Kotoh Knives 2.25in Stag D2 Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Kotoh Knives 2.25in Stag D2 Folding Knife

The Kotoh Knives 2.25in Stag D2 Folding Knife immediately catches the eye with its classic design and the allure of natural stag scales. Kotoh Knives isn’t exactly a household name, which initially piqued my interest. This smaller blade promises a blend of traditional materials and modern steel, something I always appreciate in a good EDC (Everyday Carry) knife.

I’ve been searching for a smaller, more refined folding knife to replace my larger, more tactical-oriented EDC. My bigger knives are fantastic for demanding tasks, but they can be bulky and sometimes draw unwanted attention. The Kotoh Knives 2.25in Stag D2 Folding Knife seemed like the perfect solution for a more discreet and elegant carry option.

Unboxing the knife revealed a well-presented package, complete with a burgundy leather pouch. The stag handle felt substantial and comfortable in my hand, offering a unique tactile experience that synthetic materials simply can’t replicate. The satin finish on the D2 steel blade was clean and sharp, hinting at the knife’s cutting potential.

I considered other options like a Case Sodbuster Jr. or a Benchmade Proper, both known for their classic designs and EDC suitability. I chose the Kotoh Knives 2.25in Stag D2 Folding Knife because of the combination of D2 steel, which is known for its edge retention and the natural beauty of the stag handle. The Case felt too traditional, and the Benchmade lacked the distinctive character I was seeking.

My first impression was one of pleasant surprise and cautious optimism. The fit and finish appeared excellent, but the true test would come with real-world use. I was excited to see how this knife would perform in my daily routine.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kotoh Knives 2.25in Stag D2 Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first took the Kotoh Knives 2.25in Stag D2 Folding Knife with me on a weekend camping trip. I used it primarily for food preparation, such as slicing vegetables and opening packages. The blade’s sharpness was immediately apparent, effortlessly slicing through tomatoes and potatoes.

The weather during the camping trip was mostly dry, but there was some early morning dew. The stag handle provided a secure grip even with slight moisture. The compact size made it easy to maneuver, and the blade felt perfectly suited for detailed cutting tasks.

The knife required no adjustment period; it felt natural and comfortable from the start. The blade opened smoothly, and the lockup was solid. I experienced no issues or surprises during my first use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of carrying the Kotoh Knives 2.25in Stag D2 Folding Knife daily, it has proven to be a reliable and capable EDC tool. It has been used for everything from opening mail and packages to cutting rope and shaping wood for small crafts. The D2 steel has held its edge remarkably well, requiring only occasional stropping.

There are very minor signs of wear on the stag handle, mostly from rubbing against keys in my pocket. The blade, however, remains pristine, showing no signs of rust or corrosion. The knife is easy to clean; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Compared to my previous EDC knives, the Kotoh Knives 2.25in Stag D2 Folding Knife stands out for its combination of elegance and performance. It outperforms many similar knives in terms of edge retention and overall build quality. It has not disappointed me.

Breaking Down the Features of Kotoh Knives 2.25in Stag D2 Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Steel: D2 tool steel with a satin finish offers excellent edge retention and wear resistance. This is crucial for maintaining a sharp blade through regular use.
• Blade Length: 2.25 inches provides a compact size suitable for EDC and detailed cutting tasks. The smaller blade makes it legal to carry in more jurisdictions and less intimidating to non-knife people.
• Handle Material: Stag handle scales offer a classic look and unique tactile feel. Each stag handle is unique, providing a distinct aesthetic appeal.
• Closed Length: 4 inches makes it easy to carry in a pocket or pouch. The compact size ensures comfortable carry without adding bulk.
• Overall Length: 6.25 inches provides a usable length when open. Good balance between closed compactness and open functionality.
• Lock Type: Undisclosed, presumed to be a lockback or liner lock. The description doesn’t specify which will impact user experience, but a solid lockup is critical for safety.
• Additional Features: Lanyard hole provides an option for attaching a lanyard or fob. Adding a lanyard can improve grip and ease of retrieval from a pocket.
• Included Accessories: Burgundy leather pouch offers protection and adds to the knife’s premium feel. The pouch helps prevent scratches and keeps the knife clean.
• Manufacturer: Kotoh Knives

Performance & Functionality

The Kotoh Knives 2.25in Stag D2 Folding Knife performs admirably for its intended purpose. The D2 steel blade holds an edge exceptionally well. It’s well suited for slicing, piercing, and other everyday cutting tasks.

The primary strength lies in the blade’s sharpness and edge retention. The smaller blade size can be a limitation for larger tasks, but it excels in precision cutting. It meets my expectations for a smaller EDC knife, but would benefit from specifying the lock type.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, with tight tolerances and smooth action. The stag handle is comfortable in hand, providing a secure grip. The knife has a satisfying weight, giving it a feeling of quality and durability.

The design is user-friendly with no significant learning curve. The blade opens easily, and the handle shape fits naturally in the hand. Better ergonomics could be achieved with jimping on the blade spine.

Durability & Maintenance

The combination of D2 steel and stag handle suggests good long-term durability. D2 is known for its resistance to wear and corrosion. Stag is a naturally durable material.

The knife is relatively easy to maintain. Regular cleaning and occasional oiling of the blade pivot are recommended. Sharpening the D2 steel will require a bit more effort than softer steels but is well worth it for the edge retention.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kotoh Knives 2.25in Stag D2 Folding Knife comes with a burgundy leather pouch. Given the more traditional nature of the knife, there are limited customization options available. The lanyard hole allows for adding a personal touch with a decorative lanyard or fob.

Aftermarket parts are not commonly available for knives of this type. The focus is on the knife’s inherent design and materials. Compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited, but universal knife maintenance tools (such as sharpeners and lubricants) will work.

Pros and Cons of Kotoh Knives 2.25in Stag D2 Folding Knife