Folding Knife - Black Persimmon Wood
Hand forged, Higo-style folding knife by Yoshimi Kotoh, with a black persimmon wood handle and D2 tool steel blade. The style is that of a friction blade, similar to higonokami and it does not lock. It comes with a leather pouch.
- Length when open: 14.5cm
- Length when closed: 10.5cm
- Blade length: 6cm
- Blade thickness: 2mm
Please note: Since each knife is made individually and the handle is made from natural wood, the colour and wood grain will be unique and not exactly as pictured. D2 steel is a semi-stainless steel with high resistance to rust, but the knife should still be washed by hand and dried well after use.
Also available in a different blade style with quince wood handle.
Higonokami have a long history dating back to 1896 as a small blade which could be manufactured by blacksmiths who lost business due to the ban on samurais carrying swords in public. They became very popular as an everyday knife for Japanese people of all ages. This knife is based on the classic design, but replacing the steel handle with a wooden one.
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KOTOH brand folding knives are made by Mr Yoshimi Kotoh from Fukuoka Prefecture. He is not in the public eye much, but began making knives at the age of 14, selling his knives since 1980. As a long-standing member of the Japan Knife Guild, he is especially known for the exquisite natural wooden handles that add lightness and beauty to his folding knives. Kotoh san apparently loves fishing, but is also an expert forager of wild mushrooms and vegetables. These knives offer something small and nimble to carry with you for daily cutting and foraging tasks and come with a leather pouch.