Nagao Higonokami Knives Super Mini 豆 Fodling knives Brass Handle + SK Blade 55mm

Model：Super Mini 豆 SK 55mm
Material: SK Blade
Open length: 95mm
Handle length: 55mm
Blade length: 40mm
Blade thickness: approximately 2.5mm
Origin:Japan

Care Instructions:

1. Keep Dry: SK carbon steel rusts easily. Always wipe the blade dry immediately after use and avoid storing it in damp environments.

2. Oil Regularly: Apply a thin layer of mineral oil to the blade to prevent corrosion and maintain smooth folding action.

3. Brass Care: The handle will develop a natural patina. Use polish to restore its shine or enjoy its unique aged look.

Brand Introduction

"Higonokami" is the undisputed king of Japanese pocket knives. Tracing its origins, the birthplace of this iconic blade lies at the Nagao Kanekoma Factory in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture. Originally named after its hometown of "Hirata," the knife was later redesigned based on a model brought back from Kagoshima Prefecture in Kyushu. This refined version quickly won the hearts of wholesale merchants in the Higo region (the historical name for Kumamoto Prefecture, also in Kyushu), who began placing large orders en masse. The name was changed to "Higonokami," and the rest is history.

In its early days, the Higonokami featured a blade core of blue paper steel, clad in softer jigane and forged into a classic three-layer sanmai construction. The shaping, quenching, and sharpening of the blade followed the same meticulous methods used in traditional samurai swordsmithing, giving it a sharpness and strength that rivaled that of a katana. The gentle curve of the blade, reminiscent of a samurai sword, is a design element that is unmistakably Japanese. Modern Higonokami knives now utilize various steel combinations, each tailored to bring out different functional characteristics in the blade.

The Higonokami stands as a uniquely Japanese invention. Traditional Japanese craft blades can be categorized into samurai swords, hunting knives, and small utility cutters, yet all of them are fixed blades. The folding Higonokami, however, took the small utility knife and evolved it into a practical, one-handed folding knife. Easy to open and highly portable, it is widely regarded as the ancestor of the modern one-handed folder. The concept behind today's popular Western folding knives from brands like Benchmade and Spyderco can all be traced back to this humble Japanese origin.

The Nagao Kanekoma Seisakusho was founded in the 27th year of the Meiji era (1894 AD) and has a history spanning over 130 years. It remains the only workshop authorized to use "Higonokami" as a registered trademark.

Please be sure to read the following:

The blade of a Higonokami is not stainless, so it's best to apply oil after each use. Sewing machine oil is a great choice—it's affordable, effective, and easy to find. If you prefer a simpler option, petroleum jelly works too. For knives that will be used to cut food, camellia oil (also known as tea seed oil or tsubaki oil) is the ideal choice. Avoid using salad oil, and keep in mind that cooking oils are not suitable for long-term storage as they can oxidize and actually accelerate rust. Regardless of which oil you choose, apply only a thin layer—just enough to give the blade a faint sheen. The Higonokami features a thick, robust blade that can easily be brought back to a sharp edge with regular sharpening. Though the process requires some effort, this hands-on maintenance is part of what draws people back to the fundamentals of tool care—one of the reasons the Higonokami has been steadily regaining popularity in today's tech-driven world.

Many steps in the Higonokami manufacturing process are done by hand, so unlike machine-produced knives, they bear the marks of artisan craftsmanship. This is precisely what makes the Higonokami so fascinating. You could almost say that no two Higonokami knives in the world are exactly alike. If your preference leans toward flawless, precision-finished blades, we urge you to think carefully before purchasing a Higonokami—it may not meet your expectations.

Finally, the Higonokami does not feature a locking mechanism like Western folding knives, and its pivot will naturally loosen over time (though it can be tightened again by tapping the pin with a hammer). This is simply part of the Higonokami's character.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What type of steel is used for the blade?
  The blade is crafted from SK High Carbon Steel, known for its exceptional sharpness and ease of sharpening. However, it requires more maintenance than stainless steel to prevent rust.

• Does the knife have a locking mechanism?
  No, the Higonokami is a traditional friction folder. It stays open through the friction of the pivot and the pressure of your thumb on the "chikiri" (the lever extension of the blade).

• Why is the brass handle changing color over time?
  Brass naturally oxidizes when exposed to air and oils from your hands, developing a unique patina. This is a prized aesthetic feature, but you can restore the original shine using a metal polish.

• Is this knife suitable for heavy-duty tasks?
  The "Douling" (Bean) series is a miniature EDC knife designed for light tasks like opening boxes, sharpening pencils, or cutting thread. It is not intended for heavy prying or wood splitting.

• How do I adjust the opening tension?
  If the blade becomes too loose or tight, you can gently tap the pivot rivet with a small hammer on a hard surface to tighten the friction, or apply a drop of oil to loosen it.