Higonokami Aogami L (90mm Blue Paper Steel)

Higonokami is the most famous folding knife in Japan. In the 1960s - 1970s, almost everyone had Higonokami in Japan. Now Higonokami is famous for outdoor knives all over the world.

This friction folder has a 3.5" (89mm) traditional Japanese-style blue paper steel reverse tanto blade with a brass handle. The blade is fully concealed in the brass handle when closed. It is extended tang with a lanyard hole for easy carry.

Currently, all Higonokami are handmade by artisan craftsman Mr. Mitsuo Nagao, the fifth generation of Higonokami makers.

Higonokami is patented. Although there are plenty of people trying to copy the design, Mr. Nagao is the only person on earth that is allowed to make the original Higonokami knife.

Features:

• Blade Material: San Mai Blue Paper Steel
• Blade Length: 3.5" / 89mm
• Length Closed: 4.75"
• Length Open: 8.25"
• Handle: Brass
• Weight: 70 g
• Extended Tang
• Lanyard Hole
• Locking System: Friction
• Made in Japan

What is Blue Paper Steel? 

Origin. It is called Blue Paper Steel because its manufacturer Hitachi packs them with a piece of blue paper. It has a cousin called White Paper Steel. White Paper Steel is identical to the traditional Tamahagene steel used for the production of Samurai swords but made in a modern way.

Blue Paper Steel is White Paper Steel with the addition of small quantities of chrome and Wolfram. That improves the characteristics of Blue Paper Steel making it better corrosion and chipping resistant comparing White Paper Steel.

You will find Blue Paper Steel in high-end cutlery for its superior edge retention and ease of sharpening.

This ‘Sandwich’ structure encloses hard steel with soft iron. Higonokai is a double-edged V-shaped, you can use either side, regardless of the dominant hand.