This traditional, small Japanese folding utility knife is springless and lockless--instead it relies on the friction of the mechanism or the pressure of the user’s thumb on the iconic lever (or chikiri ) to keep the blade from folding. The blade itself is laminated high carbon steel which will hold a sharp edge, housed in a solid brass case that will patina over time to a rich finish. The case is stamped with the name of the maker and steel used in the blade. Blade length 3".