Third, due to the high output of his single-man shop, knives made by Motosuke Nagao are all slightly imperfect. Those close copies are tellingly called "Higonaifu" - higo style knives. Second, they don't sport the stamped image of a Samurai, as cool as that is. The Shun Large Higo-No Kami includes the traditional lever for easy one-handed opening. First, they still come in a distinctive yellow, blue and gold box, marked with their name. One of the key characteristics of the traditional Higo-No Kami is that when the knife is closed, part of the blade tang protrudes and can be used like a small lever to open the knife with one hand. Small knives in the higonokami style are readily available throughout Japan, but true Higonokami using the traditional high quality white steel blade and construction are easily spotted. Motosuki Nagao (alternately spelled Motosuke in our English-bound parts of the internet) is the last Higonokami blacksmith, and he can trace his craft lineage through his family back to the knife's origin over 100 years ago. Today there is a single solitary smith working under the traditional Higonokami handle. The Higonokami is a non locking pocket knife originally designed in 1894 by Tasaburo Shigematsu who created the distinctive forged lever used for opening the. With even greater constraints on knife making and ownership, the Higonokami guild dwindled. Higonokami is a Japanese traditional knife which is a registered trademark and only manufactured in Nagao Kanekoma factory in Miki city,Hyogo prefecture,Japan. Sadly, a sword-based national tragedy brought knife sales and use to a grinding halt in the 1960s. Higo is the old name of Kyushu province, where the original knife came from, but Higo no Kami is also an aristocratic title historically given to powerful samurai. Higo no Kami in Japanese means Lord of Higo. The easy to sharpen, long-lasting blades and small hand-friendly shape made them useful for anything from preparing drafting materials to sharpening pencils to enjoying lunch. Higonokami is a type of Japanese folding pocket knife, developed in the 1890s during the Meiji period. Different costs however reflect quality of used materials and difficulty of manufacturing process.At the height of its popularity the Higonokami, or higo, was a pocket companion for anyone from carpenters to school children. Today, Higonokami knives are made in many versions, which may look similar at the first glance. This five generation family enterprise is currently led by Mr. The term Higo No Kami is a registered trademark, and only members of a certain association can call their wares as such. This one is a generic version of the Higo No Kami knife. Some of you may be familiar with the better known Higo No Kami, this knife is the same design. Since then, only Nagao Kanekoma Factory continues production. Its a Japanese friction knife, or higonaifu. Higonokami registered mark was registered in 1910 and became a part of traditional knife making in Japan.Īfter decline on knife making scene of Japan in fifties of 20th century, all production returned to original factory, where first Higonokami model was created. In 1899 „Higonokami Knife Union“ was founded and during its best years, the union had up to 40 companies. In 1894 the company introduced all new pocket knife „Higonokami Knife“, which was a massive success even with Japanese court. They were richly adorned with portraits, flowers, animals or landscape motives. Sheaths were made either from brass or blackened iron. Steel was placed in iron mold and forged into required shape. Back then, the knives were all hand crafted. The Higonokami history goes all the way to 19th century to Miki City, Japan. Manufacturer: Higonokami, Nagao Kanekoma Factory Simple thumb safety prevents closure during work Blade material: Japanese stainless steel VG-10 Blade is made from VG-10 Japanese stainless steel. A blacksmith is said to have added a simple lever to a minimally designed pocket knife to aid in opening and closing the blade and to set it apart from other knives. New folding work knife Higonokami, size M with handle of 100 mm. The Higo no Kami folding knife has a long history in Japan dating back to the late 19th century.
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