This EDC Knife Puts a Unique Twist on a Japanese Blade Style

A French designer is behind this Tanto-bladed gentleman’s knife.

Published July 11, 2024

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Updated July 12, 2024

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It’s always fun when a knife designer gets creative. Why create the same old folding EDC knife we’ve all seen a million times when there are so many unique directions you can go in by combining different blade shapes, knife styles handle materials and more?

One craftsman who clearly knows how to make a head-turning knife is French designer Guy Poggetti. Best known for his custom designs, Poggetti has teamed up with Boker to create a production version of one of his most fetching designs: the Sanjo.

Boker Plus Sanjo

$142 at Boker

A Very Polite Tanto

The Sanjo, which has previously only existed in custom form, is a neo-Japanese pocket knife that combines the clean and simple aesthetics of a classic gentleman’s folder with the rugged aggressiveness of a Japanese Tanto blade.

The Sanjo’s Tanto blade measures 3.39 inches and is crafted from Japanese VG-10 steel, giving it decent durability and edge retention while keeping the cost reasonable. The blade is coated with a stonewash finish for a cool weathered look.

The Japanese vibes continue with a Micarta handle in a brown burlap finish that also lends a sort of antique look to the piece. The handle has a slight backward curve to it as well, vaguely giving the impression of the handle you might see on a Katana sword.

closed boker folding pocket knife — The curved, burlap-patterned Micarta handle somewhat resembles something you’d see on an antique Japanese sword.

A ball-bearing front flipper mechanism allows for easy and quick one-handed opening, with the subtle flipper seamlessly fitting in alongside the thin and discrete handle when folded.

Once opened, it’s even more subtle, as the flipper disappears completely between the liners. The blade is secured with a liner lock and includes a tip-up pocket clip. Fully opened, the Sanjo measures 7.8 inches long.

The knife’s name comes from a town in Japan’s Niigata Prefecture, and although it was designed by a Frenchman, the Sanjo’s mix of minimalist design, aged appearance and, most of all, its Tanto blade give off the impression of a true Japanese heirloom.

Boker lists the Sanjo as “coming soon” on its website, where it’s priced at $141.95. It’s not the cheapest EDC knife in the world by any stretch, but for a custom-like designed gentleman’s knife with real day-to-day utility, I don’t think it would be too much of a stretch to call it a bargain

Boker Plus Sanjo

Designed by French knife designer Guy Poggetti, the Sanjo is a neo-Japanese-style front flipper that combines a Tanto blade with a gentlemen’s knife aesthetic that discreetly hides the flipper when open.