Moki, Mcusta, Al Mar and other Seki Made Knives

[Sharpnshinyknives]

Both stamps

I thought that was an A.G. Russell. I am really liking those red spacers.
SSk

[Sharpnshinyknives]

This eBay seller has no track record, but has some pretty amazing knives for sale. I contacted her and asked where the knives came from. She told me that her deceased father was a collector. There are several Mcustas, a William Henry, Chris Reeves and this Dew Hara from Seki and others.
I have been in love w/ Master Koji Hara and his son Dew’s knives for a long time. Some think the style is too aggressive, but I like them. This is a knife I hadn’t seen before and it’s pretty amazing. She is starting this one at 1045 w/ a buy it now for 1500. That’s a bit high but right in line w/ full retail, on the starting price.
So what do you think? Like it or not? I know no one likes the price but I’m asking about whether you like the style?
SSk

[Quick Steel]

Unfortunately, the photo cannot be enlarged, but I like it.

[S2K]

Beautiful, and FF to die for no doubt. I'd have to live with that one for a while to know for sure, but right off I don't care for the thumb stud. What's the handles made from?

[Ivoryman]

Both stamps

I thought that was an A.G. Russell. I am really liking those red spacers.
SSk

Thanks. That's the one thing that doesn't do much for me incidentally. It's a fabulous knife and great antler, action and pull is amazing, centering middle, love the liners, bolster, lock up is typical of Moki and Seki stuff so very tight and solid, and a fabulous knife, just a bit thick in the stag department if you know what I mean. And if you like it and horse trading PM me and it could be yours.

[Sharpnshinyknives]

Beautiful, and FF to die for no doubt. I'd have to live with that one for a while to know for sure, but right off I don't care for the thumb stud. What's the handles made from?

The description says Duralumin. It doesn’t say what the black material is. I would guess either buffalo horn or Micarta.
SSk

[Sharpnshinyknives]

2 more in the MC-3 series. Thanks to Gary Kennedy I will have the last 3 in this series next week. These two I got on eBay. To my surprise the second one has the smoothest action of all 4 that I have. It’s also the least expensive. The oiled washer is smooth by itself, but this one is especially smooth. And the linerlock is much easier to work.
The first one is interesting in that this 33 layer Damascus handle is sawcut, which gives it a very good grip.
Looking forward to the last 3 arriving.
By the way, if there is a Seki made knife you are interested in, I would recommend Gary, he can find anything.
SSk

[Quick Steel]

Beautiful knives Mark. Did I say beautiful? How about gorgeous? You are building a tremendous collection. Congratulations.

[Sharpnshinyknives]

Beautiful knives Mark. Did I say beautiful? How about gorgeous? You are building a tremendous collection. Congratulations.

Thanks QS. I thought it would take me a lot longer than this to get them all. Got lucky on two and Gary got me a great deal on the last of the 7. The last group of knives that I went after all that were made were those Case Ivory knives where I bought all 6 w/ matching serial numbers.
I wonder what I will go after next? I think I better start accumulating Al Mar next. I still don’t have any. I will enjoy that hunt too.
Hope we see some more posts on this thread. Just reviewed the entire thread and I love this thread.
SSK

[Sharpnshinyknives]

Here is an unusual knife. Wondered if anyone knows anything about this? It’s listed on eBay and there isn’t much info with the listing. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nakayama-Hidet ... Sw9bdaymS0
It’s very unusual design. The fit and finish doesn’t strike me as right, especially for the price. The pins are sticking out and the blade/spring meet up doesn’t look tight at all.
Anyone know anything about this?
SSk

[kennedy knives]

Here's a couple of Mcusta Tactility Elite in Damascus top one handle in Cocobolo Wood Model MC122DR. Bottom one Handle Ironwood Model MC128D .
I use one as my EDC holds a great edge

[Quick Steel]

It was hard to pick a favorite from these two....just for fun. But finally settled on the Iron wood. Both great looking knives. Obvious quality.

[Sharpnshinyknives]

It was hard to pick a favorite from these two....just for fun. But finally settled on the Iron wood. Both great looking knives. Obvious quality.

QS, I agree. It’s hard to find any wood that beats Ironwood.
Gary, there’s going to be someone we both know who will go Gaga over those two. Both are very nice. Very nice indeed.
SSk

[Cletus Awreetus]

QS, I agree. It’s hard to find any wood that beats Ironwood.
Gary, there’s going to be someone we both know who will go Gaga over those two. Both are very nice. Very nice indeed.
SSk[/quote]


lol, couldn't agree more so, done-done-and done! thx guys!!!

[Sharpnshinyknives]

QS, I agree. It’s hard to find any wood that beats Ironwood.
Gary, there’s going to be someone we both know who will go Gaga over those two. Both are very nice. Very nice indeed.
SSk

lol, couldn't agree more so, done-done-and done! thx guys!!![/quote]

You’re welcome Steve. Gary Kennedy at Kennedyknives is the man.
SSk

[Sharpnshinyknives]

QS, I agree. It’s hard to find any wood that beats Ironwood.
Gary, there’s going to be someone we both know who will go Gaga over those two. Both are very nice. Very nice indeed.
SSk

lol, couldn't agree more so, done-done-and done! thx guys!!![/quote]

Don’t leave us hanging Steve. You post those pictures of that new Mcusta as soon as you get it.
Here is one of the 3 that Gary Kennedy got for me. I now have all 7 of the MC-3 series. Here is the MC-37. How they managed to get this 33 layer Damascus into this basket weave is amazing. What superb craftsmanship. This one is a rival for the bamboo motif that I love so much. Including a picture of the two together at the end of this, and you can decide for yourself which one you like better. I don’t think I can decide, these are just too drop dead gorgeous.
SSk

[S2K]

Ssk, I agree with you, can't pick a favorite! Thanks for introducing me to Mcusta knives. Would you give us a shot of the series lined up together?

How do the two feel in hand? I'm guessing the bamboo would be more comfortable in sustained use.

[Sharpnshinyknives]

Ssk, I agree with you, can't pick a favorite! Thanks for introducing me to Mcusta knives. Would you give us a shot of the series lined up together?

How do the two feel in hand? I'm guessing the bamboo would be more comfortable in sustained use.

TJ. They both feel very comfortable in hand. The bamboo is smoother, but the basket weave offers better grip. My preference is for the bamboo for how it feels in hand. These knives have a little heft to them, which I like.
Here is one more of the 3 I recently got from Gary. 33 layer Damascus on the blade and the handles. All the blades in this series have a VG-10 core.
I will post a picture of all 7 knives in another post.
SSk

[Quick Steel]

SSk, Stop it. Just stop it. This much beauty on one thread is hard on an older heart.

[Sharpnshinyknives]

Here are all 7 knives in the Mcusta MC-3 series. From the top left is MC-31, 32,33, top right MC-34, 35, 36 and 37 is on the bottom.
All have VG-10 core blades jacketed by 33 layer Damascus, except MC-37. It is clad in San Mai. Model 31 and 32 have stainless handles w/ 33 layer Damascus as accents. All the other models have handles made of 33 layer Damascus fashioned differently for each model.
Interestingly the MC-31 and 32 have a bit smoother open and close. And the liner lock is easier to unlock. I think that’s because the other models are stiffer from the handle material. Plus they are the two least expensive. Model 37 is the most expensive and model 33 is second most expensive, all the rest are approximately the same price. I highly recommend these.
SSk

Sorry QS, this one will give you a heart attack for sure.

[Quick Steel]

AARRGH!

[Sharpnshinyknives]

AARRGH!

Should I call 911 for you?
I could take pictures of Japanese knives all day long. I love looking at these knives. I am going to have to get a separate display case just for these Mcustas. These are outstanding and photograph well.
SSk

[Quick Steel]

I agree they certainly deserve their own display. A wonderful collection. Even heart stopping.

[S2K]

Stunningly gorgeous my friend!

[Sharpnshinyknives]

Here is the last of the MC-3 series I bought. This is the MC-31. LIke the MC-32 it has stainless handles w/ the 33 layer Damascus handle accents. The same VG-10 core w/ 33 layer Damascus blade. I included a picture to try and capture the indentations in the handle. The MC-32 has the same coloration on the handle but this one has these indentations as well.
This one is smoother opening and easier closing than the ones made from the solid 33 layer Damascus.
The 31 and 32 are the least expensive of these. If you wanted one in this series and didn’t want to spend a lot, these two would fit the bill.
But that bamboo and the basket weave are killer.
SSk