Still, just like the stated length of most tenkara rods, don’t expect the measurements to be totally accurate–a 100mm is not exactly 100mm and a 120mm is not exactly 120mm. The latter seems to be more common, so that is measurement I use. And to make it even more confusing, some sellers refer to the blade length, while others measure the length of the closed size (including the little flipper). Since it’s 100% hand made, the length can vary due to anomalies in both materials and the construction process. I think most tenkara anglers have an eye for design and would instantly recognize that this seemingly mundane little flipper is actually a very clever multi-purpose feature.Ī word on the sizing … this is where it gets somewhat tricky. I intended to use it to open tins of pipe tobacco (I often smoke a pipe while I’m tying), but soon discovered it comes in handy a lot more than I thought: removing staples, opening keychain split-rings, lifting stubborn can tabs, scraping off labels, or any myriad of tasks around my desk that could benefit from prying. I don’t know if this was intended or not, but I also use the little flipper as a mini pry bar. Here’s my entire collection at the moment: ![]() I even own a limited edition one in Jade that’s almost too beautiful to use! Some of the 75mm versions come with a little faux leather case so you can attach it to your keychain. Here’s a side-by-side of the 75mm and 100mm: I also like the brass handled version because along with its carbon steel, it develops a gorgeous patina that compliments my other brass EDC gear well. And if you need to do a small cutting task within the company of polite society, it’s much less intimidating to pull out a 75mm Higonokami than a 4″ Spyderco. Aside from coming in handy when out and about, it’s great conversation starter if you learn a little of the history behind it. I own several in brass, stainless steel, and black, but tend to favor the 100mm brass because I feel it’s the most versatile size.īut I do carry the 75mm in my leather EDC pocket organizer/wallet along with a mini flashlight, pen, and cards. The most popular is the 100mm, but they also make it in 75mm and 120mm. Here’s a video showing the construction process: See more about the higonokami blade here. It’s available in a few different steels but I prefer what they call “blue paper”, which is a high-carbon steel that is extraordinarily sharp, yet still very easy to sharpen. This creates a slimmer blade profile which makes the Higonokami a slicing tour de force. In other words, the edge is not bevelled–it tapers straight from the spine to the edge. The blade is a “warikomi” sandwich of steel and iron which we in the West would commonly refer to as a “Scandi grind”. I haven’t tried it nor have felt the need to yet. Since there is no locking mechanism, when holding the knife, you press down on it with your thumb against the top of the handle to keep the blade from accidentally closing.Īs you’ll notice, it’s a riveted design, meaning there is no adjustment on the the opening or closing inertia of the blade though I suspect you could tighten it up by squeezing the folded steel together. Like tenkara, the lack of mechanical embellishments forces you to slow down and be more mindful when opening and closing it.Īside from aiding in opening the knife, the “flipper” tab has two other benefits. This is decidedly a two-handed open/close. It’s opened by a little iron flipper at the end but it’s not what we would call a “flipper knife”–the kind that opens with one hand at lightning-fast speed like a switchblade. You might say that the Higonokami is to Japan what the Opinel is to France. ![]() Ask any Japanese person about the Higonokami and chances are, they own one, have owned one, or are at least aware of it by name. The latter might seem a little odd, yet it’s nonetheless just as utilitarian (and certainly more storied).Įssentially, it’s a simple, yet very clever little utility pocket knife from Japan. The former would certainly make sense at a tying desk. If you visit my tying desk, you’ll notice two gadgets that have taken up permanent residence on the base of my vise: my scissors, and a Higonokami knife.
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