WWII Japanese Soldier’s Personal Pocket Knife

A folding pocket knife known as a “Higo no Kami”, a type of folding pocket knife originating in Miki, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan in 1896. The knife has no locking system, but is a friction folder, using the friction of the swivel or the pressure of the user’s thumb on its lever or chikiri, to prevent the knife from folding during use. Approximately 3-1/4 inches when closed, with a blade approximately 2-1/2 inches. The blade shows spots and verdigris, while the case exhibits a dark and uncleaned patina. The case also bears kanji characters which read “Steel Core” above a Dragon-under-an-Angle company logo.