In 1894, the first Higonokami knife was forged in the former Higo province. Handcrafted, it is THE quintessential rustic and traditional Japanese folding knife. Its razor-sharp blade, made of three layers of carbon steel (San Mai), with curves characteristic of a Japanese sword, is sheathed in a brass scabbard, most of which bear the blacksmith's signature. Historically, it was used in calligraphy for sharpening quill pens. Today, Nagao Kanekoma Knife is the only manufacturer authorized to use the Higonokami trademark.