a gift, but before paying through, I thought better and checked Trustpilot and other review sites - Brutal. Many many bad reviews for that seller. Please beware if ordering through Hochu’s website for apparently many particular complaints of arguably counterfeits, failing to stock, cancelling orders (and yet despite not delivering it will keep 3% off the purchase price as a “restock fee” for a not-in-inventory product).

If you or anyone has other valued sellers of these knives, do share.
 
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Linking to dealers who do not have BF Dealer memberships violates the site rules.
One post removed. One post edited.

You are welcome to paste pictures of your knives. But leave out where you purchased them, if not from one of our dealer members.
 
knarfeng said:
Linking to dealers who do not have BF Dealer memberships violates the site rules.
One post removed. One post edited.

You are welcome to paste pictures of your knives. But leave out where you purchased them, if not from one of our dealer members.
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Thanks I didn’t think of that. When I purchased mine I spend a great deal of time finding a place that sold the real deal, a Japanese shop in Boulder, Colorado.is there a list I venders I can view. The forge that is the official manufacturer of the Higonokami does not sell off shore I would have purchased directly if I could.

Just spotted the list thanks.
 
Calm and Transmaster - I’m interested in the steel. The knives certainly have a true handmade somewhat unrefined nature to their make (somewhat the hand-machine engraving excepted). Can you share your experience w the blade as in qualities “good-not so good” re edge retention, sharpening, any edge issues after use etc? Watching the video and looking over some images online as to the quality of the grind (final bevel) those very much appear somewhat inconsistent between knives, understandably given those are some old coots and hand-working. The tangs and transitions appear pretty inconsistent and rough, too. In analogy, I was surprised watching similar vids indicating the more old timey rustic nature to how some of the Douk Douk knives are made. A great inexpensive knock-em-out style of work.

I also see a “master” style of these offered, advertised at about 2x+ price w comment embellishing only they’re forged (the forged process of a master I presume). Yet the video seems to show all knives undergo the same press forge process) to curve the blade, for example, and hand forging to level them). Do you know what “extra” is added to a Master knife? The hammered blade versions don’t seem to be the difference.
 
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These were bought around 15 years ago. At the time, from what was said, there was only one "old master" that was making them "properly".
The main discussion at the time was that once he stopped working there would be no more proper Higonokamis.
I do not know how accurate that was or what is the state now.

The bottom one in my photograph (Japanese pocket knife 4th gene Kanekoma Higonokami 1894 [Brass case, Blue steel #2 laminated ,EL;120mm) was, from what I remember, made by that/those remaining master/s.
The other (Japanese HIGONOKAMI pocket knife Black blade 80mm) was of a lesser grade.
It should be noted that these knives were never meant to be fancy or brilliant quality; just a low cost hand made knife for all. They are rustic, work well but the finish is not brilliant and the edges are OK but not very sharp, by BF standards.

Their cost varied according to who made them, handle finish/material and type of steel used.
The brass one cost me $22 and the plain one $9, at the time.

I am sure there will be more information from those here that actually know, rather than my ramblings.
 
rrrgcy said:
Calm and Transmaster - I’m interested in the steel. The knives certainly have a true handmade somewhat unrefined nature to their make (somewhat the hand-machine engraving excepted). Can you share your experience w the blade as in qualities “good-not so good” re edge retention, sharpening, any edge issues after use etc? Watching the video and looking over some images online as to the quality of the grind (final bevel) those very much appear somewhat inconsistent between knives, understandably given those are some old coots and hand-working. The tangs and transitions appear pretty inconsistent and rough, too. In analogy, I was surprised watching similar vids indicating the more old timey rustic nature to how some of the Douk Douk knives are made. A great inexpensive knock-em-out style of work.

I also see a “master” style of these offered, advertised at about 2x+ price w comment embellishing only they’re forged (the forged process of a master I presume). Yet the video seems to show all knives undergo the same press forge process) to curve the blade, for example, and hand forging to level them. Do you know what “extra” is added to a Master knife? The hammered blade versions don’t seem to be the difference.
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The knife is rather crude. What got me interested in them was that they were very popular with soldiers during the Japanese occupation, 1945-1952. I ran across totally worn-out examples in tool boxes in the 1960's. The blade is Yasuki Blue (Aogami) #2, Soft Ironclad. I am not sure what the blade's hardness is, but it takes and holds an impressive edge. The carbon steel quickly takes on a patina. I sliced some tomatoes with it, and it darkened almost instantly, same with dill pickles. What I really do not like about it is the absence of a blade lock. You are expected to keep your thumb on the opening tab. You have to be very careful when sharpening it. I also ran across the high-priced fancy ones, which have different blade forgings of the Aogami steel, plus you pay for a fancy wood presentation box. I wanted one that was like the worn-out examples I found in Veteran's tool boxes.

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Here are the specs from the manufacturer's website.

Brand: Higonokami かね駒
Smith: Mitsuo Nagao 永尾 光雄
Producing Area: Miki-Hyogo/ Japan
Size: Large
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
HRC 62-63
Steel: Yasuki Blue (Aogami) #2, Soft Iron Clad
Handle: Brass
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Total Length: 174mm
Edge Length: 77mm
Handle to Tip Length: 79mm
Blade Height: 14mm
Thickness: 3.6mm
Handle Length: 98mm
Weight: 55g
Update: July 18, 2025
 
Mitsuo Nagao is the 5th-generation maker of the trademarked Higonokami folding knife. The patriarch Komataro Nagao was a swordsmith. Emperor Meiji had banned the public carrying of swords, and ended most of the privileges of the Samurai. This put most of the swordsmiths out of business. Some converted to making kitchen knives. Komataro was one such smith in 1894 he started to produce the Higonokami. Its success kept the family business going to this day.


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I saw the YouTube video last weekend and found this thread searching for more information on the Higonokami. I recently realized an appreciation for the Opinel so this seems like a natural progression.

I was wondering about the 2 sizes? MN-10 vs MN-20.

I'm leaning towards the smaller one with the cutout in the handle:
MN-20 Original Nagao Higonokami, Small. This is a smaller version of MN-10 with 3-1/8" Aogami (Hitachi Blue carbon steel) core edge forge layered Damascus steel blade, 3-3/4" Brass handle engraved with his signature and trade mark and his famous Tiger/Bamboo design. Comes with wooden Kiri box.

The website I was considering getting it from has a positive recommendation from KenHash posted on Bladeforums 10 years ago.

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For anyone interested, there are also newer/modern versions of that style.

Foe example Boker does a few, here is one I have with CF handles
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