Kogatana are small Japanese utility blades originally used for woodworking and detail cutting, and this folding version from Okeya is unlike most things we carry - a Blue #2 carbon steel folder with a single bevel blade and a hollow ground back edge that is noticeably sharper than the format suggests.
The blade is made from Hitachi Blue #2, an unusual choice for a utility folder and a very welcome one. The single bevel grind is traditional, the wooden handle is well finished and ergonomic when the knife is open, and the lock is sturdy with no blade wiggle. The open and close action requires two hands - this is not a one-thumb flicker - and the overall size runs larger than most people expect from the photos, which is worth knowing before ordering. Whether it lives in the kitchen for trussing strings and package opening, rides in a garden apron, or sits in a collection, it earns its place.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers consistently describe this knife as bigger and sturdier than they expected, which is a pleasant surprise. One pocket knife collector calls it unlike anything else they own and notes the hollow ground back edge gives it an especially sharp bite. Another owner highlights the ergonomic wooden handle and calls it perfect for cutting vegetables at an angle, though also notes the tight two-handed operation and recommends a lanyard for carry. One buyer suggests it would be ideal for garden use. Overall, the word that keeps coming up is cool.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel, so wipe and dry the blade after each use rather than letting it sit. Avoid leaving moisture or acidic material against the blade, and apply a light coat of camellia or food-safe oil before storage. Hand wash only.
The blade is made from Hitachi Blue #2, an unusual choice for a utility folder and a very welcome one. The single bevel grind is traditional, the wooden handle is well finished and ergonomic when the knife is open, and the lock is sturdy with no blade wiggle. The open and close action requires two hands - this is not a one-thumb flicker - and the overall size runs larger than most people expect from the photos, which is worth knowing before ordering. Whether it lives in the kitchen for trussing strings and package opening, rides in a garden apron, or sits in a collection, it earns its place.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers consistently describe this knife as bigger and sturdier than they expected, which is a pleasant surprise. One pocket knife collector calls it unlike anything else they own and notes the hollow ground back edge gives it an especially sharp bite. Another owner highlights the ergonomic wooden handle and calls it perfect for cutting vegetables at an angle, though also notes the tight two-handed operation and recommends a lanyard for carry. One buyer suggests it would be ideal for garden use. Overall, the word that keeps coming up is cool.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel, so wipe and dry the blade after each use rather than letting it sit. Avoid leaving moisture or acidic material against the blade, and apply a light coat of camellia or food-safe oil before storage. Hand wash only.
- Brand: Okeya
- Location: Miki City, Japan
- Edge Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2) Carbon Steel
- Edge Grind: Single Bevel
- Weight: 3 oz (85 g)
- Blade Length: 61 mm
- Total Length, Blade Open: 230 mm
- Total Length, Blade Closed: 140 mm
- Spine Thickness: 2 mm
- Blade Height: 25 mm
Reviews
4 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) unique folder, March 25, 2026Posted By: Sam
I also collect pocket knives so I couldn't resist a carbon steel, single bevel folder which is not like anything I have or really ever see. It's bigger than I was expecting, and it's also a lot sturdier than it looks. There's basically no blade wiggle and the lock is sturdy. It stays firmly closed by itself. The handle is quite ergonomic when the knife is open. Only downside really is that it's pretty bulky for front pocket carry - doable but not ideal. Overall it's a very cool knife and might be perfect for use in the garden.
I also collect pocket knives so I couldn't resist a carbon steel, single bevel folder which is not like anything I have or really ever see. It's bigger than I was expecting, and it's also a lot sturdier than it looks. There's basically no blade wiggle and the lock is sturdy. It stays firmly closed by itself. The handle is quite ergonomic when the knife is open. Only downside really is that it's pretty bulky for front pocket carry - doable but not ideal. Overall it's a very cool knife and might be perfect for use in the garden.
Hard to believe this is a 'factory' knife Ergonomic perfection!Posted By: Edward Estrada Jr.
19 people found this review helpful
The wooden handle feels perfect and locked in your hand.No other man made material can compare to the warm feel you get when holding a wooden handle especially when its done right.It cuts at an angle unlike any other knife I own which makes it perfect for cutting vegetables effortlessly.Be careful when cleaning the blade as it can cut you easily and be sure to add a little dab of cooking oil to the blade after washing to avoid corrosion.Its very tight when opening and closing so you will not be able to single handedly open the knife,two hands will be needed.If you plan on using this as your primary EDC knife just add a lanyard to it and put it in your pocket.Its so light weight that even though its large it does not feel cumbersome or bothersome when carrying it.If you are a knife collector this is a must have as it stands out among the rest.If your looking to buy your first knife then look no further because this knife can handle any task with ease.If you always wanted a custom knife but didn't want to spend the money then consider this knife as you will get a hand crafted uniquely designed pocket folder that has all the warmth and attention to detail a custom knife would have at a very fair price.Truly this is one of the best knives I own.You will not regret buying this knife, you will only regret not buying it sooner as they tend to sell out quickly.This japanese kogatana is elegantly designed and beautifully executed.If you buy this knife you will never need another one.
19 people found this review helpful
The wooden handle feels perfect and locked in your hand.No other man made material can compare to the warm feel you get when holding a wooden handle especially when its done right.It cuts at an angle unlike any other knife I own which makes it perfect for cutting vegetables effortlessly.Be careful when cleaning the blade as it can cut you easily and be sure to add a little dab of cooking oil to the blade after washing to avoid corrosion.Its very tight when opening and closing so you will not be able to single handedly open the knife,two hands will be needed.If you plan on using this as your primary EDC knife just add a lanyard to it and put it in your pocket.Its so light weight that even though its large it does not feel cumbersome or bothersome when carrying it.If you are a knife collector this is a must have as it stands out among the rest.If your looking to buy your first knife then look no further because this knife can handle any task with ease.If you always wanted a custom knife but didn't want to spend the money then consider this knife as you will get a hand crafted uniquely designed pocket folder that has all the warmth and attention to detail a custom knife would have at a very fair price.Truly this is one of the best knives I own.You will not regret buying this knife, you will only regret not buying it sooner as they tend to sell out quickly.This japanese kogatana is elegantly designed and beautifully executed.If you buy this knife you will never need another one.
Neat little knifePosted By: dbt816 - verified customer
28 people found this review helpful
I have a pocket knife collection, so I had to get this one. Not sure exactly how to describe it. Very different action than most folding knives. The blade, however, is superb (It cut me pretty good). It's the only pocket knife I have with Blue
28 people found this review helpful
I have a pocket knife collection, so I had to get this one. Not sure exactly how to describe it. Very different action than most folding knives. The blade, however, is superb (It cut me pretty good). It's the only pocket knife I have with Blue
