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Japan’s Godzilla-Approved Heritage Knife Gets a Bevy of Modern EDC Upgrades

This contemporary take on one of the most iconic heirloom knives ever retains its spirit while introducing noteworthy changes.

Black folding knife with a patterned Damascus steel blade partially extended against a tan background.Kansept
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By Sean Tirman

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Of all the heirloom pocket knives, the Japanese higonokami style is undoubtedly one of the most iconic. And despite being over a century old, it’s still relevant today (it even makes an appearance in both seasons of Apple’s Godzilla show, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters).

Recently, Tenable launched a budget-friendly modern reinterpretation of that knife.

Now, its big sister brand has released an elevated version of that same knife, the Kansept Higonokami. And yes, it’s better in nearly every way while still maintaining what made it great.

Two folding knives with patterned handles and blades, one with a black blade and copper-accented handle, the other with a Damascus steel blade and dark textured handle.
The silhouettes and specs are largely the same, but the handles and blade steels differ.
Kansept

Japanese heritage

There are a few classic hallmarks of the higonokami, most of which are present on the Kansept interpretation of Tenable’s Higonokami. Perhaps the most significant is its overall silhouette.

This knife has a rectangular handle, which is simple but effective. And it pairs with a reverse tanto blade. Both of those elements are typically present on classic higos.

Similarly, that blade deploys via a front flipper mechanism. However, that’s where things start to differ.

Folding knife with a patterned steel blade and a black textured handle against a tan background.
While the knife retains the classic front flipper action of a traditional higo, it gets some functional upgrades, like a liner lock and pocket clip.
Kansept

Traditionally, higonokamis are non-locking friction folders (the flipper mechanism doubles as a “lock” when it is pinned by the user’s grip). However, this one gets a liner lock, which adds both security and convenience.

It also has a pocket clip, unlike classic examples. But that also increases its overall convenience and carry-friendliness.

Close-up of a folding knife handle with a black and copper marbled pattern and brass screws on a gold background.
This colorway has a 154CM blade and a Copper Carbon Fiber handle.
Kansept

Modern masterpiece

The other major change between this knife and more traditional higos is its materials. That’s also what separates it from the Tenable version.

While Tenable’s launch offered D2 steel and a few different handle materials (Micarta, G10 and twill carbon fiber), these two new versions really elevate it.

Black textured folding knife handle with brass screws and a partially visible patterned blade on a tan background.
This second option has a shredded carbon fiber handle and a Damascus steel blade.
Kansept

Both options come with carbon fiber handles — one is shredded and the other is copper carbon fiber. Then, the one with shredded carbon fiber gets a Damascus steel blade while the other is 154CM with a black finish.

Best of all, these significant upgrades don’t push the knives’ prices into the stratosphere. They’re still surprisingly affordable at just $130 apiece (on Blade HQ).

Hand holding a black folding knife with a textured copper and black handle against a tan background.
The knife measures 6.94 inches overall with a 3.01-inch blade.
Kansept

Availability and pricing

The Kansept Higonokami is now available on Blade HQ for $130 apiece (down from $187).

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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