KATSU Handmade Full Damascus Steel Bamboo Style Japanese Razor Pocket Folding Knife with Pocket Clip

I'm not a knife collector, but I did want to have a blade that is larger than the one on my swiss tool, and I've always wanted to own a piece of damascus steel. This is a beautiful knife. It will definitely see some use in my house, but I can see how some people would keep this as a showpiece. The opening and closing actions are smooth, and the knife feels solid. There's no wobble or flex anywhere, and the spine is plenty thick. Everything is aligned perfectly. In short it is what you would expect from a Japanese made product. It seems to be a real forged blade, but I am no expert. Mine was shipped sharp but not razor sharp. I tried looking up the Katsu knife company on the internet, but I could not find any information. Without finding any info on the knife maker, it is hard to verify the country of origin or if indeed this was hand forged. But even if this came out of China or Pakistan whoever made it clearly has some skill. I would not carry this around without it's sheath. There's no spring to snap it shut like you would find on a pocket knife, and it's fairly easy to open up. If I kept this in my front pocket, I would worry about the blade eventually partially deploying. There's a liner lock to keep the blade in place when opened which is great, but for safety purposes I wish there was a mechanism to keep it closed too. Update: I am changing my rating to 5 stars. While the knife opens easily I don't think it is any more likely to open on you compared to most other folders this size. I still really like this knife, but of late it's mostly been assigned desk duty. For my tastes it is a little too heavy to be in my pocket all the time (it weighs about 5.2 oz and I want something more in the 3-3.5oz range), and the blade length is a bit overkill for my everyday needs. Also due to the heavy metal handle, the knife balance is biased more towards the back than I would prefer. The wood scale or G10 version is probably a better choice if you want to carry this with you all the time. These are all personal preferences so your mileage may vary. Still though, it's just a striking piece to hold and handle. Edit: Some reviews speculate that this is laser etched steel rather than true Damascus. I don't believe that is the case. The reason is that if the steel were laser etched, I would expect the pattern in the product photos and all the user photos to be identical. But if you look carefully at the patterns in each photo, there are notable variations, which leads me to believe this is the real thing.

This is a beautiful knife. Especially if you like Damascus steel. There is no wiggle or looseness in the knife. The blade is a little tight, but that's because it's new. The only con is the knife is a little on the heavy side. But considering the knife is all steel, I knew this from the get go. Also the price is right. It certainly isn't Benchmade quality, but it's not Benchmade price either. I'm happy with what I received.

INITIAL REVIEW AFTER 24 HRS: THIS KNIFE IS JUST AMAZING! ! ! INCREDIBLE ENGINEERING, SUPERB CRAFTSMANSHIP, QUALITY MATERIALS AND BEYOND AN EXCELLENT VALUE. Katsu is a new emerging superstar that deserves a detailed review, is outstanding for low to mid range budgets and it's value is well beyond it's MSRP. I have quite a few folders, but I just wanted something that wasn't like any of my other knives with a Japanese flair and this perfectly fit my current prefs. This knife is very classy and will be a perfect gentleman's carry. It arrived extremely quickly - just two days to Hawai'i, it was razor sharp out of it's box and deployed very nicely using my thumb or index finger. With only 24 hrs of receiving this beauty, it's quality quickly placed it up there with higher end folders like Cold Steel, CRKT, Kershaw, SOG, Mcustas and others IMO. Once Katsu really becomes known - I'm guessing their prices may quickly increase or at least they should. Not that I'm not pleased with paying under a hundred dollars for it, but this $90 model (including tax and shpg) could very easily sell for $200 - $300 once the word gets out. I mean. . . REALLY - Solid Genuine Japanese Folded Steel ('Damascus') for under $90. I have two Japanese Folded Steel folders, two other Damascus folders and a San Mai Tactical that were each, well over $100 and the 'Damascus' patterning on Katsu's Modernized Higo Warikomi is more than acceptible - very similar to my Mcusta. I'll update this review after I'm better acquainted with this new pup in a few days. UPDATED AFTER 100 HRS: KATSU'S HIGO STYLE WARIKOMI - ICHIBAN DESU! WITH THIS PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN COMPANY - I took a chance and I'm beyond glad that I did. Japanese materials and styling with it's unique Higonokami style deployment mechanism greatly intrigued me. I bought the KATSU (roughly translated: Victory) Titanium Carbon Fiber VG-10 FOLDER about a week ago and it quickly became my favorite piece. I liked that knife sooo much that I decided that I needed to get this All Japanese Folded Steel ('Damascus') Model sooner than I had planned. I was going to EDC the TiCF Model three months before getting another model. That decision quickly changed after just three days of getting acquainted with my first piece. This precision engineered knife deserves a comprehensive review. I AM ABSOLUTELY & IRREVOCABLY BLOWN AWAY BY THE QUALITY OF THIS AMAZING FOLDER! IT IS DEFINITELY WORTH MUCH MORE THAN IT'S MSRP. After nearly 100 hours of getting acquainted with this Katsu, I've decided that it's value is just "MORE"! In fact, everything about this Japanese Folded Steel "Damascus" Warikomi Baby Beast is MUCH MORE than I expected. There is a difference between San Mai (sandwiched-like layering) vs. Warikomi (taco-like layering) where the outer layers are folded over the spine of the blade. The blade's spine apparently doesn't reveal the VG10 core as it does on the tang / Higo mechanism of the blade. My first attempt at this cool deployment mechanism went very smoothly without any hitches. I can see myself playing with my new tool / toy for many years to come - absolutely no BS or hype. It's a gorgeous, fully functional and a fun cutting tool / fidgeter! When I first saw the Katsu about a week ago, I was drawn to it's unique Higo style deployment mechanism with it's modified drop point reverse tanto blade shape. Whoever originally came up with the idea of merging Eastern and Western influences by adding a liner lock to the traditional Higonokami is brilliant. I've been selectively collecting knives for more than 25 years now and I keep asking myself the same question. . . why another knife? Simple answer - excellently engineered with fine craftsmanship, genuine quality materials, VERY cool styling, reasonably priced along with more than 400 good reviews. Near Zero Tolerance Specs! For my tastes, this knife is near perfect! I really love 'Damascus' steel, sleek innovative designs, superb engineering and well executed craftsmanship. This knife is certainly all of that and more. In it's traditional styling, this Classy Higo is a beautiful example of Warikomi Japanese Folded Steel ('Damascus') that 'tacos' a very sharp VG10 core. This knife arrived extremely quickly - just two days to Hawai'i. It was razor sharp out of it's box, but the deployment mech was very tight. That was easily fixed. I became very quickly addicted to fidgeting with my new knife as soon as I got it. After about 500 flips and a very lite coat of Tsubaki / Camellia Oil, the pivot wore just enough to rectify the fresh out of box stiffness. At a 1000 flips, it now operates as smooth as silk. I've found this issue in several of my $200+ knives. The genuine leather sheath and Hessian cloth sack that came with it will be useful whenever this folder is not in use, but it's new permanent home, at home or work, will normally be in my pocket. These are folders that I'll be proud to whip out whenever the need arises, even if it's just to open a letter or box, but it is very capable of doing much more and at it's price point, it won't bother me at all to use them often. Whether Katsu Knives were made in Japan or China makes no difference to me depending on specifically "where" in China. This incredible piece of engineered craftsmanship is a high quality piece. It does have the Japanese Kanji for Katsu laser engraved on the blade without any indication of the Country of Origin. Because of the way the engraving was done on the folds of the steel and how the lines shine where the engraving is, it's tell-tale that the verbage isn't just lightly laser etched like many other reputable companies mark their pieces. On some of my knives, in an effort to regain a mirror finish, I've tried to hand buff the blade and the verbage is too often, easily removed. According to Katsu's Website, they openly state that their KITCHEN knives are made in Yangjiang - China's world renowned Knife Capitol, similar to what Seki City is in Japan. So again, IMO, so what if it's made or assembled in China. . . ?! I'm not Chinese. I am part Japanese (Samurai Descent), so it has nothing to do with national preferences. I was just open minded enough to get a grip and not let this fact be a deal breaker for me and I'm beyond happy! Remember, China has a lot of history for producing pretty incredible weaponry and they do outsource their blade steels from Japan! http://www.yangjiang.gov.cn/english/AboutYangjiang/Special_Yangjiang/Knives_Scissors/201203/t20120315_56822.html Unlike it's big brother, the KATSU TiCF VG-10 FOLDER, this model sports a stainless steel (instead of a titanium) pocket clip which makes it much more pocket friendly since ss is more flexible. There's no need to add a lanyard on this model. The more than adequate jimping at the back of the blade on the Higo mechanism and the outer edge of the liner lock with the ergonomic handle design will prevent your fingers from slipping onto the razor sharp edge. You just need to be careful of your thumb while deploying the blade, just as you need to be with thumb stud assisted openers. IMO, The 'Damascus' blade is appropriately thinner and very similar in thickness to my $750 Custom Titanium Devin Thomas Damascus Folder - very nice. The patterning is very similar to my Japanese Mcusta which sports Japanese Folded Steel. It's not as thin as a folding razor and is more than sufficient for normal light to medium duty. I tested the edge on thigh hairs and with virtually no pressure, the area was shaved clean. Once you get used to it's Higo style mechanism, you can choose to deploy your blade with a nice, slow and smooth movement with your thumb or very aggressively easily whip it out using the right side of your index finger. Part of the fun will be to figure out how / what's best for you. IMO, once you figure out exactly where to place your index finger on the stud, deployment can be compared to an assisted opener and is more effective as compared to using your thumb. This is a gravity / friction mechanism. It can be a little hard on your finger, but you'll toughen up, LOL. The TiCF Model is easier to deploy because of it's heavier blade, but it's little brother is also very capable. Either piece will be an excellent EDC for normal use depending on my plans for the day, but when I need something tougher, my Kydex sheathed Custom CPM-3V Field Knife will be at the ready. IMO, this folder is currently the Best Value for pocket knives on Amazon - I'd go as far to say that it's a been hidden gem. Did I mention how sexy it is? Any hotter and it would be smoking, LOL! If you're reading this and are on the fence regarding this Modernized Higo, now's the time to take the plunge - buy it, you won't regret it. I used to sell high quality name brand knives for years, this could easily sell for at least 2 - 3 times, maybe even up to five times more (as a custom knife) than their MSRP. My cheapest Ti Folder is $300 and my most expensive is $750 - All American Made. I actually really like this Higo Warikomi more than I like my $750 Custom Titanium Damascus Folder. This is more than likely assembled in China which explains how this incredible piece is selling so inexpensively on Amazon. Made in America = $300, Made in Japan = $200 and Made in China = $100! I'm just being real. I'll always prefer American Made because our quality is generally a lot better, but our prices are just too often, ridiculous for comparable materials and specs. The tight tolerances, perfect balance, ergonomics, great materials and innovative design could easily warrant an appropriately higher price. Some argue that this knife is too heavy, but I do own other solid steel folders and this isn't any heavier than any of those - proportionately. IMO, this has an excellent weight for it's size, but this pup is not for the light handed since it's Solid Steel, so if you're looking for something not quite substantial, I'd recommend Katsu's model with G10 scales. Personally, I like heavy folders that let me know that they're still with me through the day. I've lost a very good knife before because it was so light that I couldn't even tell when it fell out of my pocket. FYI, I have absolutely no affiliations with Katsu and have not received anything in exchange to write this unbiased review - this model deserves someone to tell it like it is. As I warned at the beginning - comprehensive review, lol. Hope this helps someone.

The build quality seems excellent with tight tolerances and no wear marks. It has a smooth opening out of the box and with a lock that clicks secure. It's weighty, but not more than the weight of a common smart phone. Folded length and width is very carry friendly. 3.5 Stars cuz this isn't folded steel Damascus(modern tech). I know the whole "the real technique was lost" deal, but even tho, modern Damascus steels usually do incorporate folds in the hundreds. This is 2 (seems to be) stainless steel plates sandwhiching a darker carbon steel core(my novice knife collector brain thought that technique was San Mai?), which I guess could pass for Damascus in the sense that it has mixed steels(mixed = next to each other?). But, correct me if I'm wrong, you could not get the "Damascus pattern effect" on this knife with 3 sandwiched layers without it being visible on the spine as well? Real modern Damascus steel looks like stainless, until it is acid washed and the intrinsic properties of each layer of metal causes the effect. If this were real Damascus steel, the spine would look just like regular stainless if it was protected from the wash, or patterned like the rest of the blade if it's real DS. Why is the 3 layer laminate so prominent? Did they add that for no reason? Of course not, so this is 3 layered laminated "damascus steel" and the pattern is some kind of artificial etch not related with the actual steel content of the knife. If I am completely wrong someone correct me. I'm just going off of 6 hours of Google searches. The questionable "authenticity" of the steel make up may bring failure sooner rather than later. So I really can't speak for the material qualities of this knife. Only that, if this is fake damascus, at least they put all the pieces together nicely, tho, for $70 you kinda want the real deal. UPDATE AFTER 15 MIN OF PLAYING AROUND: Still 3.5 Stars, but I do want to add that the thumb stick use to open the blade is superior to the common thumb peg on most folding knives. The thumb stick is caught by your thumb and rotates to the back of the blade on full open and doubles as a jimped thumb guard. In a common thumb pegged folding knife, you would have to move your thumb from the thumb peg to the back of the knife for a firm grip. With the thumb stick on this knife, your thumb is already at its final resting spot on full open. Same with index finger open. This untactical looking knife actually has some real world tact. Update 2, after 1 day carry: I honestly like this knife enough that I ordered the whole line. Gonna keep the 2 Damascus blades and carry the D2. The opening is nice cuz you can catch the long thumb stick on the lining of your pants pocket to open the knife super quick. Similar to Cold Steels Ti-lite stiletto folders with the pants pocket assisted open. The stick doesn't protrude or is noticeable at all with IWB carry using the pocket clip. Just found out that William Henry($10k Damascus blades) are also "San Mai" style damascus with the pure core surrounded by 2 damascus plates. So chances are that this is also legit damascus.

Being introductorily familiar with KATSU knives, I thought I'd buy this as my first (I collect knives.) This is a beautiful piece, though the handle pattern is not quite to my taste, but it's not a blade I would recommend to others. I knew what I was getting into with this knife, and other reviewers here have covered its flaws and issues, but here is my critique: - The blade is a single layer of steel with Damascus scales (or plates or whatever the correct terminology is) fused to either side of it. This thickens the blade and, as others have mentioned, means that the cutting edge is not true Damascus and does not benefit from the qualities of the Damascus production process. - The handle is heavy and the balance is terrible. If you need to use this knife for any real work, you will become frustrated. Do not purchase this knife as an Every Day Carry (EDC), you will be disappointed. Prefer a more modest Katsu if you'd like this style for EDC or common utility work. - The cutting edge is razor sharp out of box, and the blade is strong and beautiful. I use this knife as a letter opener. I bought it with the intention of treating it as a dedicated letter opener, though I did experiment with carrying it for a few days. It serves its purpose well, in fact it's easily the best letter opener I've ever had. It is a pleasant sight to behold and worthy of any knife collector's interest at this price. It may not be what most think of as true Damascus, but it is still a high quality knife for an affordable price. Summary: Don't buy unless you've got pocket knife money to throw around, in which case, it's a fun knife to have around.