■About Shipping■

I typically ship items via FedEx or DHL, but this item cannot be shipped through either service and will be sent via Japan Post instead. Please note that delivery may take 11–23 business days.

■Item Description■
Condition: New / Some scratches and rust from long-term storage / Opening action is stiff / The blade touches the inside of the handle when closing

Blade length :
– Knife : 2.4 inches (60 mm)
– Saw : 2.2 inches (55 mm)
– Sickle : 1.4 inches (35 mm)

Overall length : 5.9 inches (150 mm)

Spine Thickness :
– Knife : 1.6 mm
– Saw : 0.2 mm
– Sickle : 1.6 mm

Item Weight : 1.1 oz (31 g)
Blade Material : Probably Carbon Steel with Soft Iron (knife)
Handle Material : Stainless Steel
Country/Region of Manufacture : Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

・About this item

This is a Higo knife manufactured by Munechika as an OEM product under the model name “Chiyodamaru.”

Munechika was one of the most well-known brands among knives that do not carry the “Higonokami” name due to trademark restrictions. The company went out of business many years ago, so this is a true vintage item, likely made several decades ago.

The font used on the package is no longer in use today and was commonly seen several decades ago. Based on this, the knife is probably more than 50 years old.

It features three tools in one: a knife, a saw, and a sickle. The construction is solid, but when opening just the knife blade, the saw and sickle may come out together, which can be a bit inconvenient.

・What is the meaning of the characters engraved on the handle?

The handle is engraved with the words “Registered Higo Chiyodamaru.”

・What is Munechika?

Munechika is one of the most representative brands of Higo knives. They manufactured affordable Higo knives that did not use brass for the handle and also produced various OEM models. Although their knives were originally sold at low prices, the wide variety of Higo knives they produced has made them popular among Higonokami and Higo knife collectors here in Japan, where I live.

・Is this a Higonokami or a Higo knife?

→ This is a Higo knife.

Only knives made by the Nagao Kanekoma factory can officially use the “Higonokami” name, due to trademark restrictions.
As a result, traditional Japanese folding knives with the same structure made by other manufacturers are, when classified more precisely, referred to as “Higo knives.”
This knife also follows that traditional design and construction.

In the past, many companies other than Nagao Kanekoma were allowed to use the “Higonokami” name.
Some of them were officially recognized as Higonokami makers, but have since gone out of business.
Knives made by these now-defunct companies are often grouped together as “Higo knives,” which can make the distinction confusing.

This classification is not widely recognized outside Japan.
Even in Japan, only serious collectors are aware of this distinction.
In practice, most collectors enjoy both Higonokami and Higo knives regardless of the naming difference.

・Please note

I do not sharpen or clean Higonokami knives before shipping. This is because I do not know your intended use, and some of these knives have 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.

■About me■
I am a Japanese seller based in Japan.

All of the items I sell — whether new or used — are genuine and authentic.

I also hold an official permit issued by the Japanese police to sell second-hand goods, so you can purchase with confidence.

■About Delivery■
I send items via FedEx, DHL, or Japan Post.

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office before purchasing.

■Custom declaration■
The customs declaration form will state the exact amount paid by the buyer. Please do not ask me to lower the declared value. The buyer is responsible for any taxes or duties according to their country's tax laws.

■Other■
If you have any problems, please contact me before opening a case. I will do my best to resolve the issue.

Regards,