The Higonokami knife
It is a folding blade of striking simplicity. The handle is generally engraved with a few ornamental Japanese inscriptions. At first glance, that is what can be summarized about the Higonokami knife.
The history of the Higonokami
Behind its deceptively simple appearance lies the iconic Japanese knife. Invented during the industrial revolution in 1896. The Higonokami is a highly appreciated knife that was used every day in Japan until the 1960s, when carrying it was banned for minors.
It was invented and made in Higo. As with Laguiole, this denomination is used today for all knives of the same type. Note that a genuine Higonokami is made by approximately 50 manufacturers, which can vary the quality of the products.
Choosing your Higonokami knife
To find the best Higonokami knife that suits you most, it is advisable to consider a few key elements of the product. Namely:
Different types of materials. The material from which the blade is made greatly impacts the knife's performance and durability. There are two main types of materials used for its blade, namely stainless steel and carbon steel.
Knife size. There are two main sizes of Higonokami knives:
- The kogatana has a blade length of approximately 5 cm (2 inches)
- The tsuba has a blade length of between 10 cm (4 inches) and 15 cm (6 inches)
- Knife uses. Small in size, this knife is easy to handle and suited to all daily needs (cutting meat or vegetables, carving wood, cutting rope, etc.).
