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A Niwaki higonokami, the traditional Japanese folding pocket knife, made by Kanekoma with a brass handle and a beautiful hand-forged 70mm folded Aogami (blue paper) steel blade. No lock, no corkscrew, no extras: just one very sharp, sturdy blade.
Blue steel contains a little chromium, which helps the blade hold its edge for longer. It's a general-purpose pocket knife that's easy to sharpen and clean, ideal for everything from opening letters and boxes to whittling. The brass handle starts off shiny and soon mellows to a rich patina, and the stiff action loosens over time; it can be retightened with a sharp tap on the rivet with a hammer.
The knives are handmade by Kanekoma, fifth-generation knife makers in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture, founded in 1894. Early knives were called higonokami because many customers came from Kumamoto, once known as Higo. The name was registered in 1910 so that only Miki makers could use it, and Kanekoma are now the last of them.
Also available with an SK steel blade and nickel handle. Keep it in top shape with Niwaki's Crean Mate, Camellia Oil and Sharpening Stone.
Details
- Maker: Niwaki (made by Kanekoma)
- Material: hand-forged folded Aogami blue paper steel blade; brass handle
- Measurements: approx. 17 × 6 × 1.8 cm open; 7 cm blade; 10.9 cm folded; 47g
- Packaging: soft card box
- Made in Miki, Japan
Explore more Niwaki Japanese garden tools.
Care: Japanese carbon steel is hard and sharp, but can be more brittle than you may be used to, so it may chip if forced. Keep the blade clean and dry, and wipe over with Camellia Oil to prevent rust. Sharpen with a #1000 grit stone when the edge dulls.
Please note: by law, we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18. By placing an order for one of these items you are declaring that you are 18 years of age or over. These items must be used responsibly and appropriately.
Shipping
We Ship Worldwide.
Exact Shipping Costs are based off weight and destination which will be calculated at Checkout.
Complimentary Standard Shipping for orders over $150 within Australia with code: 'SHIPFREE' – excludes heavy, bulky, and oversized items.
All orders ship from Perth, W.A. Australia.
International customers (excluding the U.S.) please note that import duties, taxes, and charges may apply in your country. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility and not included in the item price or shipping cost. If unsure please check with your country’s customs office prior to purchase.
Gift Wrapping Service
To have your item gift wrapped, click here and add it to your cart.
About Mujo Store
A curated selection of handcrafted Japanese homeware & everyday objects for slow living.
Mujo Store is an online shop based in Perth, Australia. Find kitchenware, ceramics, cookware, Japanese incense, and more. Sustainable materials, tradition, minimal & functional design, and small-scale production.
Founded in 1997, Niwaki takes its name from the Japanese word for "garden tree." In Japan, gardens are curated landscapes – microcosms of nature where trees are meticulously shaped to blend into their surroundings. Born from founder Jake Hobson’s fascination with this art form while living in Japan, Niwaki connects gardeners worldwide with authentic Japanese craftsmanship through exceptional, hand-forged tools and functional objects crafted by master blacksmiths.
Niwaki's Care Guide:
"Most of our sharp tools are made from carbon steel - this means they may, through regular use, stain (and eventually rust) and gradually lose their edge. Caring for them involves three things…"
1. Correct Use:
- Japanese steel is hard and sharp, and can be more brittle than some people are used to - it will chip if abused
- Do not cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any other hard material (even bamboo fibres and some very hard woods, especially knots and burrs, can damage steel edges)
- Do not twist or apply uneven pressure
- Cut diagonally across branches (not straight across) so you cut along the fibres
- Pay attention to our maximum cut dimensions, and don’t overdo it (shears are not loppers)
- Use the base of the blades, not the tips, for heavier cuts
2. Keeping Them Clean:
- Remove leaf resin, rust and gunk with a Crean Mate and water
- Dry, wipe over with Camellia oil and store in a dry place