Higonokami Folding Knife – Blue Paper Steel 120mm

I bought this with some reservations. I typically do not buy knives sight unseen, especially knives that are often counterfeited. I'm happy to report the one I received is in fact the real thing and it's an amazing blade.Markers that show me it's authentic. First is the seller's (BEAUTY & YOUTH STORE) store location, which is in Hyogo prefecture same as the Nagao factory. Second was the box it arrived in (traditional yellow, blue, and gold) which also included a card with instructions for care and use inside. All writing translates as it should. Next the markings on both the handle and the blade are accurate and also translate appropriately, though in ALL of these cases I should note that google translate is NOT perfect. For example the blade stamp translates to "aogami interrupt" which is how google translates the markings for "blue paper steel". Google does the same even with factory images so consistency is key with google translate sometimes.Also those markings are clearly made BEFORE griding and sharpening, due to the fact that they are lighter near the spine (muni) which is consistent with how the Nagao Higonokami factory makes blades, also, the thumbpiece (chikiri) is part of the blade and hammered to shape, not welded on later like many copies.Then there's the blade itself.A VERY close look at the blade shows a true sandwiched blade, both on the unfinished area beneath the pivot rivet (kashime) and also along the "clip point" of the blade. It's subtle but it's there.Lastly there's the edge. The edge, as is traditional, is NOT shipped "shaving sharp"... BUT the edge is so WELL finished that it will still pass a "newspaper test" easily. I've had the knife three days and used it in place of my regular pocket knives (which get A LOT of use at work) and it's passed every test (including at work today where I cut over 17 feet of molded foam weather striping cleanly to shave it down to fit a door gap, a task actual razor blades can sometimes struggle with) so far so I haven't felt the need to sharpen it to a razor's edge, though I have ZERO doubt it will take one, and I plan on keeping the 20 degree angle to get the most out of it's performance.Since I've written this glowing review let's be clear about what this knife is in case you don't know. This is not a tactical knife, nor is it a "high end" knife. The edges of the stamped brass that serves as a handle are unfinished, and while not "cutting sharp" will need a bit of rounding out. Also, while mine came just about in the "sweet spot" an adjustment may need to be made in terms of friction, either by tapping the rivet with a hammer on a solid (preferably steel) surface to tighten, or alternately, using a flat tip screwdriver to loosen it slightly. Also, if you're not careful when closing the knife you can easily "bottom out" the edge against the handle which is not good for the blade. I plan on adding a thin bead of silicone caulk inside the handle to prevent this. Also, while I haven't had an issue with it yet, keep in mind the outer layers of the blade are carbon steel, and WILL rust if not kept dry and lightly oiled.These are just things inherent to this style of knife and these knives in particular.Currently, the lighting in my shop, including my bench lighting is out due to a blown breaker but as soon as that's fixed I'll update this review with pictures.

Fun and handy friction folder for EDC. It's lightweight, slim, and so easy to just slip in your pocket to await the everyday cutting tasks that come up. It's also a great conversation starter as it's the real deal, Japanese made hegonokami with the kanji etched into the San Mai carbon steel blade. It comes dry, so make sure to oil it up to prevent rust. Mine came perfectly centered and razor sharp. Retention is great and it will not open up unless you intentionally open it.

Great knife! I went with the blue paper blade and it’s perfect. Sharp, holds an edge and opens smoothly - not all of them do. This is a classic Japanese knife and I use it for opening boxes, food packaging, etc..the things I don’t want to use my expensive knives for but still want that Japanese forged quality that’s razor sharp, holds an edge and easy to sharpen.

This is one of the sharpest knives, out of the box, I've ever purchased. The pivot was a little tight when I got it, so I put a few drops of nano oil on it. This instantly made it much smoother and easier to open and close. For the money, it's impressive. My new bar knife. Perfect for cutting limes and lemons.

The size is perfect. The edge comes razor sharp and keeps its edge very well. The brass handle does need a little bit of sanding in the side or else it feels a little rough. Besides that a good everyday blade

If you’re looking for an every day carry knife that you use a lot, get a high quality lockback. It’ll be safer and more useful. If you’re looking for a piece of Japanese knife making history that’s a conversation starter as well as blade that can take a razor edge, this is for you. It’s a very basic knife that is constructed like a straight razor so you have to be careful using it. I have the smaller version in my pocket to open packages and letters. Blue paper steel is a very good knife steel that can take a fine edge.