In 1896, on the banks of the Mino River in Miki, Japan, blacksmiths forged the first everyday carry knife. Named the Higonokami, the knife quickly gained popularity, becoming the go-to tool for students and workers needing to sharpen pencils and complete everyday tasks.
The James Brand, continuing the legacy of everyday carry products, visualized a tribute to the knife that started it all.
An Ode to the Classic.
The Higonokami: The James Brand x Blackwing Pencil Collaboration
June 2024
Duration: 10 Weeks
Design Intern at The James Brand
Grounds for Collaboration
Two Brands Committed to Craft.
The James Brand
In 2012, The James Brand was founded in a garage in Portland, Oregon. 13 years later, the brand is held in high regard by the Everyday Carry (EDC) community for its quality materials and minimalist and cohesive design style.
Blackwing Pencil Company
For Blackwing, pencils are more than just a writing utensil. Blackwing prides itself in serving artists, musicians, writers, and creatives to provide an intimate experience between the user and its art. As the “premium” pencil brand for creators, Blackwing continues to put their users first.
With The James Brand and Blackwing looking to collaborate, the Higonokami knife was an immediate common ground between the two companies.
As the first EDC knife with the design intent to sharpen pencils, the Higo was built for the crossover of these two brands.
Target Category
The Redstone
$99, 6.2” and 1.8 oz
The Higonokami
$99, 6 - 6.5”
The Ellis Slim
$99, 6.5” and 1.8 oz
Design Objective: design a lightweight, modern iteration of
the Higonokami knife, incorporating traditional design
features while adhering to The James Brand’s minimalist
design language.
Design Phase
Higonokami Knife Disassembly
Understanding the internals of the knife
Illustrator Sketching
Defining Proportions, Scale, and Color.
Final Concepts
Working with TJB Designers on ergonomics
CAD Iterations
Version 1
Feedback:
-The edges of the blade are not flush with the handle
-Lever feels too thin under finger when the blade is open
-The edge of the blade is too curved
-The decorative divot in the handle feels too large and uncomfortable
Version 2
Feedback:
-The grind line should outline the top of the handle
-Thickness of handle needs increased
-Lever still feels uncomfortable under finger
-Decorative divot feels better, but still interferes with user’s palm uncomfortably
Version 3
Feedback:
-Blade and grind line meshes with the handle well
-Proportions of the lever to the handle corrected
-Blade, handle and lever forms work well both folded and unfolded
-Small detailing is prominent without becoming overwhelming
A Knife Born in Necessity.
On the banks of the Mino River in Miki, Japan, blacksmiths forged the first Everyday Carry knife, the Higonokami, meaning “Lord of Higo”. The pencil-sharpening blade provided students and workers with the tool they needed right in their back pocket, fueling EDC’s popularity.
Today, we’re going back to our roots, bringing our personal touch to the knife baked into history. Featuring a 440C stainless steel blade with a black-oxide stainless steel handle, The Higo brings a premium experience without losing an ounce of tradition.
Product Details
A Modern Take on a Historic Knife
Features the Historic Aspects of The Knife Forged by the River.
440C Stainless Steel Blade
A Blade to Last a Lifetime.
User-Locking Mechanism
No Fancy Mechanism. Just your finger, Just Like the Real Thing.
440C Stainless Steel 90° Brushed Blade
6.8” Unfolded Length, 4.1” Folded
Made for James.
A TJB take on a timeless knife, implementing a minimal design while respecting the tradition that made the knife a resounding success.
The Details
The “Chikiri” provides the locking mechanism for the knife, the user’s thumb serving as leverage to lock the blade in place.
Lanyard hole allows for quickly grabbing The Higo whenever and wherever you need it.
Built for more.
Two companies dedicated to quality craft, storytelling, and above all else, the user. This collaboration pairs a timeless pencil and a precision sharpening tool, for the artist in all of us.
The James Brand will use this design alternative as inspiration as they continue exploring The Higonokami knife for their product line.