This is a genuine handmade Higonokami knife, made by Mr Nagao, the last remaining blacksmith in the guild that is allowed to make Higonokami. They are a simple, cleverly designed, hardworking tool that has remained virtually unchanged in over 160 years.
It comes with a piece of the famous Nakayama stone, mined on mount Atago near Kyoto. In medieval times Nakayama polishing stones were reserved for the imperial household, in the late 1500's the less beautiful stones from the quarry were made available to carpenters, transforming the quality of their work. These new-old-stock stones are a natural product each one is different and unique.
The Higonokami has a double bevel "Warikomi" blade forged from laminated SK-5 high carbon steel and stamped with Mr Nagao's mark. The nickel plated steel handle is embossed with the Higonokami trade mark. At just a hair under three inches long, this is an excellent general purpose pocket knife that's suitable for both right and left handers.
Carrying a pocket knife in the UK used to be completely normal. After years of not carrying one it is refreshingly liberating and civilised to be able to fetch a nice bit of laminated Japanese steel out of your pocket when you need to open a box, or packet instead of tearing it. As long as the knife conforms to regulations (this one does) and you use it responsibly, this simple pleasure is perfectly legal.
- Blade length: 72mm
- Case length: 100mm
- Case Width: 18mm
- Made in Japan