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Higonokami 12 cm - black steel

Higonokami

A simple and rustic pocket knife forged in Japan's last official cutlery factory, Nagao Kanekoma. In its brass version, the double-edged San Mai blue steel blade can fit either hand. Paper blue steel is a high-carbon steel, which gives it a hardness that resists wear. Sharpening can therefore be very thorough.

Caution: risk of oxidation if you do not wipe it after each use on wet areas (kitchen, gardening).

€45,00
Color
Noir
Details

12 cm San Mai blue steel blade
Engraved steel handle bearing the name of the knife maker. Made in Japan.

12 cm San Mai blue steel blade
Engraved steel handle bearing the name of the knife maker. Made in Japan.

Product History

The Higonokami was born in 1894 in Japan when a hardware merchant, Tasaburo Shigematsu, brought back a knife from the Kagoshima region and suggested to Tejii Murakami, a craftsman from Hirata in the Miki region, that it be mass-produced. The latter improved the original version by installing a "Chikiri" (lens in Japanese) to block the blade when opening. It took its name from the old name of the Kyushu region (Higo). "Higo no Kami" means "Lord of Higo" in Japanese, referring to the last samurai lord of the region. The history of the knife is intertwined with that of Japan, where, in 1877, the last battle between samurai and the modern army of the Emperor took place. Defeated, the samurai were deprived of their privileges, including the right to carry a sword. As a result, many blacksmiths had to find other outlets, converted to cutlery production and settled in the Miki region.
In 1899, "Higonokami Knife Union" was established and the "Higonokami" trademark was registered in 1910 to protect against poor quality imitations.
After World War II, the introduction of utility knives, electric pencil sharpeners, and the social campaign against knives in the 1960s dealt a severe blow to the industry. More and more makers changed jobs or went out of business. As a result, Nagao Kanakoma Knife became the only manufacturer allowed to use the "Higonokami" trademark. Today, Mitsuo, the 5th generation of Nagao, succeeds Motosuke.

The Higonokami was born in 1894 in Japan when a hardware merchant, Tasaburo Shigematsu, brought back a knife from the Kagoshima region and suggested to Tejii Murakami, a craftsman from Hirata in the Miki region, that it be mass-produced. The latter improved the original version by installing a "Chikiri" (lens in Japanese) to block the blade when opening. It took its name from the old name of the Kyushu region (Higo). "Higo no Kami" means "Lord of Higo" in Japanese, referring to the last samurai lord of the region. The history of the knife is intertwined with that of Japan, where, in 1877, the last battle between samurai and the modern army of the Emperor took place. Defeated, the samurai were deprived of their privileges, including the right to carry a sword. As a result, many blacksmiths had to find other outlets, converted to cutlery production and settled in the Miki region.
In 1899, "Higonokami Knife Union" was established and the "Higonokami" trademark was registered in 1910 to protect against poor quality imitations.
After World War II, the introduction of utility knives, electric pencil sharpeners, and the social campaign against knives in the 1960s dealt a severe blow to the industry. More and more makers changed jobs or went out of business. As a result, Nagao Kanakoma Knife became the only manufacturer allowed to use the "Higonokami" trademark. Today, Mitsuo, the 5th generation of Nagao, succeeds Motosuke.

Maintenance guide

Not dishwasher safe
Wipe with a soft cloth after use
Treat with camellia oil for maintenance and rust protection

Not dishwasher safe
Wipe with a soft cloth after use
Treat with camellia oil for maintenance and rust protection

Delivery & Return

Delivery :

In mainland France, home delivery by Colissimo or at a relay point by Mondial Relay. Free shipping from 150€.

Europe by Chronopost.

World by Colissimo.

Free in-store pickup.

Return policy ( see GTS ).

Delivery :

In mainland France, home delivery by Colissimo or at a relay point by Mondial Relay. Free shipping from 150€.

Europe by Chronopost.

World by Colissimo.

Free in-store pickup.

Return policy ( see GTS ).