About This Knife
KATSU KNIVES has long been celebrated by devoted fans for its exceptional quality. Many have asked for knives that align even more closely with Western usage habits. At this moment, American designer Michael brought us his vision — a straightforward, practical fixed-blade outdoor knife.
Unlike most designers, Michael studied Kendo and traditional Japanese blade-making in Japan, gaining deep insight into classic Japanese styles. Combined with extensive outdoor and combat experience, he holds exacting standards for practicality. This makes him the perfect partner to blend American utilitarianism with Japanese craftsmanship.
Built on mutual trust and understanding, our collaboration flourished. From that original fixed-blade concept, we created something new — this is the KATSU HABU folding knife. Crafted with premium materials and a robust blade design, it’s a reliable companion you can count on anytime, anywhere—delivering impressive durability and confidence even out in the wild.
The name "HABU" comes from a venomous snake native to the forests of southern Japan, where Michael lived for 13 years. He was adamant that this was the perfect name for this knife — just like the snake, it’s born for the wild, agile, and ready to adapt. No doubt — it was the perfect name!
One of this knife’s most impressive features is its outstanding ergonomics tailored to Western users. As an American knife designer—and a Western user himself—Michael carefully considered the typically larger hand sizes and usage preferences common in the West. The result is a knife that feels more substantial in hand, offering a secure, confidence-inspiring grip that’s well-suited to a variety of outdoor situations. At the same time, KATSU KNIVES’ signature Convex Grind blade style and obsessive attention to detail and quality are fully embodied and elevated in this creation.
Though the prototype was praised, we kept refining it over months, making many subtle, nearly invisible improvements. Now, the wait is over — and the final result exceeds all expectations.
When you hold this knife in your hand, we believe you will feel the sincerity, patience, and dedication poured into it. We are confident and proud of this knife.
About the Designer
Born and raised in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains in eastern Ohio, Michael Emler learned the value of quality tools at a very young age. During a 18 year Navy career, he had the honor to learn multiple forms of self-defence, including Japanese swordsmanship while stationed in Japan. Part of his journey was learning the time honored tradition of Japanese wet stone sharpening.
His love of high quality edged tools eventually led him to starting his own sharpening business. He couldn’t help but get the knifemaking bug which lead to several successful knife designs.
Features
Equipped with a premium CPM-S90V powder steel blade, known for exceptional wear resistance and long-lasting sharpness, ready to tackle harsh outdoor challenges. The blade surface features a satin finish, offering low reflectivity and corrosion resistance with a rugged tactical look. Classic drop point shape combined with a convex grind delivers strong tip durability while enhancing cutting efficiency and stability — a perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics for an outdoor blade.
The handle is made of titanium alloy with a bead blasted finish, providing a matte texture with excellent grip performance, reliable even when wet or gloved. Carbon fiber inlays on both sides are available in white and yellow options, enhancing friction and lending a modern, sleek aesthetic.
With its larger handle, thicker blade, the KATSU HABU is designed to offer a more comfortable grip and greater confidence—especially for Western users. Whether you’re slicing, piercing, or tackling tough tasks, it delivers smooth, controlled performance that helps you handle both wild adventures and daily work with ease.
Just a flick of the finger — and you’re ready to roll. The back flipper delivers a smooth, fluid action that lives up to the standard KATSU KNIVES is widely praised for. Paired with a solid bolster lock, it gives you the kind of trust and control you need, anytime!
Specifications
| Overall Length | 230 mm / 9 in |
| Closed Length | 127 mm / 5 in |
| Blade Length | 85 mm / 3.3 in |
| Blade thickness | 4 mm |
| Blade Material | CPM S90V |
| Handle Material | Bead Blasted Titanium Alloy;
Carbon Fiber Inlays; |
| Item weight | 161.5 g / 5.7 oz |
Our knives are built to last. Cleaning and caring for your knife will maintain performance and enhance the life of your knife.
Tips for Caring Folding Knives
- Keep your knife dry; that means the entire knife, not just the blade.
- Keep your knife clean, particularly moving parts and locking devices.
- Keep your knife oiled; especially pivot points and the blade. Oil at least twice a year.
- Keep your knife sharp; a sharp blade is safer than a dull one.
- Again, store your knife in a dry place.
Tips for Caring Kitchen Knives
- Always use an appropriate cutting board in the kitchen to get the most out of the sharpness of your knives.
- Cleaning knives after each use will keep them in the best condition and promote food safety.
- Knives require a safe dry storage place, and a knife block is perfect for storing knives.
