Higonokami VG-10 Japanese Pocket Knife Medium
Tax excluded. Free US shipping on orders over $99.
180-day returns on eligible unused items. Free prepaid label. Return details.
Free US standard shipping over $99. Normally fulfilled within 2 business days. Delivery details.
Every order insured. We handle shipping claims.
Overview
First forged in 1894, the Higonokami friction-folder is Japan’s answer to the classic pocket knife—no springs, no screws, just a super-sharp blade that pivots on its own tang. Our medium-size Higonokami upgrades the tradition with VG-10 stainless steel for modern corrosion resistance while preserving the feather-light feel (≈ 45 g) that made the knife a school-boy staple in post-war Japan. The 75 mm blade snaps open by thumb pressure on the forged chikiri (lever) and stays put by pure friction, giving you instant cutting power without the complexity of a lock. Whether you’re slicing fruit on a hike or opening boxes at work, this is minimalist EDC that slips unnoticed into any pocket.
Common Questions
Q: Is the VG-10 steel really maintenance-free?
A: VG-10’s high chromium content shrugs off rust, so a quick rinse and dry is all it needs. For best edge life, hone on a strop occasionally.
Q: Does the knife lock?
A: Traditional Higonokami knives rely on friction. The extended tang lever lets your thumb keep the blade open during use—simple, reliable, and historically accurate.
Q: Can left-handers use it?
A: Absolutely. The double-bevel edge and ambidextrous lever make it equally friendly for right- or left-hand carry.
Specifications
- Core Steel: VG-10 stainless (HRC ≈ 60-61)
- Cladding Type: Warikomi (san-mai) soft stainless over VG-10 core
- Blade Length: 75 mm
- Overall Length (Open): 170 mm
- Spine Thickness (Heel): 2.8 mm
- Spine Thickness (Mid): 2.2 mm (tapers to tip)
- Handle Length (Closed): 100 mm
- Weight: 45 g
- Handle Material: Brushed stainless steel scales
- Hardness (HRC): 60-61
Shipping, returns and order protection
US shipping: Free on orders over $99. Orders are normally fulfilled within 2 business days, and UPS Ground transit is typically 1–5 business days after fulfillment. Custom handle installation or sharpening may add 1–2 business days.
Returns: Eligible purchases may be returned within 180 days with a free prepaid return label. Knives sharpened by Tokushu Knife or fitted with a custom handle remain eligible if they are otherwise new, unused, undamaged, and returned in their original packaging with all included components. The same refund terms apply.
Order protection: Every order is insured. If a package is lost or damaged, contact us at Tony@TokushuKnife.com and we will handle the claim.
Outside the US: Supported international orders from TokushuKnife.com typically ship via FedEx Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). Tokushu Knife pays all applicable import duties and taxes on the customer's behalf. Customers are not responsible for paying duties or taxes. Available destinations, shipping charges and delivery estimates are shown at checkout. Customers may also shop at TokushuKnife.eu for regional inventory and options.
Choose options
Cut Above the Rest
Steel, Construction and Care
Our catalog includes stainless, semi-stainless and carbon steels selected for edge performance and durability. Carbon steels may develop a patina, while stainless steels are designed to resist discoloration. Follow the care guidance on each product page, hand wash only and dry the knife promptly after use.
