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Japan’s Beloved, Iconic EDC Knife Gets a Lock for the First Time Ever
Alphakogyo brings the Higonokami into the modern era with a unique screw hinge lock and a high-end steel blade upgrade.
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The Japanese higonokami folding knife has been an icon of Japanese knifemaking and EDC for well over a century and definitely qualifies as one of the most iconic knife designs of all time (we’ve even dubbed it an heirloom knife). While the design has remained largely the same over its entire existence, that might be poised for a change — if Alphakogyo has anything to say about it.
Launched on Kickstarter, the brand is running a campaign for a new version of the higonokami — one that gets a pretty major quality-of-life upgrade that many everyday carry fans are sure to love: a lock. Along with some other big changes, this already-fully-funded crowdfunding campaign could usher in a new era for the beloved Japanese knife, making it a real modern EDC contender, and not just a historically significant one.
This Higonokami’s screw hinge lock is simple, yet elegant and effective
Technically speaking, this appears to be the first time ever that a traditional Higonokami folding knife has been equipped with a locking mechanism. That means it’s no longer a friction folder, as it doesn’t require constant pressure to remain deployed — which is both more convenient to the user and safer overall. Yet, this novel lock — called the screw hinge lock — manages to be effective and easy-to-use without compromising the overall looks and functionality of the knife.
In short, a screw hinge replaces the knife’s original pivot, utilizing a simple disc that can be tightened or loosened to lock or unlock the knife, respectively. It can even be loosened enough to allow the blade to freely swing, like a normal friction folder. It’s such a simple, clever design, I’m surprised nobody has thought of it before. Then again, it makes sense that Alphakogyo was the brand to do it.
This is because Alphakogyo, headquartered in Miki City (the same city famous for the crafting of Higonokami knives), has actually used this locking mechanism before in a similar, successful crowdfunding campaign — albeit not with a traditionally styled Higonokami (i.e., one with a reverse tanto blade). Pair that with the brand’s 30 years of craftsmanship expertise and it’s clear how this knife came to be and why it’s so special.
The locking mechanism isn’t the only upgrade nor the only available design
Along with the screw hinge lock, Alphakogyo’s novel take on the Higonokami also gets an upgrade in the form of a VG-10 steel blade, a super steel known for its toughness, corrosion resistance and ability to hold an edge well (it’s commonly used for outdoor knives). This makes the knife a lot less precious and lends credence to its usage as a blade you might want to carry and use daily.
While the two larger knives, the Higonokami L and LL are the two that come with the screw hinge lock, there are also two smaller versions, the M and S, which are more traditionally equipped (should you prefer that). Similarly, the L and LL are priced starting at about $135 and $146, respectively, but the baseline price to back the project and still score a knife is about $85.
There are still more than two weeks to go on the project, and it’s already fully funded (as mentioned), but don’t sleep on this clever release if you have hopes of scoring a locking Higonokami for yourself.
