DETAIL
■Item Description■
Condition: New / Some scratches and rust from long-term storage / No Box
Blade length : 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Overall length : 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Spine Thickness : 0.3 mm
Item Weight : 0.4 oz (12 g)
Blade Material : Unknown
Handle Material : Stainless Steel
Country/Region of Manufacture : Japan
・About this item
This is a vintage Japanese folding knife that was designed for children, based on the same structure as traditional friction folder knives often referred to as Higonokami. It does not have the word “Higo” or “Higonokami” engraved on the blade or packaging, but the shape, folding mechanism, and overall construction follow the same design concept.
It was intended as a simpler and safer tool for school use, and was mainly used by children to sharpen pencils or for carving during art class.
I haven’t seen this type of knife in over 30 years. About 30 years ago, I saw a child using one to sharpen a pencil — but even then, it was the only time I ever saw it being used. This suggests it was manufactured much earlier. Based on the font style printed on the knife, I estimate it was made around 1960.
The front of the package reads “Jingorō Knife” and “Jingorō-mark Stationery Manufacturer, Hiroshima.” It is unclear whether the knife was made in Hiroshima or whether that was simply the company’s location.
The back of the package says “Jingorō Knife Chōkokutō (Carving Knife)” and includes a space where the owner could write their name.
I have listed this knife under the Higonokami category because it shares the same traditional folding structure, even though it is not marked as “Higo” or “Higonokami.”
・Please note
I do not sharpen or clean vintage folding knives before shipping. This is because I do not know your intended use, and some of these knives—especially older models—may have tight or stiff opening mechanisms.
Sharpening them perfectly may result in a razor-sharp edge, which could cause injury if the opening is tight.
Therefore, I leave the condition as found, and ask that you sharpen or clean the knife according to your preference and safety.
