Higo Hoseki Damast Folding Knife 18

You can almost sense the history behind this knife - just hold it in your hand and it's there. Fragile but strong, nice , sharp damascus blade too !

Nice little knife. Bought it for the novelty of owning a Damascus blade. Lovely pattern.

Simplistic design is as wonderful as any Higonokami, the Damascus blade a subtle addition with fine workmanship. Barely sharp out of the box and only good as a letter opener but with some whetstone effort easily a very attractive EDC pocket knife although the blade mechanism protrudes somewhat so the knife doesn't lie flat. Buy the cheaper versions for function but buy this for style!

I already own the basic version, and bought this one based on that purchase. (The blade shape and ability to get it razor sharp are it’s virtues) This version is more of that plus it’s also more stain resistant. This knife is expensive given it’s basic design but the blade quality more than makes up for this and actually this is the best small gentleman’s folder edc on the market, it fits any pocket and is the most usable knife for any small tasks. Absolutely ideal for sculpting plaster board and opening your lunchtime sandwich packet. Once you’ve got it spend a little time honing on a wet stone and polishing the brass and then leave it (apart from an occasional strop) for ever. (Oh after a few years you may like to tighten the blade with a GENTLE bash on the rivet with a small hammer against a vice)

This thing is beautiful . If you like Damascus blades you can’t go wrong with this bad boy. It is cheap and elegant . Really well made and the history behind the company is another reason to own it.

Brilliant quality. Finish is above photos and expectation. Shame it appears to be out of stock now, I'd buy another one. Thanks very much!

Received very quickly as is to be expected from HH - great service. This Higonokami is attractive and the brass handle adds a traditional and classy look to the knife. Compared to the likes of the Boker Plus XS this is far more "gentlemanly" and when coupled with the Leather Slip Pouch (SKU: SH1169) sits safely and subtly in the pocket. The Damascus blade adds a unique touch although will take careful sharpening to avoid scuffing the blade. That said, whilst it didn't come all that sharp, the blade will take a nice edge with little work and the point is narrow and strong enough for intricate use. Not the best knife for convenience - due to the design, one hand opening is possible but tricky without risking some nasty cuts - but for leisure and "just in case" use this is a great choice. The history to the design and maker add to the appeal and at a very reasonable price.

The four little characters read right to left and say tou roku sho hyo (touroku shohyo) which says registered trademark, big characters top to bottom read higonokami sada kanekoma wich means a true higonokami from kanekoma. Kanekoma is their business name and it's a true higonokami because they own the rights to make them. Although we use higonokami to describe this style of Japanese knife strictly only this company can use the name, much like we call all vacuum cleaners a hoover in the UK. They are a fith generation family business hand making these from a small workshop in Japan. Grab one while you can.

Yes Bob if you lay it flat on the stones it will spoil the damask finish, although the damask is real and goes right through the outer sandwiches the surface affect is produced by etching and is very thin, even metal polish or stopping paste will remove it. You are right that the best way to sharpen them is a zero grind but with this one a micro bevel is best, you will sacrifice a little sharpness for beauty. It will still take a absolute hair popping edge even with a micro bevel. Once sharpened it will only need stroping unless you do something daft with it. While on the subject non damask higonokami are best sharpened to a zero grind scandi style, once finished if you put them in a cup of boiling vinigar it will produce a misty hamon like on a Japanese sword, it's not exactly the same as it's differential tempering on a sword and the core steel on the higonokami. You will need to strop just the edge after etching as it slightly bluntens it. Remove the blackness from the etch with a non abrasive polish such as duraglit wadding.