The name higonokami is a combination of higo no kami which means lord of higo in japanese. They come in multiple sizes and i ordered the larger version which is 6. Higo no kami has scratch little bet from the beginning. In 1899, the name higonokami was trademarked and members of the guild of knife makers in miki were the only ones permitted to make this blade. Didnt mean to get into higo no kamis like this as the op never asked. The fact that the higonokami is deeply rooted in the japanese samurai tradition becomes even more clear when you witness the knives for.
There is a wellknown work by hata mitsuyo, a wakizashi named oni no houcho that was exclusively made for. The scales are usually brass or soft metal, with friction lock or long tang to prevent accidental blade closure. The knives have been popular throughout japan since their introduction in 1896. Its interesting to note that while the higo no kami is the result of a long history of japanese warrior culture, current japanese knife laws prohibit carrying blades longer than 3 in. Sasaki narimasa, the governor of higonokami, takes over the waifu castle. There are some design classics here, from the john russell barlow, french opinel and laguiole, japanese higo no kami and of course the swiss army knife, where we show the original 19th c version and the one actually issued to swiss soldiers today.
The knife first appeared in 1896 as a result of smiths struggling with the lowering demand. These are definitely great knives with a really cool history. The rest are being made by other japanese makers, or possibly probably china folks. The knife has no locking system, but is a friction folder or penny knife, using the friction of the swivel or the pressure of the users thumb on its iconic lever or chikiri, to prevent the knife from folding during use. Higo no kami knives were made in 1896, and its creation is attributed to knifemakers murakami and shigeji nagao. Higo no kami blades are typically less than 4 inches long, made from laminated highcarbon steel. All of these kami can influence peoples everyday lives and so they are worshipped, given offerings, solicited for aid and, in some cases, appealed to for their skills in divination. During bunroku 15921596 he received the title of higo daijo. This knife has no locking system, but stays open while using the friction of the swivel or the pressure of the users thumb on its iconic lever or chikiri.
Higo no kami daisizem, nagaokoma, import from japan. You will know how the japanese knife making skill is great if you buy and use it. Higo is the old name of the kyushu province, where the original knife came from, but higo no kami is also an aristocratic title historically given to powerful samurais. A blacksmith is said to have added a simple lever to a minimally designed pocket knife to aid in opening and closing the blade and to set it apart from other knives. Higo no kami folding steak knife, this beautifully crafted folding knife is an extremely handsome accessory, whether carried as a tasteful pocketknife or a personal steak knife. Higo no kami 10 pocket knife by nagao seisakusho, brass. This particular model has carbon scales, titanium linersboltslinerlock and a folded damascus style steel blade.
In these times, matsudaira katamori was the acting lord of higo. Handcrafted in japan using techniques more than a century old, nagao higonokami blades are as much a work of art as a blade tool. Made by the last remaining manufacturer of this trademarked knife, nagao seisakushoblade approximately 3, handle approximately 4warikomi steelbrass satin handlespecifications and appearance may differ slightly due to the handmade nature of this product. There are many higo no kami knives, some by reowned knifemakers, made and sold in japan but only the nagaokoma knives can be traced back historically to the original. Higo was an old province in japan, on the island of kyushu, todays kumamoto prefecture. About this time or around the beginning of the keicho era 1596 he moved to echizen province and settled in fukui. In japan the blacksmiths had to find a new target group after the samurai were dismantled. The stamp on the blade is one way to assure a legit higo, but that can be faked. We sell higonokami japanese traditional folding pocket knife from japan to worldwide. Iwachu higo no kami 10 pocket knife by nagao seisakusho. The shun higono kami personal steakgentlemans knife is a razorsharp folding knife of superior craftsmanship and understated elegance.
This isnt your fixed blade you take into the woods. The third group is local kami, although several of these are generic types recognised as powerful throughout japan. A traditional japanese friction folder by nagao seisakushu 1alls pub. Higo no kami 7 pocket knife by nagao seisakusho parkerized black satin finish. The basic design goes back 150 years, and is considered the first japanese pocket knife.
Crafted at nagao kanekoma factory, which has been manufacturing higo knives since 1894, the higonokami folders blue paper steel blade is strengthened with alloys for durability. Higo no kami tokudai sizel, nagaokoma blade 10cm11cmsizel, hitachibluesteel, sanmai handle 12cm, stainless, aogamihonwarikomi all handmade, forging and hummered work japanese traditional crafting technique, over 100 years nagaokoma company only can make higonokami in japan. Diy blacksmith forging a traditional japanese friction. Nagao higonokami handcrafted in japan using techniques more than a century old, nagao higonokami blades are as much a work of art as a blade tool. Etsy your place to buy and sell all things handmade. Kato kiyomasa, july 25, 1562 august 2, 1611 was a japanese daimyo of the azuchimomoyama and edo periods. A blacksmith is said to have added a simple lever to a minimally handcrafted in japan using techniques more than a century old, nagao higonokami blades are proudly offered at blade hq. Higo is the former name of whats now known as the kyushu province of japan. David goldberg a master japanese sword maker,has desigend this higonokami style knife. Friction folders themselves have been made even before 43 ce. I dont really carry mine all that often but theres no denying that these possess a certain charm that is lacking in most modern mass produced knives. Ayou higonokami masanobu higo no kami higonokami japanese folding pocket knife xl chrome steel honwarikomi.
When closed, the higono kami measures only 3 in length, and a section of the tang protrudes to be used like a lever to easily open the blade. Best sellers higonokami japanese folding knife online store. His child name was yashamaru, and first name was toranosuke. He enjoyed an official district title of higo no kami that was granted by the imperial court during the kanbun era 1661, he lived in nishikajicho now nishiki2chome, nakaaward, nagoya then moved to minami monzenmachi.
If you are very sensitive and have not knowledge value, please choose factory made. First manufactured in 1896 in meijiera japan, this style of knife is considered to be the first japanese pocketknife. Higo nokami, higonokami is a folding knife that represents. The aristocratic and warrior castes of traditional japan were fabulously wellarmed, but the other 99% was completely forbidden the use or possession of arms. Heres the second part of making this higo no kami folding knife from rebar. Kinzanto custom designed higonokami folding pocket knife. Nagaokoma company only can make higonokami in japan. Mister motosuke nagao is the last of the smithing guild that may craft these knives. A tale for the time being by ruth ozeki, hell from the heavens. Even the pros deserve to have a place where they can just hang out and be hobbyists again.
The handle of the higonokami is made of a folded over sheet of metal. Unfollow higonokami knife to stop getting updates on your ebay feed. Modern higo no kami by hikari this particular model has. Higo no kami kuniyasu is 2nd brother of 2nd kawachi kami kunisuke.
A locking liner secures the blade open when in use so it cannot accidentally close, endangering the users fingers. The knife has no locking system but has a friction folder. Higonokami continues the japanese tradition of higo knives, a traditional style of japanese pocket knife, with the higonokami folder. The knife proved to be successful and a guild was formed to oversee the manufacture of the knife.
The history made with a knife of the nagaos dated back to last years of edo era, and it was a beginning of history of the knife production of the nagaos ancestors nagao piece taro of the nagaos served as in mikishi, and to have made a workshop called top. Kinzanto custom designed higo no kami folding pocket knife. Nagao seisakusho higo no kami knife discussion in general knife discussion started. The epic story of the uss laffey and world war iis greatest k. Throughout japanese history, many swordsmiths flourished when they came under the patronage and protection of the local feudal lords. The vg10 super steel blade is slim and razorsharp, making it perfect for use as a personal steak knife and perhaps provoking a little envy from your dining companions. Pencil sharpening contests were even organized because of all. The knife has a simple design, an easy to sharpen carbon blade and is inexpensive due to 50 smiths manufacturing the knive.
Get the best deals on higonokami black collectible folding knives when you shop the largest online selection at. Jul 11, 2015 knife trends come and go, but some knives stand the test of time and remain popular from generation to generation. Using materials such as hitachi blue steel and crafting such as hand forging and hammering, nagao higonokami blades stand as an example of quality and dedication. In the shinto religion kami is an allembracing term which signifies gods, spirits, deified mortals, ancestors, natural phenomena, and supernatural powers. I purchased a very inexpensive one from amazon to test out for feel and usability before spending more on a better quality model. During bunroku 15921596 he received the title of higo no daijo. Japanese higo higonokami folding pocket knife craft satin black steel 75mm.
No, this isnt a spyderco with supersteel and titanium handles. It means yari must be suguha hamon is the best because of keeping strengths. Higo no kami folders are japanese in origin, usually with a simple bent handle and riveted pivot. Higo nokami, higonokami is a folding knife that represents japan. It means lord of higo see photo, left, of matsudaira katamori, the last lord of higo but it is also an aristocratic title once given to powerful samurais. However, after doing some research, it is said that only one true maker whose family forged these higo no kami knives exists, and he is the only surviving member of said family. This beautifully crafted folding knife is an extremely handsome accessory, whether carried as a tasteful pocketknife or a personal steak knife.
An honorary title for samurai from the higo region in japan and also the place where the knives come from. Fun knife to own and the sheeple really dig it and they are even more intrigued by the history and origin. As evident by knives like the swiss army knife or the doukdouk, sometimes less is more. Higonokami is loved for outdoor knife all over the world. Higonokami japanese traditional folding knife online store. Higo no kami kuniyasu japanese sword online museum.
The shun higo no kami personal steakgentlemans knife is a razorsharp folding knife of superior craftsmanship and understated elegance. It is the oldest style of pocket knives from japan. The higo no kami folding knife has a long history in japan dating back to the late 19th century. Higo no kami gentlemans pocket knife element knife. Kai shun higono kami pocket knife, dm5900 advantageously. Its ok to share the things youve made or a cool new product youve discovered, but this isnt the place to market products or web sites. If you want a piece of history that might fade away in the next couple of years, the higonokami might be for you. Katana and tanto are words and blades that have been enthusiastically incorporated into american usage, but the traditional higo no kami is a japanese knife youve probably never heard of. This is a modern adaptation of the old japanese style folding knife. This is my higo no kami, there are many like it, but this one is mine. Kami are attracted by purity both physical and spiritual. Kami, literally protector, was used as an honorable title for samurai of very high rank bestowed upon them by the shogun. Higonokami black collectible folding knives for sale ebay.
Making a higo no kami style friction folder youtube. There are the dragon kami ryujin, the kami of crossroads and boundaries dosojin, kami of prominent local natural features, kami of villages and individual families. It can be a fine line sometimes, but try to stay on the noncommercial side of it. Higo no kami tokudai sizel, nagaokoma all about pocket knives. Despite its grand name, the higo no kami is known for being a tool for the common folk as the best knives seem to be. This is a classic and timeless knife embedded with more history and aesthetic than tactical function. Higo no kami knives make for a unique but reliable edc folder, not unlike an opinel. When closed, the higo no kami measures only 3 in length, and a section of the tang protrudes to be used like a lever to easily open the blade. Higo meaning mountain trail, and kami meaning the heavens or devine. The phrase higo no kami translates into the lord of higo, and its here that the rich history of this knife begins. Most, if not all, the listings there should be from a dealer that sells genuine higonokamis. Higonokami japanese brass blue paper steel huckberry. Sasaki narimasa, the governor of higo no kami, takes over the waifu castle. The only high profile counterfeit is the maruyoshi higo knife the one with the drawing of the samurai on the handle, which are apparently made by someone who worked with kanekoma but left due to some disagreements between the two.
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