Knife Information

1894- Mr. Tasaburo Shigematsu, a hardware wholesaler, introduced a new pocket knife with its blade and sheath folded by installing a small handle “Chikiri (tail)” on the blade, while inspired by the knife he brought back from Kagoshima.

He named it “Higonokami Knife” because many of his customers were in Kumamoto area (formally Higo country), which turned out to dramatically increase his sales. The blades have gradually changed their shapes. Unlike single-edged knives, the double-edged blades (V-shaped cross section) were in those days considered common. The earlier blades had a sharper tip (shape of a bamboo leaf), but now they have square shapes. The sheaths had a vertically folding style and a cross folding style, now the vertical one has to be custom made.

In 1911, at the First Kobe Export Articles Competitive Exhibition, Crown Prince (later Emperor Taisho) liked Higonokami on display very much and bought one, which is said to have helped its fame further spread.

The Higonikami is a fantastic traditional utility knife at a low cost. 

Specifications

Specifications

Knife Information 

Yu Kurosaki is now one of the most well-known blacksmiths in Japan. He experienced a rapid rise to fame through his beautiful knife aesthetics, his thin grinds, and use of exotic steels like SG2, HAP40, and stainless-clad Blue Super. The Fujin was among one of the first lines of his that contributed to this fame. The striking Tsuchime finish is now instantly recognizable and is truly a piece to be experienced first-hand. 

Best paired with a wooden saya and a 1000/6000 whetstone

Steel Breakdown

SG2 is a powder stainless steel made by The Takefu Special Steel Company in Takefu, Japan. It is, in our eyes, the ultimate combination of edge retention, stainless properties, and ease of sharpening. Having more carbon than the Carbon Steels like White and Blue, yet more stainless elements than VG10, knives using this steel are the best of both worlds without the downsides.

Knives with an SG2 core are becoming more prevalent in Japan due to these reasons. Their overall cost may be higher, but is well justified in our opinion.

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Bundle contains Gyuto 210mm, Petty 150m, Edge Guards, Honing Rod & Porter 3 Pocket Knife Bag

An excellent all round stone balancing cutting speed and wear rate delivering excellent value for money. Not as hard as Shapton Glass, comparable to the Kuromaku series. Splash and go, no need for soaking, ideal for beginners or intermediate sharpeners.

Dimensions of stone - 210 x 70 x 10mm

Made In Japan

Accessories Information

– Plastic blade guard with felt lining
– 18cm length, 5.5cm height
– Most suited to 15-17cm chef knives

Please note, carbon steel blades, when not oiled, can rust when stored in blade guards lined with felt. Please ensure to completely dry and oil your carbon steel knives before using the blade guard, and not to store them in felt guards for long periods of time.  

*Logo may vary from item pictured*

Specifications