[Benning Boy]

This thing is wicked sharp.....

[Franciscomv]

That's a higonokami, a really cool friction folder. They come in different sizes. These are the Japanese Opinel, Douk Douk or Sodbuster.

What has always amazed me about these is the ridiculously high quality blades they've got. They are san-mai blades usually with Shirohami (Hitachi white) or Aogami (Hitachi blue) steel core (I've seen some with VG-10 cores as well) run at very high hardness (60°RC and up).

"Triple lamination" is just a misnomer, it's the same technique you're familiar with on Moras.

Since 1907 Higo no kami has been a trademark of the Miki prefecture knifemaker's guild, its members where the only ones authorized to use it. The only remaining Miki smith authorized to brand his knives with this name is Motosuke Nagao (he's an elderly man in his late 70s). I'm not sure whether he makes the whole thing or just the blades.

You've got a really awesome knife there, BB.

[Benning Boy]

I am amazed at your vast knowledge. Thank you, good sir!

[Franciscomv]

You just happened to ask about one of my favourite types of knives, I enjoy this sort of traditional pieces a lot.

[Benning Boy]

Okay, so your opinion on this, which she also got me....

[Benning Boy]

Rough finish, but authentic, and I think the steel will sharpen up nicely, already getting that nice patina.

Your thoughts, oh master?

[Franciscomv]

Another classic! There are several different models, the larger ones have a lock similar to the one used on some Spanish navajas. Their origin is similar to the Douk Douk, they were meant to be an inexpensive knife to be exported to German colonies.

They were made in Germany from 1902 to 1987. In 1988 a South African company bought the trademark and started manufacturing them.



Fit and finish is usually rather rough, and the blades are quite dull out of the box but they sharpen up nicely. I've got a couple of the larger locking ones. I got them for a few bucks at a gun show and abused them like hell while volunteering at archeological digs.

Ragnar (Ragweed Forge) is a good US source for them. Nice chap to deal with.

[Benning Boy]

I saw the Cold Steel remakes, but I'm into authentic right now.

Good input, sir. I am pleased, and the wife made great calls.

[Garadex]

I have a problem, no matter what knife sharpener I use it never sharpens my knife. Could you give me a recomendation on what sharpener I should buy and/or what secret techniques I should use?

[Benning Boy]

What kind of knife, and what kind of sharpeners have you used?