Nagao Kanekoma – Higonokami Folding Knife (Shirogami / White Steel Warikomi, Brass Handle)

Heritage & History
The Higonokami Knife originates from Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture, a center of traditional blacksmithing in Japan since the Meiji era. Around the late 1800s, blacksmiths such as Murakami-san and Komataro Nagao-san began producing knives for public use, shaping the roots of what would become one of Japan’s most iconic folding knives.

In 1897, merchant Tasaburo Shigematsu introduced a folding knife design from Kagoshima featuring a tail-like lever (chikiri). Inspired by this, local blacksmiths—including Nagao—crafted folding knives with a key innovation: a double-bevel edge, which contrasted with the traditional single-bevel Japanese blades of that time.

Marketed as the “Higonokami Knife”, it gained nationwide popularity—so much so that Emperor Taisho himself owned one. By 1902, the Higonokami Knife Association was formed, with about 40 companies and more than 200 artisans producing these knives. However, the post-war rise of cheaper imitations and modern tools caused the market to decline sharply by the 1950s. Today, only Nagao Kanekoma Seisakusho remains, the sole blacksmith legally permitted to use the “Higonokami” trademark, making each knife an authentic piece of Japanese cultural heritage.

Specifications

• Core Material: Shirogami (White Steel) “Warikomi” hand forging

• Blade Length: 90 mm

• Blade Thickness: ~3.2 mm

• Saya/Handle Length: 100 mm

• Saya/Handle (Flip Cover): Brass

• Construction: Folding knife with lever tail (chikiri) opening mechanism

Features & Performance

• Shirogami (White Steel): Famous for achieving a razor-sharp edge and being easy to resharpen, ideal for traditional Japanese blades.

• Warikomi construction: Hard steel core encased in softer steel layers, enhancing toughness and reducing brittleness.

• Compact design: Portable and practical, yet retains the essence of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

• Brass handle: Strong and durable, it naturally develops a patina over time, giving each knife a unique aged character.

• Authentic craftsmanship: Forged by the last recognized Higonokami blacksmith, guaranteeing historical and cultural authenticity.