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Hangbot
33
Dec 2, 2017
As a Higo collector, I can say this price is actually decent, considering it’ll be close to what you’d pay for it in Japan.
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(For size comparisson: Massdrop x Boker Wooden Mirror Kwaiken on the left, SAK Tinkerer on the right. The Massdrop Higo is the sister to the third knife from the right.)
This model that Massdrop is selling is a higher end version of the much less expensive and common tanto, which can range from $15 (SK Steel) to $35 (Blue Steel or White Steel). The model for sale is White Steel and considered to have a “leaf blade style” or more commonly known as a drop point, and is personally my least favorite (which is why I haven’t gotten one yet:D).
Quick note: 1. SK Steel is the least expensive with the most impurities and similar to American 1080 Steel. 2. Blue Steel holds an edge better, easier to forge, and is what made Zoolander an icon. 3. White Steel can have a sharper edge and needs more skill to forge.
These are handmade by Nagao Higonokami - the only official manufacturer allowed to use the name “Higonokami”. Hugo’s are made in Miki, Japan which isn’t very far from Seki City - where some really good blades come out of, including some Spydercos. They make awesome additions to your EDC, and I carry one (pictured with the paracord & bullet) as my secondary knife everyday.
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Crayons
1
Dec 5, 2017
HangbotYou seem to be quite that expert! I was really keen on a brass but it sold out :( Am I missing something here whats the differnce the metal?
https://www.amazon.com/Higo-Kami-10-Pocket-Seisakusho/dp/B00EU8MLQY#Ask
Hangbot
33
Dec 5, 2017
CrayonsShirogami (also known as “white paper steel”, named for the wrapping used by its manufacturer) is used to make tools that can be sharpened to an excellent edge. It’s a carbon steel with very small amounts of the impurities P (phosphorus) and S (sulfur). It has a very narrow range of temperatures for hardening and requires the blacksmith to be very skilled.
Aogami (known as “blue paper steel”, again named for the wrapping used by its manufacturer) also contains very little P and S, but W (tungsten) and Cr (Chromium) are added to make the hardening temperature less critical and to increase wear resistance for longer- lasting sharpness. In the power grinding steps of manufacture, the white and blue steels can be distinguished by their sparks. White steel produces many bright sparks, but blue steel produces fewer, smaller sparks.
SK steel contains a lot of P, S and other impurities but is very easy to temper, thus commonly used for manufacturing knives and tools that can be sold at a low price. The Higonokami sold with this Steel usually go for $10-15 And come with a shiny silver or black stainless steel handle.
The Higo you linked says the blade is Warikomi, which means it‘s most likely the White Paper Steel core with a softer steel on the side and spine. That translates into a sharper edge with a more durable spine.
I was told that told that the quality of the White & Blue paper steels weren‘t critical; it just depended on what you were going to use them for and prioritized - a long lasting edge or a sharper edge.
Crayons
1
Dec 5, 2017
HangbotThanks Hangbot I really appreciate your reply! The main reason for my purchase is for a piece of history and a nice keep sake, so I think the one I got off amazon as long as its legit will do fine. Thanks again!
Hangbot
33
Dec 6, 2017
CrayonsTwo other great knives with history to look into are the Black Cat by Mercator (Germany) and a Douk Douk (France). Also beautiful examples of knife history.
Crayons
1
Dec 6, 2017
HangbotWow they are both beautiful and quite affordable to. Thanks think I will grab those at some point to!