Before I describe this knife I need to tell you a little about the maker.  Master Seizo Imai was a leading master cutler in Japan from the 70's through 2014 when he passed away.  Master Imai designed knives for Parker, Frost, A.G. Russell, Kershaw, Gerber, Condor, C.I. and many others.  He made quite a few knives himself that he also sold.  His Loveless knives are amazing.  He sold many of these knives through Japanese Knives Direct.  I tried to buy all the remaining stock of his knives a year after his passing but his widow wanted them in the hands of the Japanese distribution JKD for final sale.  Recently the stock of knives that Master Imai had stored in a facility was discovered.  This knife is one of those knives that Master Imai made.  It's a Wenoka 4580.  Wenoka is known for their dive knives, so a folder like this is rare.  This is a very good copy or precursor of the Gerber Magnum from the same era, this knife was made in the 1970's.  The handles are made of chip and crack free brown Micarta.  The bolsters are nickel silver w/ brass pins and liners.  Very high mirror polish on the blade, bolsters and backspring.  Blade is stainless steel and has not been used or sharpened.  There are some minor rub marks on the back side of the blade from some slight contact w/ the liner.  Blade centers well and has a pleasing "snap" on lock up.  The release takes some real pressure.  This is a big knife weighing 6.2 ounces and measures 4 1/2" closed OAL and has a handle depth of 1 1/4".  With the finger groves on the handle and bolsters, this knife was made for work.

For collectors of Gerber, Wenoka or Master Imai's work, this is an important addition to your collection.  No box but I will include a nylon sheath for storage.  Free shipping w/in the USA.

Item # 43351