By: Pawnee Hamden

In the world of premium folding knives, standing out requires more than sharp steel—it demands identity, purpose, and flawless execution. The Ketuo Knife – Yakuza delivers on all fronts. Designed by Felix Danishwara, the Yakuza is a striking blend of futuristic aggression and refined craftsmanship, inspired by the bold silhouette of a snub-nose revolver. The result is a knife that looks unapologetically powerful while performing with surgical precision.

Built using top-tier materials such as M390 steel, 6AL-4V titanium, and copper foil carbon fiber, the Yakuza is not merely a statement piece—it is a capable everyday carry knife engineered for real-world use.

First Impressions: A Knife with Attitude

From the moment the Yakuza is deployed, it commands attention. The modified tanto blade, angular lines, and sculpted titanium handle give the knife a “gangster-meets-cyberpunk” aesthetic. Despite its bold design language, the knife feels balanced and purposeful in hand.

The bead-blasted blade with TIC coating enhances corrosion resistance while giving the blade a stealthy, industrial finish. The copper foil carbon fiber inlay introduces a warm contrast against the cool titanium frame, elevating the knife from purely tactical to genuinely elegant.

Blade Design and Steel Performance

At the heart of the Yakuza is a 3.31-inch modified tanto blade crafted from M390 steel, one of the most respected super steels in modern knife-making. Known for its exceptional edge retention, corrosion resistance, and wear durability, M390 is an ideal choice for a premium EDC knife.

The blade geometry balances slicing ability with tip strength. The reinforced tanto-style tip excels at piercing and precision tasks, while the straight cutting edge offers excellent control for utility cuts. This makes the Yakuza equally comfortable opening packages, cutting rope, or handling more demanding materials.

Handle Construction and Ergonomics

The 4.37-inch handle is machined from 6AL-4V titanium, providing strength without unnecessary bulk. The ergonomic shaping fits naturally into the hand, offering a confident grip whether used barehanded or with gloves.

The copper foil carbon fiber inlay isn’t just decorative—it adds subtle texture that enhances grip while lending a premium visual appeal. Jimping and contouring are thoughtfully placed, ensuring comfort during extended cutting sessions without creating pressure points.

Despite its solid construction, the Yakuza maintains a reasonable carry weight of approximately 4.74 ounces, striking a balance between durability and portability.

Deployment and Lock Mechanism

The Yakuza features a front flipper deployment system paired with a ceramic ball-bearing pivot, resulting in smooth, fast, and satisfying blade action. Deployment is consistent and controlled, whether flicked gently or with authority.

The frame lock engages solidly with no blade play, lock rock, or stick. Ketuo’s machining precision is evident here—the lockup inspires confidence during harder cutting tasks while remaining easy to disengage.

Performance Cut Testing

To evaluate the Yakuza’s real-world performance, the knife was subjected to a comprehensive series of cutting tests designed to reflect everyday carry, utility, and light-duty stress use.

• Paper Cut Test

The Yakuza sliced cleanly through standard paper with minimal resistance. Cuts were smooth and silent, indicating excellent factory sharpness and a well-executed edge grind.

• Hair Shave Test

The M390 blade shaved arm hair effortlessly, confirming a razor-sharp edge straight out of the box. This level of refinement speaks highly of both the steel treatment and edge geometry.

• Cardboard Cut Test

Breaking down thick corrugated cardboard was handled with ease. The blade maintained bite and consistency throughout extended cutting, showing excellent edge retention and user comfort.

• Denim Cut Test

Folded denim posed no challenge. The edge penetrated immediately and sliced cleanly without excessive force, proving effective against dense, fibrous materials.

• Rope Cut Test

Utility rope was severed cleanly using both pull cuts and downward slicing motions. The blade’s geometry allowed it to bite aggressively, while the handle provided stable control throughout.

• Plastic Cut Test

Rigid plastic packaging and zip ties were cut cleanly with no chipping or edge deformation. The TIC-coated blade resisted scuffing, maintaining its finish after repeated cuts.

• Can Cut Test

In a controlled test against thin aluminum can material, the Yakuza pierced and sliced without edge damage. While not recommended for routine use, the test demonstrated impressive blade strength and tip durability.

• Wood Cut Test

Light wood carving and notching in soft pine showcased the knife’s control and balance. The reinforced tip allowed for precise carving, while the edge produced clean shavings without slipping.

Overall Performance Verdict:
The Ketuo Yakuza performed exceptionally across all tests. Edge retention remained strong, deployment stayed smooth, and the frame lock remained rock-solid throughout. This knife is not just visually aggressive—it is mechanically reliable and highly capable.

Everyday Carry Experience

Despite its bold styling, the Yakuza carries surprisingly well. The titanium pocket clip offers secure retention with a low-profile feel in the pocket. Its balance and ergonomics make it suitable for daily tasks without feeling cumbersome or overly tactical.

Whether carried as a daily utility knife or reserved as a collector-grade piece that still sees use, the Yakuza adapts seamlessly.

About the Designer: Felix Danishwara

Felix Danishwara is known for pushing boundaries in modern knife design. His work blends industrial influence with bold storytelling, often drawing inspiration from mechanical forms, pop culture, and urban aesthetics. With the Yakuza, Danishwara aimed to create a knife that feels powerful, confident, and unapologetic—qualities reflected in every line and material choice.

Designer Contact & Presence

Felix Danishwara actively engages with the knife community through design collaborations and industry showcases.
Brand Website: https://www.ketuousa.com/

Specifications at a Glance

• Model: KK-Yakuza
• Overall Length: 7.68” (19.5 cm)
• Blade Length: 3.31” (8.42 cm)
• Handle Length: 4.37” (11.1 cm)
• Blade Material: M390
• Blade Finish: Bead Blast, TIC Coating
• Handle Material: 6AL-4V Titanium
• Handle Inlay: Copper Foil Carbon Fiber
• Pivot: Ceramic Ball Bearing
• Lock Type: Frame Lock
• Pocket Clip: 6AL-4V Titanium
• Weight: 4.74 oz (134.5 g)
• Designer: Felix Danishwara
• Manufacturer: Ketuo Knife

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Premium M390 blade steel with excellent edge retention
• Smooth front flipper action with ceramic bearings
• Striking, unique design with copper foil carbon fiber inlay
• Solid frame lock with confident engagement
• Excellent cutting performance across multiple materials

Cons

• Bold design may not appeal to minimalist EDC users
• Premium materials place it in a higher price range
• Slightly heavier than ultra-light EDC folders

Final Thoughts

The Ketuo Knife – Yakuza is a fearless expression of modern knife craftsmanship. It combines aggressive aesthetics, premium materials, and real-world performance into a single, cohesive design. Whether you’re a collector seeking a standout piece or an enthusiast looking for a reliable EDC knife with attitude, the Yakuza delivers with authority.

This knife doesn’t whisper—it makes a statement. And it backs that statement with performance.

Official Website: https://www.ketuousa.com/