Product Description
The Higonokami has been made in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan since 1894. Not inspired by that era. Actually made the same way, by the same family, in the same place. Mitsuo Nagao is the fifth generation of the Nagao family to carry this craft forward, and Nagao Kanekoma Factory is the only manufacturer in the world legally permitted to use the Higonokami name. This is not a Japanese-style knife. It is the Japanese knife — the one that farmers, craftsmen, and the former samurai class carried in their pockets during the Meiji period and beyond. The HIGO11L is the large brass version, one of the most classic configurations in the lineup.
The 3.75-inch reverse tanto blade is san mai construction — Aogami blue paper steel at the core, clad on both sides with soft iron. Aogami, also known as Blue Steel or Blue Paper Steel, is a high-carbon Japanese steel infused with chromium and tungsten for exceptional edge retention. It takes a keener edge than most stainless steels and holds it longer through hard use. The soft iron cladding adds toughness and protects the cutting core while giving the blade its characteristic layered appearance. This is a carbon steel blade and will develop a patina with use — that is not a defect, it is the nature of the material and part of what makes a Higonokami a working piece of history.
The handle is a folded sheet of brass with kanji characters stamped into the side — the maker's name and the Higonokami mark. The blade is fully concealed in the handle when closed, with the extended tang exposed for opening. There is no lock on this knife. It is a traditional friction folder — the blade is held open by the pressure of your grip and the friction of the pivot. This is how the knife has always worked and it is not for everyone, but for the people who carry one, there is nothing else like it. A lanyard hole is built into the handle. Weight is 2.43 oz. Made in Japan. Knifeworks is an authorized dealer.
• Traditional friction folder — no lock mechanism, blade held by pivot friction and grip
• Blade: 3.75" san mai Aogami (Blue Paper Steel) reverse tanto — soft iron clad
• Aogami blue steel: chromium and tungsten infused high-carbon steel, exceptional edge retention
• Carbon steel blade will develop a natural patina with use — normal and expected
• Handle: Folded brass sheet with kanji stamped characters — maker's mark and Higonokami designation
• Extended tang for blade opening — no thumb stud or flipper
• Lanyard hole included
• Closed length: 5.25" | Weight: 2.43 oz
• Made in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan by Mitsuo Nagao, 5th generation
• Nagao Kanekoma Factory — sole authorized producer of genuine Higonokami knives
Specifications:
| Product Type | Folding Knife | |
| Brand | Higonokami / Nagao Kanekoma Factory | |
| Product Name | Brass Folder | |
| Model # | HIGO11L | |
| Overall Length (in) | 9.0 | |
| Closed Length (in) | 5.25 | |
| Blade Length (in) | 3.75 | |
| Blade Thickness (in) | 0.11 | |
| Blade Material | Carbon Steel | |
| Blade Style | Reverse Tanto | |
| Blade Edge | Plain Edge | |
| Blade Finish | Satin | |
| Handle Material | Brass | |
| Lock Type | Friction | |
| Clip Position | None | |
| Weight (oz) | 2.43 | |
| Origin | Japan | |
| Blade Range | 3.5-3.99 | |
| Action | Manual | |
| Handle Color | Brass |
Warranty Information
Covered by manufacturer warranty. Knifeworks is an authorized Higonokami dealer. Each knife is handmade from natural materials and no two are exactly identical — minor variations in finish and patina are normal and expected.Product Videos
Custom Field
Product Type Folding Knife
Brand Higonokami / Nagao Kanekoma Factory
Product Name Brass Folder
Model # HIGO11L
Overall Length (in) 9.0
Closed Length (in) 5.25
Blade Length (in) 3.75
Blade Thickness (in) 0.11
Blade Material Carbon Steel
Blade Style Reverse Tanto
Blade Edge Plain Edge
Blade Finish Satin
Handle Material Brass
Lock Type Friction
Clip Position None
Weight (oz) 2.43
Origin Japan
Blade Range 3.5-3.99
Action Manual
Handle Color Brass
