Higonokami No 5 Black Folder

Japanese Friction Folder

The Higonokami No 5 Black Folder is a traditional Japanese pocket knife made in Japan under the Nagao Higonokami name. It has no springs, liners or locks, just a carbon steel blade, a folded steel handle and a single pivot, so there is very little to break or clean. It suits everyday carry, camp chores, whittling and opening packages, and it appeals to anyone who wants a slim, simple knife with a very sharp edge.

Features

• 3.75 Inch SK5 Blade — The 3.75 in (9.5 cm) blade is SK5, a Japanese high-carbon tool steel known for taking a fine edge and resharpening easily.
• HRC 60 Hardness — Hardened to 60 on the Rockwell C scale, the standard measure of steel hardness, so the edge stays sharp through long use.
• Forge-Finish Blade — The spine keeps its dark, textured forge finish while the bevel is ground bright, the classic Higonokami look.
• Black Stainless Steel Handle — The handle is a single sheet of black stainless steel folded around the blade and engraved with Japanese characters.
• Friction Folder Design — The blade has no lock and is held by pivot tension, so it opens and closes smoothly by hand.
• Extended Tang Lever — A tab at the back of the blade, called the chikiri, opens the knife and stays under your thumb to hold the blade open while cutting.
• Brass Pivot — The blade turns on a single brass-washered pivot pin that sets the friction for opening and closing.
• Lanyard Hole — A hole at the butt of the handle takes a cord or split ring for easier carry and retrieval.
• 4.75 Inch Closed Length — At 4.75 in (12.1 cm) closed, it slips into a pocket without much bulk.

Carbon Steel Care

SK5 is a carbon steel, not a stainless one, so the blade will darken over time and can rust if left wet. Wipe it dry after use and give it a light coat of oil now and then. Because the knife does not lock, keep your thumb on the extended tang when cutting and use it for slicing work rather than prying or stabbing.