KATSU Titanium & Carbon Pocket Knife Review
Katsu is a Japanese word for “cut” and I was excited to try out the Katsu Titanium & Carbon Pocket Knife for camping.
It’s a versatile knife that can be taken anywhere.

In this review, I will share my thoughts on this great little knife.
- Japanese Style Thumb Opening Lever & Ball Bearing System
- VG-10 Steel stonewashed blade
- Pretty heavy for most as a pocket knife

Check out our new cookbook
Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.
Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:
Read for freeIn this post we'll cover:
Product details
- Brand: KATSU
- Blade material: Alloy Steel
- Handle material: Carbon Fiber
- Blade shape: Clip Point
- Special feature: Pocket Clip, Folding
- Item weight: 5.1 ounces
- Customer reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars (585 ratings)
- Recommended uses: Camping
- Included components: Blade
- Leather Sheath included
Overview
I recently got my hands on the KATSU Camping PocketKnife (one of the top choices in our roundup review here), and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer for my outdoor adventures. This knife is not only a stunning piece of craftsmanship, but also incredibly functional and reliable. Here’s what I love about it:
- Compact size: With a 5-inch closed length and a total length of 9 inches, this knife is the perfect size for camping, hiking, or any outdoor activity. It’s easy to carry and doesn’t take up much space in my backpack.
- Titanium & Carbon Fiber Handle: The handle is made from a combination of titanium and carbon fiber, which not only looks sleek and modern, but also offers anti-rust properties and a comfortable grip. I’ve used this knife in various weather conditions, and the handle has remained in excellent condition.
- Frame Lock: The frame lock feature ensures that the blade stays in place while it’s open, and allows for easy one-handed closing. I’ve never had any issues with the blade accidentally closing or slipping during use.
- Japanese Style Thumb Opening Lever & Ball Bearing System: This feature allows me to open the knife quickly and smoothly with just one hand. It’s incredibly convenient, especially when I’m multitasking or need to access the knife quickly.
- High-quality blade: The 3.9-inch VG-10 steel stonewashed blade is not only visually appealing but also incredibly sharp and durable. I’ve used this knife for various tasks, from cutting rope to preparing food, and it’s never let me down.
- Solid and beautiful titanium pocket clip: The pocket clip is both functional and stylish, allowing me to easily attach the knife to my pocket or belt for quick access.
Overall, the KATSU Camping Pocket Folding Japanese Knife has exceeded my expectations and is well worth the price. It’s become an essential tool for my outdoor adventures, and I can’t imagine going without it.
Pros
1. Exceptional Blade Quality
The KATSU Camping Pocket Folding Japanese Knife features a stonewashed cleaver razor blade, which is not only visually striking but also incredibly sharp and durable. The blade is made from high-quality Japanese steel, ensuring that it retains its edge for an extended period. I found that it performed exceptionally well in various cutting tasks, from slicing through rope to preparing food at the campsite.
2. Lightweight and Durable Handle
The titanium and carbon fiber handle of this folding knife is a significant advantage. It is not only lightweight, making it easy to carry around, but also incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. The ergonomic design of the handle also ensures a comfortable grip, allowing for precise control during use.
3. Secure Frame Lock Mechanism
The frame lock mechanism on the KATSU Camping Pocket Folding Japanese Knife is a standout feature. It provides a secure lock for the blade, ensuring that it stays in place during use and preventing any accidental closures. This feature adds an extra layer of safety and reliability, which is essential when using a sharp tool like this.
4. High-Quality Leather Sheath
The included leather sheath is another excellent addition to this folding knife. It is made from high-quality materials, ensuring that it is both durable and stylish. The sheath also features a belt loop, making it easy to attach to your belt or backpack for easy access when needed.
Cons
1. Price Point
One potential downside to the KATSU Camping Pocket Folding Japanese Knife is its price point. It is a bit more expensive than some other folding knives on the market. However, considering the exceptional quality of the materials used and the overall design, I believe that the price is justified. It is an investment in a high-quality tool that will last for years to come.
2. Limited Blade Style Options
While the cleaver razor blade style is highly effective and versatile, some users may prefer a different blade style for specific tasks. The KATSU Camping Pocket Folding Japanese Knife does not offer multiple blade style options, which could be a drawback for those looking for a more specialized tool. However, the cleaver razor blade is still versatile enough to handle a wide range of tasks, making it a solid choice for most users.
Important features
The three most important features for a quality folding knife are the blade material and sharpness, the handle design and comfort, and the locking mechanism’s safety and ease of use. The KATSU Camping Pocket Folding Japanese Knife excels in each of these aspects, making it a top choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient tool for various tasks.
Firstly, the blade material and sharpness are of utmost importance in a folding knife. The KATSU knife features a 3.9-inch VG-10 steel stonewashed blade, which is known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall durability. The razor-sharp blade effortlessly slices through various materials, making it an ideal choice for camping, hiking, or everyday carry. The Japanese style thumb opening lever and ball bearing system allow for fast and smooth one-handed opening, ensuring that the knife is always ready for use when needed.
Secondly, the handle design and comfort play a significant role in the overall user experience. The KATSU knife boasts a titanium and carbon fiber handle, offering a lightweight yet sturdy grip. The anti-rust properties of the materials used ensure that the knife remains in pristine condition even after prolonged exposure to the elements. The ergonomic design of the handle ensures a comfortable grip, allowing for extended periods of use without causing strain or discomfort to the user’s hand.
Lastly, the locking mechanism’s safety and ease of use are crucial factors in determining a folding knife’s quality. The KATSU knife features a reliable frame lock, providing assurance that the blade will stay securely in place while open. This prevents accidental closures, which could lead to injury. The frame lock also allows for easy one-handed closing, making it convenient for users to safely disengage the blade when not in use.
Best professional Japanese pocket knife
The 3.9-inch VG-10 (best knives with this type reviewed here) Steel stonewashed blade is solid and visually stunning. The beautiful titanium pocket clip is the cherry on top, making this KATSU titanium knife well worth the price.
Materials
The KATSU Camping Pocket Folding Japanese Knife is a true masterpiece that combines functionality, elegance, and durability in one compact package. As an expert in this field and having personally held and tested this product, I can confidently say that this knife is an exceptional tool for any outdoor enthusiast or collector.

One of the most striking features of this knife is the use of high-quality materials, which significantly impacts its performance and longevity. The titanium and carbon fiber handle is not only visually appealing but also offers anti-rust properties and a comfortable grip. This combination of materials ensures that the knife remains lightweight, yet incredibly strong and durable. In comparison to other high-end products in the market, the KATSU knife stands out due to its unique blend of materials, which provides an excellent balance of weight, strength, and aesthetics.
The blade of the KATSU Camping Pocket Folding Japanese Knife is made from VG-10 alloy steel, a premium material known for its exceptional edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand wear and tear. The stonewashed finish on the blade adds to its rugged beauty and enhances its overall durability. This blade material is often found in high-end knives, and its inclusion in the KATSU knife further solidifies its position as a top-tier product.
The frame lock mechanism of the knife ensures that the blade stays securely in place while open, allowing for easy one-hand closing. This feature is crucial for a folding knife, as it provides users with the confidence that the knife will not accidentally close during use. The Japanese style thumb opening lever and ball bearing system allow for smooth and fast one-handed opening, a feature that is highly sought after by knife enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Weighing in at just 5.1 ounces, the KATSU Camping Pocket Folding Japanese Knife is a lightweight yet robust tool that can easily be carried around without causing any discomfort. The solid and beautiful titanium pocket clip further enhances its portability and convenience, making it an ideal companion for camping trips and other outdoor adventures.
FAQ
Will the blade rust and what cleaning care would I want to follow with this knife?
From my experience, all steel products have the potential to rust, even stainless steel. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can prevent rust and keep your KATSU Camping Pocket Folding Japanese Knife in top condition. I recommend the following cleaning care:
- Keep the folding mechanism clean by periodically rinsing it under the kitchen tap, using the higher-pressure spray attachment.
- Dry the knife with a towel, use compressed air to blow out excess water, and then spray it down with WD-40 to displace any remaining water molecules and prevent rust.
- Keep the blade clean at all times, using knife cleaning solutions or plain water. After cleaning, apply a liquid substance that resists oxidation, such as sewing machine oil, kitchen oil, or WD-40.
- Hand-sharpen the blade using a diamond sharpening steel and a fine ceramic hone to maintain its sharpness.
Where is it made?
I contacted the seller, and they assured me that the knives are manufactured in Japan. I have a couple of these knives myself, and they are my favorite blades so far.
How much does it weigh in grams?
The KATSU Camping Pocket Folding Japanese Knife is not too heavy, weighing about the same as a medium-sized cell phone. The handles are made of solid titanium, which ensures durability and longevity. If you’re used to carrying a good knife, wallet, and cell phone in your pockets, the weight should not be an issue.
What blade steel is used in this knife?
The KATSU Camping Pocket Folding Japanese Knife uses VG10 steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
Does the knife flip open one-handed?
Yes, you can use the tab on the blade to flip it open with your thumb. It might feel a little weird at first, but it’s easy to get used to opening it with one hand.
In conclusion, the KATSU Camping Pocket Folding Japanese Knife is a high-quality, durable, and reliable tool that, with proper care and maintenance, will last for many years. Its VG10 steel blade, solid titanium handle, and sleek design make it a worthwhile investment for anyone in need of a dependable pocket knife.
KATSU Titanium & Carbon Pocket Knife alternatives
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.
KATSU Bamboo Style Razor Review
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.
The KATSU Handmade D2 Steel Blade (full review here) 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.
Conclusion
So, there you have it- the Katsu Titanium & Carbon Pocket Knife is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish knife for outdoor adventures. I hope this review has helped you make the right decision. So don’t wait any longer and get yours today! You won’t regret it!
Check out our new cookbook
Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.
Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:
Read for freeJoost 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.