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Mitsuo Nagao Higonokami Hammer Forged Black -Tiger in the Woods-
SKU: Tiger in the Woods (Zwart)Mitsuo Nagao Higonokami "Tiger in the woods"
This large, handmade folding knife is crafted at the Nagao Kanekoma Factory (長尾兼古刃物製作所) in Miki City, Japan — the last workshop officially permitted to use the Higonokami name. For more than a century, the family behind the factory has preserved the traditional techniques used to make these iconic knives.
The blade is forged using the Warikomi method, with a hard steel core wrapped in softer outer layers. This construction delivers both high sharpness and lasting durability. Its core steel is Aogami (Blue Paper Steel), a premium high-carbon tool steel prized for edge retention and widely favored by professional bladesmiths. Because Aogami is not stainless, occasional maintenance with camellia oil is recommended to prevent rust.
The handle displays a tiger engraved in a bamboo forest, finished with gold-colored lacquer, while the hilt is made from black-lacquered steel—creating a bold yet refined look.
The blade operates with a traditional friction-hold design with no locking mechanism. It opens via the “Chikiri” lever at the back, which protrudes slightly when closed. When in use, the thumb naturally rests on this lever, helping keep the blade securely open.
Each knife is packaged in a lightweight paulownia (kiri) wood box, a material traditionally used in Japan for fine tools and blades. Naturally resistant to humidity and insects, paulownia protects high-carbon steels like Aogami by keeping the blade dry, safe, and well-preserved over time.
Please note that the stated length is measured including the chikiri (lever); the cutting length of the blade on a 120mm Higonokami is approximately 90mm. This is measured according to the traditional Japanese method.
- Blade length (from tip including chikiri): 120 mm (L),
- Total length: 210 mm (L)
- Weight: 104 grams (L)
- Thickness: 4 mm
- Blade height: 18 mm
- Steel type: Core steel: Japanese Aogami #1 steel (non-stainless), Sanmai forged.
- Hardness: 62-63 (Rockwell C)
- Handle: Gold-colored Black laquered steel with gold-lacquered Tiger in the woods engraving
(Because these are handmade products, the final delivered knife may be a few mm longer or shorter than the stated length.)
Please note: these knives are shipped as letterbox-sized parcels to keep costs as low as possible for you. You will receive a Track & Trace code.
We only sell the knives in our range to persons aged 18 and older. By ordering a knife from us, you declare that you are over 18 years of age!
