Higonokami Folding Knife - Black Oxide
Complimentary U.S. Shipping $100+
Known as one of the world’s simplest and most versatile folding knives, the Higonokami has kept its traditional shape since Japan’s Meiji era.
This version pairs a black oxide handle with a hand-forged Aogami, or blue steel, blade — a hard, high-carbon steel prized for its sharp edge and cutting performance. The blade is forged using the Warikomi process, which creates a layered “sandwich” structure with hard blue steel enclosed by softer iron.
Minimal, practical, and deeply rooted in Japanese knife-making tradition, it is a beautiful everyday tool made to serve as a lifelong companion.
- Higonokai is a double-edged V-shaped, you can use either side, regardless of dominant hand.
- Blue steel blade with black oxide handle.
- Authentic Higonokami handcrafted by 6th generation workshop (one of the last remaining Hignokami makers).
- Also available with a brass handle.
- Made in Japan
*Unfortunately, we do not offer international sales on knives.
Blade Length: 3"
Closed Length: 4.25"
Open Length: 6.5"
Weight: 55g
Blade Material: Blue steel "Warikomi"
Blade Thickness: ~3.0 mm
Handle Material: Black oxide
Carry Style: Ambidextrous
Made in: Japan
- Oiling the blade regularly can help prevent the development of rust. Knife maintenance oil or plain refined sunflower oil will work.
- When the caulking becomes loose after long use, place it on something hard and tap on it with a hammer to adjust.
- When the caulking is too tight to open the blade, hit the knife on the table with the "Chikiri (tail)" faced down.
- Brass will patina over time, but can also be polished back to its original shine using a polish like Brasso.
- As Higonokami knives are handmade, each Higonokami has its own characteristics and its tightness is not always the same.
In 1896, Tasaburo Shigematsu brought back a knife he found from the Kyushu province and asked a knife maker named Teji Murakami from Hirata in the Miki region to manufacture it. With the recent abolition of the samauri class, blade-smiths welcomed the chance to create small tools and knives.
The knife was ultimately named a Higonokami knife. “Higo no Kami” in Japanese means “Lord of Higo”. 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.
Banshu Hamono is a collective of traditional blacksmiths based in the Banshu region of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Known for centuries-old craftsmanship, they specialize in producing finely honed blades, shears, and cutting tools. Each piece is typically handmade using time-honored forging techniques, blending artisanal precision with practical function. The group is celebrated for maintaining the region’s storied legacy of edged toolmaking while bringing Japanese design sensibility to modern applications.
We ship using USPS and UPS, depending on the destination and the products ordered. All shipments include tracking and insurance.
Complimentary Shipping Thresholds:
- USPS Ground Advantage (U.S.): Complimentary on orders over $100.00.
Shipping Times:
- Most items ship within one business day (Monday to Friday, excluding holidays).
- Orders placed by 2 PM Pacific Time often ship the same day.
Additional Notes:
- Fine art pieces valued over $500 ship separately via complimentary UPS Expedited insured service with adult signature required. Split shipments will be dispatched simultaneously.
- While we offer insurance on your shipments, once a package is marked “delivered,” insurance no longer covers theft or loss. Please deliver to secure locations or ensure someone is available to receive your package.
- Shipping costs are non-refundable.
International Orders:
- For international orders, customs duties and import taxes are not included at checkout and are determined by your destination country and collected by the carrier upon delivery — they are the responsibility of the recipient.
- Customers remain responsible for ensuring the items ordered are legal to import and possess in their country. Items rejected or seized by customs due to import restrictions are not the responsibility of Last Manner.
- We do not ship knives internationally.
- We ship UPS only.
EU/EEA customers: Your statutory right of withdrawal applies and takes precedence over all terms above. See EU/EEA Right of Withdrawal in our full return policy.
For our full shipping policy, please see shipping policies.
Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt of your order, provided the merchandise is in its new, unused condition and includes the original packaging. Items that show signs of use, arrive without the original packaging, or received after the 30-day period will not be accepted.
Exceptions:
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Lighters: We cannot accept returns for lighters that have been filled with fluid.
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Brass/Copper/Bronze Products: Items that have had their vacuum seal opened or have been handled and exposed to oxidation are considered used and are not eligible for return.
- Art, Vintage & Gift Cards: Photographs, posters, gift cards, vintage artwork, vintage items, and "Bygone Goods" products are final sale.
Refunds to the original payment method will incur a flat $5 restocking fee, which will be deducted from your refund. Returns for store credit or exchanges are not subject to this fee.
EU/EEA customers: Your statutory right of withdrawal applies and takes precedence over the terms above. See EU/EEA Right of Withdrawal in our full return policy.
For our full return policy, please see return policies.
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