Hiroaki Ohta Birch Wood FK5P

I got one of these Ohta folders after seeing them for years on various sites, never expecting more than just something unusual to keep on my desk for letter opening and small tasks. That first one has been my EDC since the day it arrived, and I’ve started collecting them in all their many wood choices, plus Micarta and carbon fiber. Such a simple design, of tried and true materials, executed to perfection at a price that nearly any knife enthusiast can afford, this is a perfect little handmade knife. Hiroaki Ohta makes them from D-2 steel in his one-man shop. He even heat treats the blades himself. My one criticism isn’t really even a slight—I found the leather slip cases to be too tight for daily carry (although great for storage), so I don’t use a slip. The FK5 sits upright against the front seam of my jeans pocket (spine forward and tang on top), rarely shifting, never coming open, and always right there to be pulled out for quick one-handed use. At barely over 3/4 ounce, it’s never noticeable until needed, and just what I need for opening mail, packages, slicing apples, tomatoes for sandwiches when away from my own kitchen knives, and snipping fishing mono.