Higonokami No 4 Folder Black
In stock
- SKU
- HIGO04BL
- Style
- Vintage
Description
Japanese Friction Folder
The Higonokami No 4 is a small, flat Japanese pocket knife for everyday cutting: opening boxes, trimming cord, whittling, and camp chores. It is a friction folder, which means it has no lock. The blade stays open because of tension at the pivot and the pressure of your thumb on the extended tang lever. At 3.63 inches closed and about 0.05 lb, it fits in a pocket with keys or in a small kit without adding noticeable weight.
Features
- SK5 Carbon Steel Blade — SK5 is a Japanese high-carbon tool steel that takes a fine edge and is easy to resharpen on a stone.
- HRC 60 Hardness — Rated 60 on the Rockwell C scale, the standard measure of steel hardness, so the edge holds up well between sharpenings.
- Extended Tang Lever — The tail of the blade extends past the handle as a thumb lever, called a chikiri, that you press to open the knife and hold while cutting.
- Non-Locking Friction Pivot — A single riveted pivot with a brass washer keeps the blade under tension instead of using a locking mechanism.
- Black Stainless Steel Handle — The handle is a single sheet of folded stainless steel with a black finish that wraps around the blade when it is closed.
- Engraved Kanji Marking — Gold-filled Japanese characters are engraved along the show side of the handle.
- Finger Cutout — A scalloped notch in the handle spine gives your fingers a place to sit and exposes the blade for a cleaner grip when closing.
- Lanyard Hole — A hole at the butt of the handle takes a lanyard, key ring, or cord.
- Made In Japan — The knife is manufactured in Japan under the Higonokami name.
Steel, Fit And Care
The blade has darker textured flats and a bright ground edge bevel. Because SK5 is carbon steel and not stainless, it will darken and develop a patina with use, and it can rust if put away wet. Wipe it dry after use and add a light coat of oil now and then. Keep your thumb on the lever while cutting, since the knife has no lock to keep the blade from folding.
More Information
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Customer Reviews
Top customer reviews
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Sturdy folder for daily carryI keep this in my pocket for opening boxes and light whittling around the house. The thumb lever works great to hold it open while cutting. Carbon steel blade stays sharp but I oil it every few weeks like the instructions say. Does what its supposed to and feels sturdy in hand. No fancy lock but the friction holds fine if you press right.
Sharp out of the box
Compact size for EDCNeeds regular oiling
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the real dealBeen collecting traditional folders for about 15 years and this is legit Nagao Kanekoma factory production, not some cheap knockoff. The SK5 carbon steel takes a scary sharp edge and holds it well at HRC 60. The black stainless handle has that perfect satin finish you want on a higo - not too glossy, not too matte. Yes it's a friction folder so there's no lock, but that's the whole point... this is 1896 design philosophy, not modern tactical. Closed length is 3.63" which makes it carry slim in the pocket, way slimmer than an Opinel No. 8. I've got a couple Blue Paper Steel higos too but honestly for EDC this SK5 is more practical - easier to touch up and less precious. The extended tang gives you plenty to grip when open. Mine came with a slight patina already forming which I actually prefer on carbon steel. If you want a lock, go buy a Benchmade. If you want history that cuts, get this.
Authentic Nagao Kanekoma manufacture
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My go-to for troop outingsNot gonna lie, this little Higonokami No 4 is the one I tell all the new scout leaders to grab. The SK5 blade holds an edge through a weekend of whittling and rope cutting, and that chikiri tang locks it open solid—just keep it oiled so the carbon steel doesn't spot.
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Great knifeSK5 steel takes and holds a super keen edge. The rivet is tight and the one piece handle is plenty strong. This is a good EDC knife as long as you remember how it works. No back spring to hold it open or closed so be careful.
Blade bevel makes it easy to sharpen and strop. Blade shape and sharp point are good for many purposes.
Be careful of the blade security. It is a friction folder. If you are not familiar with the type, make a small formfitting pouch to carry it in your pocket.
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Perfect size for my pocketI bought this after watching a bunch of youtube videos on these knives and its exactly what I hoped for. Super simple design, no frills, just a solid little blade that cuts great.
Simple and reliable design, Great price for a quality knife
Carbon steel requires maintenance but for 12 bucks its worth it.