Higonokami Brass S Japanese folding knife resting open on its carry pouch against a rustic concrete background.

Higonokami

    Filter

      Explore authentic Higonokami pocket knives, handcrafted in Miki City, Japan, by Nagao Kanekoma Factory. Traditional friction folders featuring premium steel blades, classic designs, and timeless Japanese craftsmanship.

      25 products
      Higonokami SK Steel with Pouch Brass XS, folded, brass handle with synthetic leather pouch
      Higonokami SK Steel with Pouch Brass XS, full view
      HIGONOKAMI SK STEEL WITH POUCH BRASS XS
      $28.00
      Higonokami SK Steel Bell Brass XS knife open, showing SK steel blade and brass handle
      Higonokami SK Steel Bell Brass XS folded, compact brass handle with bell lanyard
      HIGONOKAMI SK STEEL WITH BELL BRASS XS
      $18.00
      Sold Out
      HIGONOKAMI VG10 STEEL SILVER S with synthetic leather pouch
      Higonokami VG10 Steel with Pouch Silver S – full view
      HIGONOKAMI VG10 STEEL WITH POUCH SILVER S
      $63.00
      Higonokami White Paper Steel Leaf Blade Black L folding knife
      Higonokami White Paper Steel Leaf Blade Black L folded view
      HIGONOKAMI WHITE PAPER STEEL LEAF BLADE BLACK L
      $64.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami White Paper Steel Leaf Blade Brass L Japanese folding knife front view
      Higonokami White Paper Steel Leaf Blade Brass L folded closed view
      HIGONOKAMI WHITE PAPER STEEL LEAF BLADE BRASS L
      $64.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Black Back Jade L Japanese folding knife, full view
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Black Back Jade L, folded view
      HIGONOKAMI BLUE PAPER STEEL BLACK BACK JADE L
      $58.00
      Fully open Higonokami Brass XL Japanese pocket knife showcasing the Aogami blue paper steel blade and engraved brass handle.
      Closed profile of the Higonokami Brass XL pocket knife featuring authentic Japanese handle engravings and the extended chikiri lever.
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Brass XL
      $49.00
      Fully open Higonokami Brass L Japanese pocket knife showcasing the Aogami blue paper steel blade and engraved brass handle.
      Closed profile of the Higonokami Brass L pocket knife featuring authentic Japanese handle engravings and the extended chikiri lever.
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Brass L
      $39.00
      Closed Higonokami Brass S Japanese pocket knife next to its included brown synthetic leather carry pouch.
      Fully open Higonokami Brass S Japanese knife displaying the Aogami blue paper steel blade and engraved brass handle.
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel With Pouch Brass S
      $40.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami White Paper Steel Sword Blade Brass L folding knife with brass handle — front view.
      Higonokami White Paper Steel Sword Blade Brass L — folded view
      HIGONOKAMI WHITE PAPER STEEL SWORD BLADE BRASS L
      $72.00
      Fully open Higonokami Brass M Japanese pocket knife showcasing the Aogami blue paper steel blade and engraved brass handle.
      Closed profile of the Higonokami Brass M pocket knife featuring authentic Japanese handle engravings and the extended chikiri lever.
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Brass M
      $38.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami SK Steel Black L folding knife with SK steel blade and black stainless steel handle shown fully opened.
      Higonokami SK Steel Black L knife folded closed, showing the black stainless steel handle with the blade fully concealed.
      HIGONOKAMI SK STEEL BLACK L
      $13.00
      Higonokami SK Steel Silver M Japanese folding knife full view
      Higonokami SK Steel Silver M folded view
      HIGONOKAMI SK STEEL SILVER M
      $12.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami White Paper Steel Sword Blade Black L — blade open view
      Higonokami White Paper Steel Sword Blade Black L — folded view
      HIGONOKAMI WHITE PAPER STEEL SWORD BLADE BLACK L
      $72.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami SK Steel Black XL folding knife — full view with stainless steel handle and SK steel blade
      Higonokami SK Steel Black XL folding knife — closed view, stainless steel handle, SK steel blade
      HIGONOKAMI SK STEEL BLACK XL
      $15.00
      Sold Out
      HIGONOKAMI SK STEEL SILVER L
      HIGONOKAMI SK STEEL SILVER L
      HIGONOKAMI SK STEEL SILVER L
      $13.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Master Made Black L — Japanese folding knife with black brass handle and high-performance blue paper steel blade
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Master Made Black L — compact folded view showing black brass handle
      HIGONOKAMI BLUE PAPER STEEL MASTER MADE BLACK L
      $82.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Master Made Brass L – full view of Japanese folding knife with brass handle and Blue Paper Steel blade
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Master Made Brass L – folded view showing compact friction-folder design
      HIGONOKAMI BLUE PAPER STEEL MASTER MADE BRASS L
      $82.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami VG10 Steel Fireblue Titanium L folding knife, handcrafted in Japan
      Higonokami VG10 Fireblue Titanium L folding knife folded, showing titanium sheath and handle
      HIGONOKAMI VG10 STEEL FIREBLUE TITANIUM L
      $78.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Black Hammered Back Brass L – full view with blade open
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Black Hammered Back Brass L – folded view showing brass handle
      HIGONOKAMI BLUE PAPER STEEL BLACK HAMMERED BACK BRASS L
      $62.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami SK Steel Black M traditional folding knife open view
      Higonokami SK Steel Black M folded Japanese pocket knife
      HIGONOKAMI SK STEEL BLACK M
      $12.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Kataba Brass L fully opened folding knife with brass handle
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Kataba Brass L folded Japanese folding knife with brass handle
      HIGONOKAMI BLUE PAPER STEEL KATABA BRASS L
      $38.00
      Higonokami SK Steel Silver XL Japanese folding knife, full view
      Higonokami SK Steel Silver XL folded, showing compact size
      HIGONOKAMI SK STEEL SILVER XL
      $15.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami Damascus Steel Bamboo Tiger Brass L Japanese folding knife — fully opened view showing full-length
      Higonokami Damascus Steel Bamboo Tiger Brass L Japanese folding knife presented in traditional Higonokami Paulownia gift box
      HIGONOKAMI DAMASCUS STEEL BAMBOO TIGER BRASS L
      $195.00
      Sold Out
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Bamboo Tiger Brass XL fully opened view, showing blade and brass handle
      Higonokami Blue Paper Steel Bamboo Tiger Brass XL presented in Higonokami Paulownia Box
      HIGONOKAMI BLUE PAPER STEEL BAMBOO TIGER BRASS XL
      $175.00

      The Higonokami: Japan’s Legendary Folding Knife

      The Higonokami is one of Japan’s most recognisable traditional folding knives, with a history dating back to 1894 in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture. Originally created as a practical everyday tool for craftsmen, workers, and students, the Higonokami has become a symbol of Japanese knife-making heritage. Today, authentic Higonokami knives continue to be handcrafted by Nagao Kanekoma Factory, the sole trademark holder of the Higonokami name.

      Defined by its minimalist construction, slim profile, and iconic chikiri lever, the Higonokami represents the beauty of simplicity. Its traditional friction folder design removes unnecessary mechanisms while delivering a reliable and highly functional cutting tool appreciated by collectors, craftsmen, and everyday carry enthusiasts worldwide.

      Understanding Higonokami Blade Steels

      Higonokami knives are available in a variety of Japanese blade steels, each offering different characteristics in sharpness, edge retention, durability, and maintenance.

      • Aogami (Blue Paper Steel): A premium Japanese carbon steel containing tungsten and chromium, valued for excellent edge retention, wear resistance, and the ability to maintain a fine cutting edge.
      • Shirogami (White Paper Steel): A traditional high-carbon steel known for exceptional sharpness and easy sharpening, preferred by users who appreciate classic Japanese blade performance.
      • SK Steel: A dependable carbon steel offering a strong balance of toughness, cutting performance, and everyday practicality.
      • VG10 & Stainless Steel: Modern stainless options providing increased corrosion resistance while maintaining the timeless Higonokami design and functionality.

      Classic Higonokami Handle Materials

      The traditional brass handle remains one of the most iconic Higonokami styles, developing a unique natural patina through use and handling. Other variations include stainless steel, black-finished steel, and modern materials, allowing collectors and EDC users to choose a finish that matches their preferences.

      Why Choose an Authentic Higonokami?

      A genuine Higonokami pocket knife is more than a cutting tool—it is a piece of Japanese craftsmanship that connects generations of makers and users. The simple friction folder mechanism and traditional chikiri lever provide a direct, tactile experience that modern mass-produced knives cannot replicate.

      Whether carried as an everyday carry (EDC) knife, used for precision cutting tasks, or collected as an example of Japanese knife heritage, the Higonokami remains a timeless Japanese folding knife built around simplicity, function, and traditional craftsmanship.