This is a folding knife with a long history. The so-called Higonokami style knife was first created in Japan in the 1890s. Our versions of this iconic folder come in two case styles: classic tortoise-shell and a beautiful steel and gold pattern. This is a small, spring-less folding knife that is a pleasure to use and to hold. There is no locking mechanism; you open and close the 3" long, ¡÷°" thick blade with a thumb lever that extends off the hinge of the blade. The blade is laminated, multi-layer steel that will take and hold a good sharp edge.