What is a
Higonokami
and why is it so iconic?
It is a straightforward, minimalistic, no-fuss pocket knife, but packs more than 100 years of Japanese history. The shape of the Higonokami pocket knife is based on the katana, they share a similar blade curvature, layered forging, and simple aesthetics.
Curious? This is the perfect chance to discover why Higonokami has become a favorite among EDC lovers and collectors worldwide.
BLOG POST
Higonokami: A minimalist Japanese pocket knife with a story to tell
If you’re new to the name, the Higonokami is a lightweight, friction-folding pocket knife with over 100 years of history behind it. Simple, durable, and unmistakably Japanese, it’s been carried by craftsmen, students, and everyday users for decades...
Fun fact! The Higonokami wasn’t always an EDC collector’s piece — Japanese students once used it to sharpen pencils at school, right up until knives were banned in classrooms in 1958.
Built somewhere around 1896, the Higonokami carries swordmaking DNA. Its design draws from the katana, sharing similar blade curves, layered forging, and that minimalist Japanese aesthetic we all love.
It has no locking mechanism — the blade stays open through friction and the user’s thumb on the chikiri tab. Simple, honest mechanics that keep the knife light, tough, and easy to maintain. Many versions use high-carbon steel that sharpens easily and develops a gorgeous patina with time.