Knife Review: "Higonokami"

Higonokami?

The Five Best Things about the Higonokami style knife:

1.  Sandwiched Steel

The steel that forms the edge is harder than the steel that makes up the sides of the blade.  The hard section makes for a razor edge, and the softer outer portions prevent the blade from snapping.

2.  All-Metal Hyper-Utilitarian Ingeniously-Economical Construction

Yeah.

 

It's cheap, it's slim, it's rugged and simple.  The brass and steel have a charm that wouldn't seem out of place in a steam punk setting.  The brass handle doesn't mess up your edge.  It's easy to open.  It's surprisingly comfortable and solid in your hand.  If you need a lot of knife and don't have a lot of room, this is your tool.

3.  Samurai Theme

Stamped with it, and shaped like it at least in the blade.  The Japanese characters and the image of the samurai evoke a connection to feudal times, which does not exist in a direct way, but is still fun. It even has different densities throughout the blade, just like a real katana.

4.  The Real History Connection

British Blades Forum Post On Higonokami   <--- Includes prettier pictures.  Really, it's much better work than what you're reading here.  Click that link and don't look back.

5.  It Can Be Tuned For The User

While I just scratched my initials into the brass, the one I gave to my best friend we pinched near the hinge in order to increase the friction.  Use a cloth and pliers.  Start small.

Problems:

1.  Carry 

It's not a great knife to EDC.  A normal pants pocket will tend to make it sit horizontally.  Given it's length, this is not a workable situation.  The skinny pocket on carpenter's jeans and the inside pocket of a heavy jacket are good places for this knife.  The bottom line for me is that it's simply not comfy to carry in jeans, and for this reason it gathers tarnish and dust.

2.  Sharpening

I simply cannot sharpen this edge without chipping it.  I'm positive that the problem is with me, as it came to me wonderfully sharp and free of imperfections.  The upside: it holds an edge well, if you can get one.

Other Things to Know About the Higonokami:

• There is a real Higonokami.  It is an exceedingly old brand.  The imitators ought not be called Higonokami I believe.
• I don't know if mine is legitimate or not.  That's why I used quotes.

The bottom line:  For what you pay, you get a lot.  Own one!

Knife Review: Opinel No7 Trekking Vertigo

The Best Thing About the Opinel Trekking Vertigo:

It's just like the Opinel No. 9! 

This knife has a lot of the same benefits of the Opinel No. 9, with a stainless steel blade that is worth getting excited about.  I prefer carbon steel, but the stainless used in this knife is good.

Opinel No7 Trekking Vertigo