KATSU ZK-CS「金鱗」Limited Edition

Limited to 80 Individually Serialized Pieces Worldwide · Japanese ZDP-189 Multi-Layer Blade · Hand-Polished Raindrop Copper Damascus · Grade 5 Titanium

The Inspiration Behind「金鱗」

Named「金鱗」—“golden scales”—this edition draws on the poetic image of a golden-scaled creature rising from still waters to become a dragon.

The handle brings that image to life. Its Raindrop Copper Damascus reveals concentric patterns in warm copper and brass tones. Across the sculpted contours, these patterns catch the light like overlapping golden scales.

Warm metallic tones meet a mirror-polished Japanese steel blade, giving the ZK-CS「金鱗」its distinctive character—both open and closed.

The Blade: Japanese Steel & Hand-Finished Detail

• Japanese ZDP-189 Core: The blade features a Japanese ZDP-189 powder-metallurgy steel core with multi-layer stainless steel cladding in a San Mai construction.

• Japanese Heat Treatment: Heat-treated by Hatta Kogyo Co., Ltd. in Japan, using vacuum heat treatment and a sub-zero treatment cycle, to a specified core hardness of 66-67 HRC.

• Hand-Ground Convex Edge (Hamaguri-ba): Each blade is hand-ground to a convex edge profile, with a smooth transition toward the cutting edge.

• Hand-Polished Mirror Finish: The polished blade surface highlights the flowing cladding patterns and the boundary between the cladding and the ZDP-189 core.

The Handle: Copper Damascus & Titanium

• Show Side — The Golden Scales: Machined from solid Raindrop Copper Damascus stock and hand-polished through progressively finer abrasives. The lustrous finish reveals the layered pattern and warm metallic contrast, while scalloped contours along the handle spine add texture and definition.

• Lock Side — Grade 5 Titanium Frame Lock: Precision-milled from solid Grade 5 titanium (Ti-6Al-4V / TC4), the lock-side handle scale incorporates an integral frame lock for secure blade engagement.

• Titanium Pocket Clip: A sculpted, 3D-machined Grade 5 titanium pocket clip complements the handle.

• Signature Pivot Detail: The pivot hardware features the KATSU 「勝」 emblem.

Collector’s Presentation & Documentation

Each KATSU ZK-CS includes:

1. Individual Serial Number: A permanently engraved edition number, from 01/80 to 80/80.

2. Matching Certificate of Authenticity: A collector’s card bearing the knife’s corresponding serial number.

3. Japanese Heat-Treatment Documentation: Accompanying documentation from Hatta Kogyo Co., Ltd. relating to the blade steel’s heat treatment and hardness testing.

4. Solid Pine Presentation Box: A custom box bearing the black-and-gold KATSU insignia. The natural wood grain complements the layered metallic patterns of the handle.

Specifications

• Model: KATSU ZK-CS「金鱗」

• Release Price: US$399.99

• Blade Construction: San Mai with a Japanese ZDP-189 core and multi-layer stainless steel cladding

• Blade Thickness: 4.0 mm

• Heat Treatment: Vacuum heat treatment and sub-zero treatment by Hatta Kogyo Co., Ltd., Japan

• Edge Geometry: Hand-ground convex edge (Hamaguri-ba)

• Blade Finish: Hand-polished mirror finish with visible cladding patterns

• Show-Side Handle: Hand-polished Raindrop Copper Damascus

• Lock-Side Handle: Grade 5 titanium (Ti-6Al-4V / TC4) with integral frame lock

• Pocket Clip: 3D-machined Grade 5 titanium

• Item weight: 170 g

• Packaging: Solid pine presentation box

• Documentation: Matching serialized COA and Japanese heat-treatment documentation

• Edition Size: 80 individually serialized pieces worldwide