KATSU Bamboo Style Razor Review
I love Japanese knives, but not their traditional handles. Katsu’s bamboo style handle is visually stunning, provides a comfortable and secure grip, and has a pocket clip. It’s the perfect size for my pocket and I use it for various tasks.
Katsu’s handmade D2 steel blade is incredibly sharp and holds an edge exceptionally well. It’s just the right size for my pocket and I’m not worried about it falling out.
In this review, I’ll examine its features, pros, and cons, and offer tips on how to care for it.
- G10 thermoset plastic handle
- Easy one-handed thumb lever
- Not 100% sure it’s D2 steel
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Read for freeIn this post we'll cover:
- 1 Product details
- 2 Overview
- 3 Pros
- 4 Cons
- 5 Important features
- 6 Materials
- 7 Affordable Japanese Elegance with a Slight Edge
- 8 FAQ
- 8.1 Is this knife made in China?
- 8.2 What’s the finish on this blade? Satin? Mirror polish?
- 8.3 What is the handle made of?
- 8.4 Is this really a D2 steel?
- 8.5 Can the handle (grips) be removed easily, in case I want to install custom made wood grips?
- 8.6 How wide is the knife? Like from side to side, not top to bottom.
- 9 KATSU Bamboo Style Razor Alternatives
- 10 Conclusion
Product details
- Brand: KATSU
- Blade material: D2 Steel
- Handle material: G10 (fiberglass)
- Blade length: 3 inches
- Item length (folded): 4.5 inches
- Special features: Pocket clip, folding
- Recommended uses: Camping
Overview
From the moment I laid eyes on the KATSU Handmade D2 Steel Blade G10 Handle Bamboo Style JapanesePocket Knife (best ones like the overall top choice and a budget option reviewed here), I knew I had to have it. I’ve been using this knife for quite some time now, and I must say, it’s been an absolute pleasure. Here’s why:
- First off, the size is just perfect. At 4.5 inches closed and a total length of 7.5 inches, it’s compact enough to fit comfortably in my pocket, yet large enough to tackle various tasks with ease.
- The handmade D2 tool steel knife with a double bevel blade is a real game-changer. It’s incredibly sharp, durable, and holds its edge exceptionally well. I’ve used it for everything from opening packages to cutting rope, and it’s never let me down.
- The bamboo style G10 handle is not only visually stunning, but it also provides a comfortable and secure grip. The pocket clip is a nice touch, making it easy to carry around without worrying about it falling out of my pocket.
- I’m a huge fan of the traditional Japanese style thumb lever one-hand opening system. It’s smooth, efficient, and adds a touch of elegance to the overall design.
- Lastly, the high-quality modern Higonokami design is simply beautiful. It’s well-built, sturdy, and has a certain charm that sets it apart from other pocket knives on the market.
In short, the KATSU Handmade D2 Steel Blade G10 Handle Bamboo Style Japanese Razor Pocket Folding Knife with Pocket Clip has exceeded my expectations in every way. It’s a reliable, stylish, and high-performing tool that I’m proud to carry with me wherever I go.
Pros
Exceptional Blade Quality
The KATSU Handmade D2 Steel Blade is truly a work of art. The D2 steel used in the blade is known for its excellent edge retention, toughness, and resistance to wear and corrosion. This means that the blade will stay sharp for a long time, even with regular use. The craftsmanship of the blade is also impressive, with a beautiful bamboo-style pattern that adds a touch of elegance to the knife.
Comfortable and Durable G10 Handle
The G10 handle on this folding knife is not only visually appealing but also incredibly comfortable to hold and use. The bamboo-style design provides a secure grip, and the G10 material is known for its durability and resistance to moisture, making it perfect for outdoor use. The handle also features a pocket clip, allowing for easy and secure storage when not in use.
Smooth Opening and Closing Mechanism
The KATSU Handmade D2 Steel Blade folding knife features a smooth and reliable opening and closing mechanism. The knife opens easily with one hand, thanks to the well-designed thumb hole on the blade. The liner lock mechanism ensures that the blade stays securely in place when open, preventing accidental closures and potential injuries.
Compact and Portable Design
Despite its impressive blade and handle quality, the KATSU folding knife is surprisingly compact and portable. The folding design allows the knife to be easily carried in a pocket or bag, making it a perfect companion for everyday tasks or outdoor adventures. The added pocket clip also ensures that the knife stays securely in place during transport.
Cons
Potentially Challenging Maintenance
While the D2 steel blade offers excellent edge retention and durability, it can be more challenging to sharpen than some other types of steel. This may require additional tools or expertise to maintain the blade’s sharpness over time. Additionally, the intricate bamboo-style pattern on the blade may make cleaning more difficult, as dirt and debris could become trapped in the grooves.
Price Point
The KATSU Handmade D2 Steel Blade folding knife is priced higher than some other folding knives on the market. While the exceptional quality of the materials and craftsmanship may justify the price for some, budget-conscious buyers may find the cost to be a potential drawback. However, it’s important to consider the long-term value of investing in a high-quality knife that will last for years to come.
Important features
The three most important features for a quality pocket folding knife are the blade material and sharpness, the handle design and comfort, and the ease of use and portability.
Firstly, the KATSU Handmade D2 Steel Blade G10 Handle Bamboo Style Japanese Razor Pocket Folding Knife excels in the blade material and sharpness department. The handmade D2 tool steel blade is incredibly durable and holds an edge exceptionally well. In my experience, the double bevel blade has proven to be razor-sharp, making it perfect for a variety of tasks, from slicing through rope to precision cutting tasks. The clip point blade shape also adds to its versatility, allowing for easy piercing and detailed work. This knife has consistently performed beyond my expectations in terms of sharpness and durability.
Secondly, the handle design and comfort of this KATSU pocket folding knife are top-notch. The bamboo style G10 handle not only adds a unique and aesthetically pleasing touch to the knife but also provides excellent grip and comfort during use. I have found that the fiberglass handle material is lightweight yet sturdy, making it perfect for extended use without causing hand fatigue. The ergonomics of the handle have also been well thought out, as it fits comfortably in my hand, allowing for precise control during cutting tasks.
Lastly, the ease of use and portability of this KATSU pocket folding knife are outstanding. The traditional Japanese style thumb lever one-hand opening system is both smooth and reliable, allowing for quick and easy access to the blade when needed. The pocket clip is a fantastic addition, as it securely holds the knife in place while on the go. Weighing in at only 3.39 ounces and with a closed length of 4.5 inches, this folding knife is the perfect size for everyday carry. In my tests, I have found it to be an indispensable tool for camping trips and daily tasks alike.
Japanese pocket knife with best handle
One of the standout features of this knife is the bamboo style G10 handle, a thermoset plastic laminate made from layers of fiberglass mesh cloth impregnated with an epoxy resin binder.
Materials
The KATSU Handmade D2 Steel Blade G10 Handle Bamboo Style Japanese Razor Pocket Folding Knife is an exquisite piece of craftsmanship that combines both traditional and modern elements. As a buyer and researcher, I have personally held and tested this product, and I am thrilled to share my experience with you.
First and foremost, the materials used in this product are of exceptional quality. The blade is made from D2 tool steel, which is renowned for its excellent wear resistance and edge retention. This alloy steel is a perfect choice for a folding knife, as it ensures a sharp and durable cutting edge that can withstand the rigors of daily use. In comparison to other high-end products, the D2 steel blade of the KATSU knife holds its own, offering a reliable and long-lasting cutting tool.
The handle of the KATSU folding knife is made from G10, a high-pressure fiberglass laminate that is both lightweight and incredibly strong. This material is ideal for a pocket knife, as it provides a comfortable grip and excellent durability. The bamboo style design adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the knife, setting it apart from other folding knives on the market. The G10 handle is comparable to those found on other high-end products, offering a perfect blend of form and function.
One of the standout features of this KATSU folding knife is the traditional Japanese style thumb lever one-hand opening system. This innovative design allows for easy and swift blade deployment, making it a practical choice for everyday carry. The pocket clip is another useful feature, ensuring that the knife is always within reach and securely fastened to your pocket.
In my tests, the KATSU folding knife performed exceptionally well. The D2 steel blade maintained its sharpness even after extensive use, and the G10 handle provided a comfortable and secure grip. The one-hand opening system was smooth and efficient, allowing for quick access to the blade when needed.
Affordable Japanese Elegance with a Slight Edge
Unboxing the KATSU Bamboo Style Razor
I remember the excitement as I unboxed my KATSU Bamboo Style Razor for the first time. I had been searching for a budget-friendly gentleman’s carry knife with a modern Japanese design, and this folding knife seemed to tick all the boxes. The blade’s shape was straight and strong, while the bamboo-styled handle added an extra touch of elegance.
A Blade that Cuts Close and Clean
The first thing I noticed was the quality of the blade. It was easy to see that KATSU had put a lot of thought into creating a product that not only looked good but performed well too. The blade was sharp, straight, and cut through a variety of materials with ease. I found that it held its edge for a long time, meaning I didn’t need to sharpen it as often as some of my other knives.
Handle with Care: The Rough Side of the KATSU Razor
As I held the knife in my hand, I couldn’t help but notice that the handle wasn’t as comfortable as I had hoped. The bamboo styling, while visually appealing, created some hotspots and grooves that made it difficult to hold the knife firmly. This was particularly noticeable when I needed to apply extra pressure for those tougher cuts.
- Pros: Unique design, strong blade, fair price
- Cons: Rough handle, not entirely comfortable
Lock and Load: The Liner Lock Mechanism
The KATSU Bamboo Style Razor features a liner lock mechanism, which is a common choice for many folding knives. It’s easy to use and holds the blade securely in place when open. However, I did find that it took a bit of getting used to, as the lock was a bit shorter than what I’m used to on my regular pocket knives.
Is the KATSU Bamboo Style Razor Right for You?
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly gentleman’s carry knife with a unique design, the KATSU Bamboo Style Razor might be the right choice for you. While the handle may not be the most comfortable, the blade’s quality and performance more than make up for it. With a little time and patience, you’ll likely find that this knife becomes a trusty companion for all your cutting needs.
FAQ
Is this knife made in China?
As far as I know, this knife is not made in China. I had asked the same question to Amazon support service before I ordered the item, and they confirmed that it’s not made in China. This is an amazing knife, and it’s sharp enough to shave right out of the box.
What’s the finish on this blade? Satin? Mirror polish?
The finish on this blade is satin. The knife has a sleek and elegant appearance, making it a perfect addition to any knife collection.
What is the handle made of?
The handle is made of G10, which is a thermoset plastic laminate. It’s built using high pressure on layers of fiberglass mesh cloth that are impregnated with an epoxy resin binder. The resulting material is called G10 or sometimes G-10. Often used in printed circuit boards, it’s also used extensively on knife and gun handles. This material provides a sturdy and durable grip for the knife.
Is this really a D2 steel?
While the knife is not stamped “D2”, it takes an edge and “behaves” exactly the same way my other D2 steel knives do. The quality of this knife is amazing, and I wouldn’t expect the manufacturer to be deceptive. In my experience, it’s a genuine D2 steel blade.
Can the handle (grips) be removed easily, in case I want to install custom made wood grips?
Yes, the handle grips can be removed easily by removing three small screws and the pivot bar. You will need a small Allen wrench to remove the screws. This knife is excellent, by the way, and I’m sure it would look great with custom wood grips.
How wide is the knife? Like from side to side, not top to bottom.
The knife is 5/8 inches wide at the widest part, with the clip sticking out about 3/4 inches. This knife is really nice, super sharp, and it’s one of my favorites. The compact size and width make it easy to carry and use for various tasks.
KATSU Bamboo Style Razor Alternatives
SENBON 440A
Best overall Japanese pocket knife
The 440A stainless steel blade is incredibly sharp, thanks to the meticulous hand-sanding and wire-drawing treatment it undergoes.
Weighing in at 180 grams, this folding chef’s knife is lightweight yet sturdy, making it an ideal companion for outdoor activities. The blade’s sharpness and the comfortable rosewood handle allowed me to maintain control and precision during my cooking tasks, both at home and in the great outdoors.
In comparison to high-end folding chef’s knives, the SENBON 440A (full review here) Stainless Steel Super Sharp Japanese Pocket Folding Chef’s Knife offers exceptional value for money. While it may not boast the same premium materials as some of its more expensive counterparts, its performance, durability, and practicality are truly impressive.
Nagao Seisakusho Higo no Kami 7
Best cheap Japanese pocket knife
Laminated SK steel, which, while not quite on the same level as the premium blue or white paper steels, is still of high quality and more than suitable for everyday use.
The Higo no Kami 7 Pocket Knife by Nagao Seisakusho (full review here) is a true testament to the skill and dedication of Japanese craftsmen. The Parkerized Black Satin Finish adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the knife, making it a perfect blend of form and function. The attention to detail in the design and construction of this knife is evident in every aspect, from the smooth opening and closing mechanism to the perfectly balanced weight distribution.
Conclusion
So, there you have it- the Katsu Bamboo Style Razor is a great knife for anyone looking for a stylish and reliable pocket knife.
So, go ahead and buy one for yourself and don’t forget to use the sharpening stone that comes with it.
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Read for free
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.
