Nagao Kanekoma Higonokami Brass - Single Bevel

Knife Information

The Higonokami is one of Japan's most iconic pocket knives, with a history stretching back more than a century. In 1894, hardware wholesaler Tasaburo Shigematsu took inspiration from a knife he brought back from Kagoshima and created a simple folding design. A small lever on the blade, known as the "chikiri" (tail), lets you open the blade with your thumb and holds it in place while cutting. Its popularity grew further in 1911, when the Crown Prince (later Emperor Taisho) is said to have admired one at the First Kobe Export Articles Competitive Exhibition and bought it on the spot.

This version features a single bevel (chisel) grind, sharpened on one side only and flat on the other. The single bevel gives a very keen edge that tracks straight and true, making it great for precise work like whittling, carving, trimming, and fine detail cuts. It's also straightforward to maintain: sharpen the bevelled side, then lightly remove the burr from the flat back.

Simple, tough, and full of character, the single bevel Higonokami is a fantastic traditional utility knife at a very approachable price, and a great entry point into Japanese blades.

Specifications