Higonomaki question!

[kirk13]

So I bought a medium size Higonomaki friction folder



And I rather like it! But,here's my question. What kind of steel is the blade made of? Is it carbon? And should I force a patina? Heinies list it as being SK steel,whatever that is Anyone have any experiance of these?

http://www.heinnie.com/nagao-higonomaki-steel

[shark_za]

There are Japanese water hardened carbon steels called SK1, SK2, etc.
Same base composition but varying levels or carbon,1 has high carbon like 1.5% and 5 down to 0.9%; sk7  is 0.7%

People compare it 1080, 1095 etc, depending on the carbon levels.

[kirk13]

Cheers Boet

So it's something similar to what Opinel use?

[AimlessWanderer]

Yes, I think they're all carbon. Cold Steel's Bushman knives are SK5 I believe. Just another steel specification to confuse us all. As to forcing a patina, just eat a couple of apples with it are 

How's it feel in the hand, John? It's weird how a Douk Douk will get slated for being uncomfortable and rusting easily, but Higonomakis don't seem to get that flak

EDIT: my phone makes me late in replying 

[kirk13]

Al,this far,I prefer it to my Douk-douk. Feels a bit safer closing it

What I think I'd like to do is fit a set of scales of some sort,maybe a thin wood or micata,to make it a bit easier to handle

[shark_za]

SK5 is very much like the steel used by Opinel. (XC90 )

I saw a chart showing what is added or refined to move up the levels of Hitachi carbon steels from standard Japanese Industry Standard SK to their top steel "Super Blue" through the white and yellow wrappers.

[kirk13]

Cheers Shark

[shark_za]

Did it come in the traditional box?
Blue/Gold?

[AimlessWanderer]

I think there's two main companies these knives come from. I believe the Cap'n (I'm sure it was him) had a thread that shed some light on the two and their differences.

[kirk13]

Did it come in the traditional box?
Blue/Gold?

No,just a plastic sleeve. It is marked as a Nagao Higonokami,which I think makes it kosher

Found an interesting history of the type on British Blades
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?87498-Higonokami-story

[shark_za]

I first noticed these when a UK mate told me about them, I guess the format suits the laws and they are gaining popularity there.

[AimlessWanderer]

I think the traditional sized ones are actually a bit too big for over here (well, for general urban carry anyway). I do like the simplicity of them though, and I look forward to seeing that one at the meet John 

[kirk13]

I think the traditional sized ones are actually a bit too big for over here (well, for general urban carry anyway). I do like the simplicity of them though, and I look forward to seeing that one at the meet John 

I'll be sure to bring it

[jerseydevil]

A Higo is high on my list of traditional patterns to try out, that and the Douk Douk.  I love the Mercator K55K, and want to try the other all-metal old school designs.  I'm looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

[dks]

The more common  name is Higonokami     


they have been discussed previously here too:
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,26175.0.html

In theory there is only one real master making them, according to the tradition and relevant regulations, but many other are also making them.

young people, everything has to be given on a plate.... 

[Sparky415]

Thanks DKS
I wondered where I left that thread 

Sharp little knives    (I traded mine away)

[dks]

well, I did put a link to all specific knife threads in my signature, to help other members, but  me as well, to find these type of threads, but nobody notices it.. maybe I should see if the mods can make it flashing...   


The collection thread is in the edged forum

[Sparky415]

well, I did put a link to all specific knife threads in my signature, to help other members, but  me as well, to find these type of threads, but nobody notices it.. maybe I should see if the mods can make it flashing...   


The collection thread is in the edged forum

I’m old, I think flashing lights would confuse me