Pocket Knives
Browse our range of pocket knives featuring handmade Japanese pieces and precision-made factory knives. Whether for everyday carry, outdoor adventures or collecting, there's a pocket knife to suit every need.
Nagao Kanekoma
Founded in 1894 in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture, Nagao Kanekoma is a fifth-generation family workshop and the sole remaining producer of the authentic Higonokami folding pocket knife. Originally established by Komataro Nagao, the company has passed through five generations, with Mitsuo Nagao continuing the tradition of handcrafting these iconic knives today.
The Higonokami (肥後守), meaning "Lord of Higo," is a traditional Japanese friction folder recognised by its simple design and distinctive chikiri thumb lever. Unlike modern locking knives, the Higonokami has no spring or locking mechanism. The blade is opened using the chikiri and is held securely in use by the pressure of your thumb.
Nagao Kanekoma is also the legal holder of the Higonokami trademark, making it the only workshop permitted to produce genuine Higonokami knives bearing the historic stamp. Each knife is made using high-quality Japanese steels, including Aogami (Blue Paper Steel) from Hitachi, renowned for its outstanding edge retention, sharpness and ease of sharpening.
Today, every Nagao Kanekoma knife represents more than 130 years of Japanese craftsmanship, preserving one of Japan's most iconic pocket knife designs for a new generation.
Yoshimi Kotoh
Based in Fukuoka Prefecture on Japan's southern island of Kyushu, Yoshimi Kotoh is a highly respected independent knife maker specialising in handcrafted friction folding knives. Mr Yoshimi Kotoh began making knives at the age of 14 and has been producing and selling his custom work since 1980. He is also a long-standing founding member of the prestigious Japan Knife Guild (JKG).
Inspired by his passion for fishing and foraging, Kotoh's knives are designed to be lightweight, compact and practical for everyday carry and outdoor use. Each knife is individually handcrafted, combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern materials and precision engineering.
The handles are sculpted from carefully selected premium woods, including Black Persimmon, Burma Padauk, Quince and Japanese Cedar (Sugi), with some models featuring beautiful stag horn accents. Blades are crafted from high-performance steels such as VG-10, D2 and 8A, hardened to approximately 60 HRC for excellent edge retention and sharpness.
Every knife features adjustable hardware, allowing the opening friction to be finely tuned to the user's preference. As each piece is handmade, every knife has its own unique wood grain and character, comes supplied with a handcrafted leather carry pouch, and is engraved with the Kotoh name on the blade as a mark of authenticity.
Miyamoto Musashi
The Miyamoto Musashi name found on these traditional Japanese friction folding knives is not the name of the maker, but a tribute to one of Japan's most legendary samurai. Miyamoto Musashi spent his final years in the former Higo Province (modern-day Kumamoto Prefecture), where he wrote the famous Book of Five Rings. His name and image became closely associated with this style of pocket knife as a symbol of Japanese heritage and craftsmanship.
Today, the Miyamoto Musashi pocket knife range is manufactured by Maruyoshi Mfg. Co., Ltd., a company founded in 1969 in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture—one of Japan's most renowned centres for blacksmithing and cutlery. Maruyoshi specialises in traditional Japanese edge tools, producing a range of high-quality knives and woodworking tools.
Recognisable by the engraved silhouette of Miyamoto Musashi drawing his sword on the handle, these friction folding knives combine traditional design with modern materials. Many models feature beautifully patterned Damascus steel blades, while others are available with premium finishes such as polished brass or black handles with gold kanji detailing.
Inspired by a legendary samurai and crafted using Japanese knife-making traditions, the Miyamoto Musashi collection offers distinctive pocket knives that are as practical as they are collectible.
Swiss Army Knives
The Swiss Army Knife is one of the world's most iconic pocket tools, renowned for its versatility, reliability and unmistakable design. Originally developed for the Swiss Army in the late 19th century, it was created to help soldiers open food tins and maintain their service rifles. Over time, it evolved into an everyday companion trusted by adventurers, travellers, tradespeople and outdoor enthusiasts around the world.
The original Swiss Army Knife was created by Karl Elsener, who founded his cutlery workshop in Ibach, Switzerland, in 1884. After securing the first Swiss Army knife contract in 1891, his company became Victorinox, named in honour of his mother, Victoria, with "Inox" added later to represent the introduction of stainless steel.
Today, Victorinox Swiss Army Knives continue to be made in Switzerland and are recognised for their exceptional quality, precision and durability. From compact everyday carry models to feature-packed multi-tools with scissors, saws, screwdrivers, bottle openers and more, each knife is designed to provide practical solutions wherever life takes you.
Combining over a century of Swiss craftsmanship with innovative design, the Swiss Army Knife remains one of the most trusted and versatile pocket tools ever made.
Taylor's Eye witness
Founded in 1820 in Sheffield, England, Taylor's Eye Witness is one of Britain's oldest and most respected cutlery brands. Established by John Taylor, the company has been producing quality pocket knives for over 200 years, earning a reputation for combining traditional craftsmanship with practical everyday performance. The iconic Eye Witness trademark, registered in 1838, was created as a distinctive symbol of quality at a time when many customers identified makers by their mark rather than their name.
Taylor's Eye Witness pocket knives are best known for their classic slipjoint designs. The blades are crafted from either traditional high-carbon steel or modern stainless steel, while handles are available in a variety of materials, including stag horn, buffalo horn, ox horn, rosewood and ebony, each offering its own unique character and grain. Many models also feature solid brass liners and pins for strength, durability and smooth operation.
Today, the range includes two distinct collections. The Premier Collection is handmade in Sheffield by skilled craftsmen, featuring premium natural handle materials, detailed finishing and traditional techniques that make each knife a true collector's piece. Alongside these are Taylor's Eye Witness everyday utility knives, designed in Sheffield and manufactured overseas to offer reliable quality and excellent value for daily use.
Whether you're looking for a handcrafted heirloom or a dependable everyday pocket knife, Taylor's Eye Witness continues to uphold over two centuries of British knife-making heritage.