I have a few and it has become my absolute favorite pocket knife! I used to change pocket knives every few weeks because I would just want to change or get tired of them. I’ve been carrying my higonokami everyday now for 3 years and use it like crazy. People always comment and it’s cool to have a rich history behind it. Cools vid thanks
Just got one delivered, It's such a simple elegant design I ordered 3 more I'm hooked. I did spend the $40 for the jade version Ima hand these things out to friends
You mentioned the blades have a San-Mai cladding but the cladding style is actually Warikomi. San-Mai means the spine is still exposed, Warikomi means it's clad on the sides and spine. The 割込 on the blade actually means "Warikomi". The stamps on the blade can be used to identify them too: 本割込 - SK5 steel 青紙割込 - blue paper steel 白紙割込 - white paper steel
i just ordered my first Higonokami and i'm so hyped for it to show up, unlike other traditional styled knives you can pick up a quality one for pretty cheap. when it shows up it'll be competing against my buck open season 556 skinning knife for everyday carry i just don't know how well it holds an edge my buck dose a really good job at staying razor sharp even after a week. i really think i just like the feel and look of traditional knives.
I'm not sure what you use your EDC for, everybody's different, but this steel is a high carbon steel that will rust if left untreated. It is not a stainless steel. You can look up the differences between harnesses bcuz...Google. It is not sharpened by the blacksmiths (except for a rudimentary bevel) This knife is meant to have a super angled bevel (10°-12°?) That's up to you. Your Buck knife is made with softer steel and stainless. Remember that this is a cheap knife...but made with superior steel! Learn how to sharpen a Japanese knife, sharpen it(using the severe Japanese knife bevel) and your Buck (using the original bevel) then get yourself some hemp rope (1" X 10' minimum length?idk) And start cutting it! It will dull both knives and that's one official way to test how long an edge lasts! Cheers!!
Nice video. I was looking to learn more about this knife after my wife gave me one that she used as a child in Japan to sharpen her pencils. Sounded strange to me, but she told me all the school kids carried this knife as a standard school item. Anyway, I brought it home (from visiting her hometown) and decided to sharpen it up. I was amazed at the edge this thing is capable of. Shaving arm or facial hair is nothing to this blade. I tried it to carve wood and it went through it like butter. I have several specialty wood carving knives, but none of them cut as easily as this blade. Despite the 3mm blade width, it sinks deep into pine with very little pressure on the back of the blade. Initially, the friction of the blade to the handle was very loose, but I discovered that is easily resolved by just tapping the rivet with a hammer while the knife rests in concrete. Sounded sketchy, but I tried it and it worked great. I have no idea what kind of steel is in the blade on my knife, but I'd be interested in seeing how the different blades match up for wood carving. Would not recommend it for bone carving, though.
I’m so excited I just ordered an XL version I’m starting a knife collection today! I currently have the XL Higo and an Opinel No. 8 Carbone coming in from amazon! I plan on getting a Douk Douk next!
I love these little knives. I collect Japanese knives from these to Rocksteads, with all points in between (Moki, Mcusta, Spyderco, Fallkniven etc.,etc.), but I value these just as much as the expense stuff. I think I’ve only four true Higonokamis, but I’ve many based around them, including some moderns. Thank you for sharing yours and your knowledge.
Yes please!! Let's see more knife history videos!! I like to see history lessons on company's them self, stuff like ka-bars kill bear letter leading to the ka-bar name or origin of automatics being first produced for females so not to break nails on a nail nick
Hi, you seem to know a lot about the subject. Could you help me a bit? I bough two higonokami one was banshu hamono steel handle one, and one brass aogami. I worried though because I saw that Motosuke Nagao and other from the Kanekoma guild like to write their names in small kanji on the other side of the handle and neither one of mine has it. They both came in these yellow boxex. Is there maybe a site where I can get 100% genuine higonokami made by Motosuke himself or others from Kanekoma guild ?
The first one that you took is Higo 11, a Nagao Kanekoma Higonokami made by mr Nagao and it's actually a warikomi blue paper steel, not SK5. I have the exact same one and love it to death.
Great video on the history of the higo no kami. I bought several of them and your video really helped. The Katsu sold itself. I ordered one, expect it tomorrow. I'm going to order the smaller one. The bamboo style.
I ordered 3 Higonokami knife during the past week. First the brass/Blue Paper Steel model, then a few days later the stainless steel model, and just this morning a black handle alloy steel model. At least they were all very affordable. 😁👍
Thanks bro these are my some of my favourite knives bro fantastic vid these things are beautiful and can look a lot like otf knives and the speed they open
Hey man really great video! Loved the history and seeing your collection. I just orderd classic one with the brass handle and blie steel, super stoked to get it!
I liked this video. It is cool to learn about the history of different knives. I would love to see more videos like this. Would also love to see one or two in the giveaway. Maybe an old style and a new modern style. Again loved this video and would love to see other ones like this.
Not if you're using that knife, with your thumb on the lever that's pressing it down to the handle, there's no way that knife can close on your hand. I don't know anyone that's ever had a Higo closing on them. Injury. The friction folder is one of the oldest folding designs in history. From Asia, to Africa, to Europe, for over 500 years people have been using friction folders. People have used them for centuries without hurting themselves. Sometimes you just have to be a little smarter than the tools you're working with. Good safety skills, using the tool. Properly, and practice are learned skills that make all the difference. But even without those using the Higo with common sense and basic knife safety will prevent you from cutting yourself. This knife is very user friendly. Just try it out, and you'll see.
todd sanford buy a tiny carving chisel. Engrave more kanji, write your name, wrap a red ribbon/cord on the “lanyard hole” (red is a significant color to the Japanese), attach a bell to it, traditionally Japanese have always seen bells as useful for warding of evil spirits and protecting the wearer. There’s not a whole lot of documentation for these things but historically it’s very likely they would have done many things like what I listed
What that means is that these handmade knives are as finished as the blacksmiths take it, period. They're doing you a favor by grinding a rudimentary bevel on it (sort of) because from the shinogi line down to the edge can be refined by sanding the grind marks off, putting a respectable edge on it, polishing the center steel and/or if one chooses, as I do, to make the top steel,the kireha, to the shinogi line 'Cloudy' by Not refining that part and grinding to a high polish or the edge ( the center steel) just like the Japanese kitchen knives you can see a picture of. And then there is the friction of the pin, manually tightening or loosening depending on your choice. If the blade isn't centered, open halfway (90°) and twist, by hand only, the opposite way. It doesn't take much. The only brass I have that has a patina on it, are thing I don't care about. Shine that brass handle up with Brasso and the black crap coming off of it gets into the engraving making it black in contrast to the shiny brass! The rest of the knife I leave alone for respect to the blacksmiths! I hope this helps! Oh and btw remember it's a cheap knife for the people, like VWs used to be.
Dzień dobry. Kupiłem kilka dni temu nóż nr 4. identyczny (posiada znaki na ostrzu jak ten). W opisie było napisane ze wyprodukowany w Japonii. Mówi Pan ze nie jest to oryginalny Higonokami… tez był w plastikowym etui. Nie zrozumiałem, wiec to jest podróbka ? Nie jest wykonany przez członka gildii z Miki? Czyli nabrałem się…
That "custom" where you hit it with a blowtorch looks awesome. It's reminiscent of a sword that has seen some serious sh!t. Kinda Mad Max too. Love it.
Love these. Had never heard of them until heard you talking about them a while ago. Great look. How much are older original ones? The history is amazing. Yes - would love more videos like this - especially maybe focusing on knives with history from a specific area!
Originals hand made by the one guy who is still allowed to do it the original traditional way are super cheap. I just picked up a large one for 15 bucks off amazon. Yes its strange that a maker of old traditional knives is based out of amazon, but it works and he probably makes more sales then ever through it lol.
Great review... love that blade style ... I've never really seen it ... and defenetly did not know the history .... thanx ! It kind of reminds me of the simplex we got back a few months ago from raven ... absolutely love that one and carried it for a while... moved on a month ago to the CRKT Tighe tac 2... I got that from a box also ... keep up the good work Doc!
@@DocP91B I’m really enjoying it so far. From what I can make out I think I got a good one. Feels like quality anyway. Might be old stock too as I got it in a sale for forty Canadian plus tax and shipping. You have a great collection
Even the #3 white paper steel is awesome, great edge retention )if sharpened correctly) but for $20-$35.00, (better than german steel), you cannot go wrong!
That last one that you did the grind work on looks like someone put a microbevel on it. Either way really kool collection, and yea its kind of crazy only the one guy can make these and once he dies I'm not sure if anyone else can produce these atleast in Japan.
Very good point! The Authorities control the authenticity of this particular item and from this particular family of blacksmiths...since the 1800s, so...that means the seal of approval gets passed down father to son, or however it happened but the kids get involved in learning the trade... to perfection!
I just got one of these today and I absolutely love it, the blade is much higher quality than almost all of my American bought knives you can just feel the quality with them I love them I can definitely see myself collecting these
I really don't mind a longer video here and there as sometimes I have more time to kill and prefer 1 longer video apposed to multiple shorter videos. But this is only my opinion. Thanks again. Keep up the great work and hope your healing process is going well.
I haven't found one that loose. They hammer them pretty tight. There could be some out there that might be that loose, but honestly, I think that would be an example of a faulty Higo, not the standard.
I’ve been wanting one of these for a couple years, but I want an authentic one from the Higo clan, I don’t know where to get it though. It’s such a simple knife it’s so easy to fake, and jack up the price. Some day I’ll have one.
I think KnivesAndTools dot com have the real ones. If you're in America the shipping cost almost always sucks though, but they are a really good and reliable company from my experience.
Amazon is the best place to ensure you get one made by the single man allowed to make them. Since that is where his main shop is based out of for the US.
White paper steel is purer high carbon steel, whereas blue paper steel has some chromium and tungsten in it. Though modern white paper steel is not as pure nowadays. When sharpened properly up to fine high polish white paper steel is sharper than blue paper. But for most applications blue paper is good.
These knives are a lot better when cutting boxes as the friction disappears and it becomes a gravity knife remember to always scandi them micro edge the blade
I need a little more info. Is that printed somewhere? It could refer to a San Mai type construction with layered steel but im just making an assumption without more detail.
That means there are 3 pieces of steel heat welded, period. The center piece of steel is the good, hard steel sandwiched by softer steel (as to hold the harder steel in place, peeking out of the edge😊) There's tension trying to relax in the harder steel and the softer steel helps keep it straight!! Those Japanese blacksmiths got that down pat! Don't be confused with folding steel that's heated stretched and folded any number of times or cut/heat welded. Like the common 33 layer Damascus claim. I hope this helps.
I am looking to buy one of these knives but I'm not sure to go with the XL or the regular size I have smaller hands but I like to look of a bigger knife would you say the regular size is big enough
Would you recommend them for EDC? The one you did the work to I would love to add it to my collection of knifes. You should do just a give away of that knife alone. It is AWESOME and has your final touch and makes it priceless.
Amazon seems to have most of the ones that are still made by that one guy in japan that is allowed to make them. Kinda funny that its based out of amazon. Make sure it has paper steel and is made by that maker. Because there is a lot that aren't made by him that are still sold under his brand.
Gorgeous knives, and awesome video. The katsu its just amazing! and I would love to see them in the giveaway. as always keep rocking I love your videos
I think this is what you are looking for. If this isn't it let me know! www.amazon.com/KATSU-Camping-Japanese-Titanium-Stonewashed/dp/B077CNYPW9/ref=pd_bxgy_468_img_3/137-1781100-5336601?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B077CNYPW9&pd_rd_r=03f4d66d-fa27-4a07-8d71-f24c16c01970&pd_rd_w=9Wjah&pd_rd_wg=aCUMZ&pf_rd_p=09627863-9889-4290-b90a-5e9f86682449&pf_rd_r=YV3KFWK46S5DK5V6Z148&psc=1&refRID=YV3KFWK46S5DK5V6Z148
@@dammitman1664Wow! no shit. It says RIGHT in the item description it is Higo INSPIRED. Not an actual Higo. Just as I said inthe video more than once, it is inspired by the Higo style. Not an actual Higo. Thanks for restating the painfully obvious for us. Hey Ive git a real brain buster for you - who would you say is burried in Grant's tomb?!? Maybe you can put some of those finely honed detective skills to work there to solve that mystery.
Eh...I think some of his points are fair. A lot of what he says are based on his misunderstanding (and he admits that he doesn't know a lot about the history, the culture, and the knife itself) of the piece. A lot of his review is also based on what I would say is jsut the one he looked at. For example none of the ones I have experience the problems he seems to have with his. In the end every reviewer has their own opinions and that's why people should watch multiple videos on the same topic to get a big picture.
Mate.. can you make it clear.. 1.Fakes come in plastic slips yeah? But origininals come in plastic slip in box as well. Are you say fakes have no box ? 2. I never ever hear of brass rusting. Brass dosent have iron to rust. You mean when brass oxidizes it changes colour on suface which is the patina not rust right ? Also friendly info for all reading, always go brass. Brass has a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It nearly impossible for any bacterium to survive or replicate on the surface of brass. Brass is just two steps behind silver as being best for this, whilst stainless steel is at the other end of being worse. Old charm brass handles through history for all applications had it right when it was handle by peoples hand. Cross decontamination through good quality brass is a very low risk... Call me old school but i love patina. Patina in metal or leather etc.. shows a story and adds character to the item.........
Many of the fakes come only is a heavy plastic sleeve, clear on one side, and green, blue, yellow, or black on the other. No box. Different from the very thin plastic inside the box of the authentic ones.
@@DocP91B That's false, Doc. Check the Higonokami Kanekoma instagram page and take a close look at the pictures of their display stand. A lot of the authentic Kanekoma Higonokamis come in those green, blue and yellow plastic see through sleeves. Every Higonokami with a trademark stamp (as shown on your knives) is an authentic one made by Nagao Kanekoma manufacture.
Doc never ever sell the knife with the "bottle opener" you just told us those knifes come unfinished so everyone can make it there own it was the only knife you really made yours keep it
Man these are ultra scarce in my country and when you find one its ultra expensive. What about reviewing/comparing the Higo No Kami to Opinel and Okapi brand knives? They dont stand a chance but that way its Japanese vs French vs German/South African?
Love this thin knife in my pocket! Too bad none of the knives have been sharpened to show what they CAN look like. With the grind lines sanded out and the hard steel sharpened and mirror polished! If these are put on a #1000 stone from the shinogi line down the kireha, one can create a 'cloud' on the softer steel and then shine the hagane(the carbon steel) and if you're good these can be 'Hair-Whittling' sharp!! That's what it means to customize your higonokami knive! It is disrespectful to add anything to the makers stamp! And remember that this is a cheap knife, with superior quality steel than your western counterparts. These knives get loose and tap tap on the pin tightens them up! The little tip is only meant for one thing...to push down enough to open it with both hands, not to try to impress people with flipping it out. My knife is razor sharp and the only thing stopping it from slicing your finger off...is your bone!
Cmon man give the maker a break lol . Dude pushes out thousands of knives - can’t expect the best of the best with high production and only one man doing it all haha. Wonder if he minds people “customizing” his knives…I’m on your side of getting absolute perfection out of my blades.
The blue one, with water splash effect, despite its non-traditional looks, actually is legit Higonokami made by Nagao Kanekoma, blue paper steel. Link to his website: www.higonokami.jp/en/pg144937.html
All katsu knives are shipped from Hong-kong(ebay). also titanium one handle is standard for many higher-end aliexpress knives. not talking it's bad, i own some of those too, but they are just chineese knives, not matter good they are.
ok, i got ripped off.. i payed 26€ for a real and i got the reproduction (mine didn't got the box & japanese markings on the blade, and the blade is dull as fuck)
Again, as I wrote in another comment section, every Higonokami with a Kanekoma stamp, including those that come in see-through plastic sleeves, are genuine Nagao Kanekoma knives made by Mr Nagao. If you don't trust me, head to the Higonokami Kanekoma instagram page, take a closer look at their photos and you'll see quite a lot of them are distributed in those little plastic sleeves.
Brass tarnishes. Also brass and steel are used on original higonokami's and the packaging does not matter, the boxes and slips are used. So you don't know what you are talking about.
Lol a straight razor is hardly even comparable to a knife. They are designed totally different for totally different purposes. But yea it does look like that.
Dude, you are either sadly ignorant or just trolling and teying to stir up some trouble. Either way don't post this kind of bogus crap on my channel. If you do actually think this bullshit it true, take 5 minutes to educate yourself before you pass on rediculous misinformation.
@@DocP91BI found this, just like the regulations here in Panama City " Pocket Knives Are Also Not Allowed. ... However, this is against the law inJapan, as pocket knives are regarded as weapons. According to the regulations, knives longer than 6cm are considered dangerous weapons. If you don't have a valid reason to carry edged tools, you might get fined under the Minor Offence Act"
Hey man, you should follow the real higo factory on Instagram or Facebook. You can get all of the legit info, as well as see thier catalog, on there website. It's just one maker, Mr. Mitsuo Nagao. As another commenter mentioned all 12 of the standard style knives in the line seem to be genuine "Nagao kanekoma factory" knives. His price range is anywhere from 8 dollars to 200-400 for damascus or custom! Great video!
I have a few and it has become my absolute favorite pocket knife! I used to change pocket knives every few weeks because I would just want to change or get tired of them. I’ve been carrying my higonokami everyday now for 3 years and use it like crazy. People always comment and it’s cool to have a rich history behind it. Cools vid thanks
Just got one delivered, It's such a simple elegant design I ordered 3 more I'm hooked. I did spend the $40 for the jade version Ima hand these things out to friends
You mentioned the blades have a San-Mai cladding but the cladding style is actually Warikomi. San-Mai means the spine is still exposed, Warikomi means it's clad on the sides and spine. The 割込 on the blade actually means "Warikomi".
The stamps on the blade can be used to identify them too:
本割込 - SK5 steel
青紙割込 - blue paper steel
白紙割込 - white paper steel
I think they use 本割込 for both white paper steel and sk steel
Thanks for the lesson. I just recently saw one of these and didn't know what to make of it. They do look like a work horse of a knife and easy to EDC.
i just ordered my first Higonokami and i'm so hyped for it to show up, unlike other traditional styled knives you can pick up a quality one for pretty cheap. when it shows up it'll be competing against my buck open season 556 skinning knife for everyday carry i just don't know how well it holds an edge my buck dose a really good job at staying razor sharp even after a week. i really think i just like the feel and look of traditional knives.
The steel on this knife gets really really sharp, but wears a little easier then a steel like d2
I'm not sure what you use your EDC for, everybody's different, but this steel is a high carbon steel that will rust if left untreated. It is not a stainless steel. You can look up the differences between harnesses bcuz...Google. It is not sharpened by the blacksmiths (except for a rudimentary bevel) This knife is meant to have a super angled bevel (10°-12°?) That's up to you. Your Buck knife is made with softer steel and stainless. Remember that this is a cheap knife...but made with superior steel! Learn how to sharpen a Japanese knife, sharpen it(using the severe Japanese knife bevel) and your Buck (using the original bevel) then get yourself some hemp rope (1" X 10' minimum length?idk)
And start cutting it! It will dull both knives and that's one official way to test how long an edge lasts! Cheers!!
OMG. You are single-handedly supporting the company's bottom line.
Cool in depth info on these blades. I am looking into buying one to harvest the culinary mushrooms I grow.
Nice video. I was looking to learn more about this knife after my wife gave me one that she used as a child in Japan to sharpen her pencils. Sounded strange to me, but she told me all the school kids carried this knife as a standard school item. Anyway, I brought it home (from visiting her hometown) and decided to sharpen it up. I was amazed at the edge this thing is capable of. Shaving arm or facial hair is nothing to this blade. I tried it to carve wood and it went through it like butter. I have several specialty wood carving knives, but none of them cut as easily as this blade. Despite the 3mm blade width, it sinks deep into pine with very little pressure on the back of the blade. Initially, the friction of the blade to the handle was very loose, but I discovered that is easily resolved by just tapping the rivet with a hammer while the knife rests in concrete. Sounded sketchy, but I tried it and it worked great. I have no idea what kind of steel is in the blade on my knife, but I'd be interested in seeing how the different blades match up for wood carving. Would not recommend it for bone carving, though.
I’m so excited I just ordered an XL version I’m starting a knife collection today! I currently have the XL Higo and an Opinel No. 8 Carbone coming in from amazon! I plan on getting a Douk Douk next!
Nice bro :)
Nice choices both carry a lot of tradition
Welcome to the party!!
I love these little knives. I collect Japanese knives from these to Rocksteads, with all points in between (Moki, Mcusta, Spyderco, Fallkniven etc.,etc.), but I value these just as much as the expense stuff. I think I’ve only four true Higonokamis, but I’ve many based around them, including some moderns. Thank you for sharing yours and your knowledge.
I need one of these now. This is the first time I've ever even heard of these and I'm already in love with them.
15 bucks on amazon and you can get a proper one hand forged by the one guy who is allowed to make them the traditional way in Japan.
Yes please!! Let's see more knife history videos!! I like to see history lessons on company's them self, stuff like ka-bars kill bear letter leading to the ka-bar name or origin of automatics being first produced for females so not to break nails on a nail nick
Hi, All of those 12 knives are genuine Higonokami made knives. Good collection!
Hi, you seem to know a lot about the subject. Could you help me a bit? I bough two higonokami one was banshu hamono steel handle one, and one brass aogami. I worried though because I saw that Motosuke Nagao and other from the Kanekoma guild like to write their names in small kanji on the other side of the handle and neither one of mine has it. They both came in these yellow boxex. Is there maybe a site where I can get 100% genuine higonokami made by Motosuke himself or others from Kanekoma guild ?
The first one that you took is Higo 11, a Nagao Kanekoma Higonokami made by mr Nagao and it's actually a warikomi blue paper steel, not SK5. I have the exact same one and love it to death.
I think you are correct. The characters "ao" (blue/green) and "kami" (paper) are clearly visible on the blade.
Those are amazing never seen those before. You are doing a great job. Also loved the history lesson. Keep up the good work
Thanks! It was lovely seeing your collection and learning more about the knife.
Love the history. I really enjoyed this video. Thanks!
Great video on the history of the higo no kami. I bought several of them and your video really helped. The Katsu sold itself. I ordered one, expect it tomorrow. I'm going to order the smaller one. The bamboo style.
I ordered 3 Higonokami knife during the past week. First the brass/Blue Paper Steel model, then a few days later the stainless steel model, and just this morning a black handle alloy steel model. At least they were all very affordable. 😁👍
Thanks bro these are my some of my favourite knives bro fantastic vid these things are beautiful and can look a lot like otf knives and the speed they open
Just ordered one today. I'm so excited!
Hey man really great video! Loved the history and seeing your collection. I just orderd classic one with the brass handle and blie steel, super stoked to get it!
I liked this video. It is cool to learn about the history of different knives. I would love to see more videos like this. Would also love to see one or two in the giveaway. Maybe an old style and a new modern style. Again loved this video and would love to see other ones like this.
Yessss!! I would love to learn more about the different kinds of knifes!! (Opinel?😜 just a suggestion)
I like your passion/enthusiasm about the Higo
Smaller ones are great for here in the UK,something different too.
Any recommendations on where to find authentic Higo No Kamis?
Probably Blade HQ
Just got one from knifewear. Went in person 25$.... best knife pirchase ever.
so it doesn't lock and it can close on your hand?
Not if you're using that knife, with your thumb on the lever that's pressing it down to the handle, there's no way that knife can close on your hand. I don't know anyone that's ever had a Higo closing on them. Injury.
The friction folder is one of the oldest folding designs in history. From Asia, to Africa, to Europe, for over 500 years people have been using friction folders. People have used them for centuries without hurting themselves. Sometimes you just have to be a little smarter than the tools you're working with.
Good safety skills, using the tool. Properly, and practice are learned skills that make all the difference. But even without those using the Higo with common sense and basic knife safety will prevent you from cutting yourself. This knife is very user friendly. Just try it out, and you'll see.
you talked about people can add their own touches to them. Do you know where one can see any examples of this?
todd sanford buy a tiny carving chisel. Engrave more kanji, write your name, wrap a red ribbon/cord on the “lanyard hole” (red is a significant color to the Japanese), attach a bell to it, traditionally Japanese have always seen bells as useful for warding of evil spirits and protecting the wearer. There’s not a whole lot of documentation for these things but historically it’s very likely they would have done many things like what I listed
What that means is that these handmade knives are as finished as the blacksmiths take it, period. They're doing you a favor by grinding a rudimentary bevel on it (sort of) because from the shinogi line down to the edge can be refined by sanding the grind marks off, putting a respectable edge on it, polishing the center steel and/or if one chooses, as I do, to make the top steel,the kireha, to the shinogi line 'Cloudy' by Not refining that part and grinding to a high polish or the edge ( the center steel) just like the Japanese kitchen knives you can see a picture of. And then there is the friction of the pin, manually tightening or loosening depending on your choice. If the blade isn't centered, open halfway (90°) and twist, by hand only, the opposite way. It doesn't take much.
The only brass I have that has a patina on it, are thing I don't care about. Shine that brass handle up with Brasso and the black crap coming off of it gets into the engraving making it black in contrast to the shiny brass!
The rest of the knife I leave alone for respect to the blacksmiths!
I hope this helps! Oh and btw remember it's a cheap knife for the people, like VWs used to be.
Dzień dobry. Kupiłem kilka dni temu nóż nr 4. identyczny (posiada znaki na ostrzu jak ten). W opisie było napisane ze wyprodukowany w Japonii. Mówi Pan ze nie jest to oryginalny Higonokami… tez był w plastikowym etui. Nie zrozumiałem, wiec to jest podróbka ? Nie jest wykonany przez członka gildii z Miki? Czyli nabrałem się…
Ja dzis zamowilem nr 6 i teraz zglupailem... wszystkie to repliki ?
That "custom" where you hit it with a blowtorch looks awesome. It's reminiscent of a sword that has seen some serious sh!t. Kinda Mad Max too. Love it.
Love these. Had never heard of them until heard you talking about them a while ago. Great look. How much are older original ones? The history is amazing. Yes - would love more videos like this - especially maybe focusing on knives with history from a specific area!
Originals hand made by the one guy who is still allowed to do it the original traditional way are super cheap. I just picked up a large one for 15 bucks off amazon. Yes its strange that a maker of old traditional knives is based out of amazon, but it works and he probably makes more sales then ever through it lol.
Great review... love that blade style ... I've never really seen it ... and defenetly did not know the history .... thanx ! It kind of reminds me of the simplex we got back a few months ago from raven ... absolutely love that one and carried it for a while... moved on a month ago to the CRKT Tighe tac 2... I got that from a box also ... keep up the good work Doc!
Do you still have the one you custom made? The anodized one, that’s a work of art!
I gave that one away in a giveaway.
beautiful work
I just bought a silver higonokami traditional made and Im going to buy the brass and black for my brother's
I just got one in the red box. A no.6 I think but not sure what that means. I know it’s blue paper steel. Thanks for the helpful video
Hey Lemmy, since I put out this video some things seem to be changing. A red box is probably legit. I hope you love it! Thanks for watching!
@@DocP91B I’m really enjoying it so far. From what I can make out I think I got a good one. Feels like quality anyway. Might be old stock too as I got it in a sale for forty Canadian plus tax and shipping. You have a great collection
Have you had any experience with the white steel higonokami? If so, what do you think of them?
White steel, I assume is Paper White. It's good steel. No matter the steel used, if it is a real made Higo I would be glad to have and use it.
Even the #3 white paper steel is awesome, great edge retention )if sharpened correctly) but for $20-$35.00, (better than german steel), you cannot go wrong!
That last one that you did the grind work on looks like someone put a microbevel on it. Either way really kool collection, and yea its kind of crazy only the one guy can make these and once he dies I'm not sure if anyone else can produce these atleast in Japan.
Very good point! The Authorities control the authenticity of this particular item and from this particular family of blacksmiths...since the 1800s, so...that means the seal of approval gets passed down father to son, or however it happened but the kids get involved in learning the trade... to perfection!
You turned it into a peace of art. Reminded me of kitsugi the japanese art of repairing with gold.
I really appreciate that! Thank you!
I just got one of these today and I absolutely love it, the blade is much higher quality than almost all of my American bought knives you can just feel the quality with them I love them I can definitely see myself collecting these
I really don't mind a longer video here and there as sometimes I have more time to kill and prefer 1 longer video apposed to multiple shorter videos. But this is only my opinion. Thanks again. Keep up the great work and hope your healing process is going well.
Would these have a risk of opening in your pocket if you edc them
I haven't found one that loose. They hammer them pretty tight. There could be some out there that might be that loose, but honestly, I think that would be an example of a faulty Higo, not the standard.
IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!!!!!!!!
I’ve been wanting one of these for a couple years, but I want an authentic one from the Higo clan, I don’t know where to get it though. It’s such a simple knife it’s so easy to fake, and jack up the price. Some day I’ll have one.
I think KnivesAndTools dot com have the real ones. If you're in America the shipping cost almost always sucks though, but they are a really good and reliable company from my experience.
Amazon is the best place to ensure you get one made by the single man allowed to make them. Since that is where his main shop is based out of for the US.
www.higonokami.jp/en/index.html
Justin Colman Thanks, even now I’ve yet to get one for this same reason. I’m shopping around the site now, and will be buying one today.
@@HeartMarksman Yeah, they're difficult to buy; good luck mate!
Does the white paper steel better than the blue paper steel?
White paper steel is purer high carbon steel, whereas blue paper steel has some chromium and tungsten in it. Though modern white paper steel is not as pure nowadays. When sharpened properly up to fine high polish white paper steel is sharper than blue paper. But for most applications blue paper is good.
@@antonhan4815 ok thanks
@@Stecus2704 blue paper steel for edge retention, white paper steel for super sharp edge.
Do you know a website where to buy the original ones at?
I found them on Amazon. Look for one that comea in a gold box with a blue label, with super blue steel, not SK steel.
Great video! Thorough and knowledgeable. I appreciate it!
These knives are a lot better when cutting boxes as the friction disappears and it becomes a gravity knife remember to always scandi them micro edge the blade
Bonjour de France 🇫🇷 superbe collection l love higonokami l ´ve one the higo 09 always in my pocket👍🇯🇵A salute
What does triple layer mean on a higonokami
I need a little more info. Is that printed somewhere? It could refer to a San Mai type construction with layered steel but im just making an assumption without more detail.
That means there are 3 pieces of steel heat welded, period. The center piece of steel is the good, hard steel sandwiched by softer steel (as to hold the harder steel in place, peeking out of the edge😊)
There's tension trying to relax in the harder steel and the softer steel helps keep it straight!! Those Japanese blacksmiths got that down pat!
Don't be confused with folding steel that's heated stretched and folded any number of times or cut/heat welded. Like the common 33 layer Damascus claim. I hope this helps.
I am looking to buy one of these knives but I'm not sure to go with the XL or the regular size I have smaller hands but I like to look of a bigger knife would you say the regular size is big enough
The regular one should do fine.
Never heard of those knives 🔪 they look awesome
I really love the style, but I''d miss the pocket clip... Beautiful stuff!! Thanks, Doc!!
Any link to a legit real higo ?
I love these knives! I have bought a few, but lost them. I would love to see one in the giveaway, since I recently ordered one that never came in.
I feel ya, i lost my Esee knives and still have no fucking clue where they are...
Would you recommend them for EDC? The one you did the work to I would love to add it to my collection of knifes. You should do just a give away of that knife alone. It is AWESOME and has your final touch and makes it priceless.
I could see these being practical for EDC. They are slim though, so someone accustomed to a larger grip might have some trouble getting used to it.
Bit late to the party, but check out the Mcusta Higonokami, it's a ball detent slippy, but it's a very nice modern version
is there a link for the website that sells the original manufacturer's ones?
Amazon seems to have most of the ones that are still made by that one guy in japan that is allowed to make them. Kinda funny that its based out of amazon. Make sure it has paper steel and is made by that maker. Because there is a lot that aren't made by him that are still sold under his brand.
Wow the custom one is sick
This blade shape in a fixed blade belt knife would be an awesome workhorse
Look for a broke back seax. Kinda similar blade shape.
Love the passion !
Gorgeous knives, and awesome video. The katsu its just amazing! and I would love to see them in the giveaway. as always keep rocking I love your videos
Good presentation. Intetesting modern versions.
Can you give us the link of the VG10 Higo ?
I think this is what you are looking for. If this isn't it let me know!
www.amazon.com/KATSU-Camping-Japanese-Titanium-Stonewashed/dp/B077CNYPW9/ref=pd_bxgy_468_img_3/137-1781100-5336601?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B077CNYPW9&pd_rd_r=03f4d66d-fa27-4a07-8d71-f24c16c01970&pd_rd_w=9Wjah&pd_rd_wg=aCUMZ&pf_rd_p=09627863-9889-4290-b90a-5e9f86682449&pf_rd_r=YV3KFWK46S5DK5V6Z148&psc=1&refRID=YV3KFWK46S5DK5V6Z148
@@DocP91B no that's not a higonokami.
@@dammitman1664Wow! no shit. It says RIGHT in the item description it is Higo INSPIRED. Not an actual Higo. Just as I said inthe video more than once, it is inspired by the Higo style. Not an actual Higo. Thanks for restating the painfully obvious for us. Hey Ive git a real brain buster for you - who would you say is burried in Grant's tomb?!? Maybe you can put some of those finely honed detective skills to work there to solve that mystery.
did u tie those lanyards yourself? how would 1 install lets say a Chirs Reeve's or similar type as a pin is hammered in
I don't totally understand your question, but yes I did the lanyards myself.
Get a natural stone. Uchi, raise That mud, and boom. The laminate line comes out
It will look super sick, but takes a long ass time
I like them,nice collection ATB Dave
It looks fancy to me.
They're actually super cheap but good quality
What do you think of knick shibaz video on these ?
Eh...I think some of his points are fair. A lot of what he says are based on his misunderstanding (and he admits that he doesn't know a lot about the history, the culture, and the knife itself) of the piece. A lot of his review is also based on what I would say is jsut the one he looked at. For example none of the ones I have experience the problems he seems to have with his. In the end every reviewer has their own opinions and that's why people should watch multiple videos on the same topic to get a big picture.
@@DocP91B thanks for the reply and giving me more to think about :)
@@genoedcknifecollecter1538 that's what I'm here for...hope it helps!
On knifecenter.com there is one for 195$, it has a steel handle, how do I know if real?
Mate.. can you make it clear..
1.Fakes come in plastic slips yeah?
But origininals come in plastic slip in box as well. Are you say fakes have no box ?
2. I never ever hear of brass rusting. Brass dosent have iron to rust. You mean when brass oxidizes it changes colour on suface which is the patina not rust right ?
Also friendly info for all reading, always go brass. Brass has a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It nearly impossible for any bacterium to survive or replicate on the surface of brass.
Brass is just two steps behind silver as being best for this, whilst stainless steel is at the other end of being worse.
Old charm brass handles through history for all applications had it right when it was handle by peoples hand. Cross decontamination through good quality brass is a very low risk...
Call me old school but i love patina. Patina in metal or leather etc.. shows a story and adds character to the item.........
Many of the fakes come only is a heavy plastic sleeve, clear on one side, and green, blue, yellow, or black on the other. No box. Different from the very thin plastic inside the box of the authentic ones.
@@DocP91B
Thanks for clearing that up for me.👍
About the brass corrosion part - it wasn't rust. It was the dezincification that can occur that leaves it turning a bit yellow/greenish.
@@DocP91B ahh yes!!
that make sense ...
@@DocP91B That's false, Doc. Check the Higonokami Kanekoma instagram page and take a close look at the pictures of their display stand. A lot of the authentic Kanekoma Higonokamis come in those green, blue and yellow plastic see through sleeves. Every Higonokami with a trademark stamp (as shown on your knives) is an authentic one made by Nagao Kanekoma manufacture.
Doc never ever sell the knife with the "bottle opener" you just told us those knifes come unfinished so everyone can make it there own it was the only knife you really made yours keep it
Man these are ultra scarce in my country and when you find one its ultra expensive. What about reviewing/comparing the Higo No Kami to Opinel and Okapi brand knives? They dont stand a chance but that way its Japanese vs French vs German/South African?
Very interesting 👍
"Just makes you feel like you wanna slice up the world," hahahahahahahahahahahaha 27:38
kinda like the Japanese version of an Opinel
I guess you could say knives are the latest cutting edge technology
Nice video
あなたの発音する「三木（みき）」は、ほぼ正確なものです。
Mickey Mouse と発音するように、Mickey City と発音すれば日本人には通じるでしょう。
三木は英語では"Miki"と表記されます。
日本の製品を気に入ってくれてありがとう。
i had an opportunity to work in tokyo a few months ago but decided against it because of the knife laws there
Love u doc
Отличная коллекция. Мне тоже очень нравятся такие ножи.
I do believe that the Katsu Higo gave you a chubby lol ... It did for me and I can't even carry one legally lol.
Words...words...
Love this thin knife in my pocket! Too bad none of the knives have been sharpened to show what they CAN look like. With the grind lines sanded out and the hard steel sharpened and mirror polished! If these are put on a #1000 stone from the shinogi line down the kireha, one can create a 'cloud' on the softer steel and then shine the hagane(the carbon steel) and if you're good these can be 'Hair-Whittling' sharp!!
That's what it means to customize your higonokami knive!
It is disrespectful to add anything to the makers stamp! And remember that this is a cheap knife, with superior quality steel than your western counterparts.
These knives get loose and tap tap on the pin tightens them up! The little tip is only meant for one thing...to push down enough to open it with both hands, not to try to impress people with flipping it out.
My knife is razor sharp and the only thing stopping it from slicing your finger off...is your bone!
Cmon man give the maker a break lol . Dude pushes out thousands of knives - can’t expect the best of the best with high production and only one man doing it all haha. Wonder if he minds people “customizing” his knives…I’m on your side of getting absolute perfection out of my blades.
hi
The blue one, with water splash effect, despite its non-traditional looks, actually is legit Higonokami made by Nagao Kanekoma, blue paper steel. Link to his website:
www.higonokami.jp/en/pg144937.html
Well holy balls. Cool deal!
Here you go Doc:
www.higonokami.jp/en/index.html
That was actually one of the references I looked at putting this together!
Can I win one?
All katsu knives are shipped from Hong-kong(ebay). also titanium one handle is standard for many higher-end aliexpress knives. not talking it's bad, i own some of those too, but they are just chineese knives, not matter good they are.
ok, i got ripped off.. i payed 26€ for a real and i got the reproduction (mine didn't got the box & japanese markings on the blade, and the blade is dull as fuck)
That sucks. But it happens a lot. People fake these a lot!
@@DocP91B well, at least now i know what to look for when/if i buy another one
@@erwinmaes3105 where did u buy it from if you dont mind saying?
Yep, you got ripped off, its almost impossible to get a respectable edge on those crap steels!
Again, as I wrote in another comment section, every Higonokami with a Kanekoma stamp, including those that come in see-through plastic sleeves, are genuine Nagao Kanekoma knives made by Mr Nagao. If you don't trust me, head to the Higonokami Kanekoma instagram page, take a closer look at their photos and you'll see quite a lot of them are distributed in those little plastic sleeves.
It would be nice if you could see all the video.
What do you mean?
I just watched the whole thing through and it played fine.
Brass tarnishes.
Also brass and steel are used on original higonokami's and the packaging does not matter, the boxes and slips are used.
So you don't know what you are talking about.
Y’all listen to this guy, he’s a professional bitch
🗡🔪😂
cool video. But i can almost feel a woman in the back thinking... here we go again.
You're close. It's more like the woman in the back looking out, shaking her head, and walking away.
@@DocP91B Hahaha love it man 👍
This looks like ugly barbershop knife
Lol a straight razor is hardly even comparable to a knife. They are designed totally different for totally different purposes. But yea it does look like that.
2009 Japan made carrying a pocket knife punishable by death.
Dude, you are either sadly ignorant or just trolling and teying to stir up some trouble. Either way don't post this kind of bogus crap on my channel. If you do actually think this bullshit it true, take 5 minutes to educate yourself before you pass on rediculous misinformation.
@@DocP91BI found this, just like the regulations here in Panama City
" Pocket Knives Are Also Not Allowed. ... However, this is against the law inJapan, as pocket knives are regarded as weapons. According to the regulations, knives longer than 6cm are considered dangerous weapons. If you don't have a valid reason to carry edged tools, you might get fined under the Minor Offence Act"
@@joehovis165 at least with a military ID in FL you get to carry unmolested
Hey man, you should follow the real higo factory on Instagram or Facebook. You can get all of the legit info, as well as see thier catalog, on there website. It's just one maker, Mr. Mitsuo Nagao. As another commenter mentioned all 12 of the standard style knives in the line seem to be genuine "Nagao kanekoma factory" knives. His price range is anywhere from 8 dollars to 200-400 for damascus or custom! Great video!
What is their facebook?