All About Pocket Knives

Madmarco wrote: ↑Tue May 13, 2025 9:12 pm Solid looking knife, Dog, on my initial glance I thought "Mora".

Thanks M&M It has that "Mora feel" to it, a nice comfortable grip

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Tue May 13, 2025 9:06 pm Nice TopDog, that’s a well built knife that would serve you well in a camping situation.

Thanks Mark, I may get to test it this weekend, if the weather holds....

Well.... ... it WAS made in Japan*....

*The Imperial Military Nagoya Arsenal (陸軍造兵廠名古屋工廠 Rikugun Zōheishō Nagoya Kōshō), better known as Nagoya Arsenal (名古屋工廠 Nagoya Kōshō) was a Japanese state-owned combine of five military industrial facilities located in the various wards of the city of Nagoya.

Interesting sword TopDog. What a long deep blood grove on that. Is it missing handle covers? If it is, that would be a cool one to have covered with something special for display. Looks like it is nicely made and in great shape. Any idea of when this was made?

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Sat May 24, 2025 10:46 am Interesting sword TopDog. What a long deep blood grove on that. Is it missing handle covers? If it is, that would be a cool one to have covered with something special for display. Looks like it is nicely made and in great shape. Any idea of when this was made?

Thanks Mark ... I took the handles off to rub a few treatments of linseed oil into them, and I thought it would be good to have a picture of the stampings on the tang, (that might indicate a date of manufacture ) as someone might recognize some additional information unknown to me and add a post about it. As far I know it is a standard Type 30 bayonet made in the Nagoya Arsenal (1897-1945). Some of the information I could find it on:

The Imperial Military Nagoya Arsenal produced bayonets from 1897 to 1945. The Type 30 bayonet (三十年式銃剣, sanjūnen-shiki jūken) is a bayonet that was designed for the Imperial Japanese Army to be used with the Arisaka Type 30 Rifle, which was later used on the Type 38 and Type 99 rifles, the Type 96 and Type 99 light machine guns, and the Type 100 submachine gun. Some 8.4 million were produced, and it remained in front-line use from the Russo-Japanese War to the end of World War II. All Japanese infantrymen were issued with the Type 30, whether they were armed with a rifle or pistol, or even if they were unarmed. Because of its reliability, it was a valuable tool and weapon for Japanese infantrymen.

GSPTOPDOG wrote: ↑Sat May 24, 2025 6:14 am Well.... ... it WAS made in Japan*....

*The Imperial Military Nagoya Arsenal (陸軍造兵廠名古屋工廠 Rikugun Zōheishō Nagoya Kōshō), better known as Nagoya Arsenal (名古屋工廠 Nagoya Kōshō) was a Japanese state-owned combine of five military industrial facilities located in the various wards of the city of Nagoya.

Exxxxceeellllent Piece TopDog! And some great info/history posted as well. Many

I picked up this Shun 5.5" Kanso Santoku recently on a special sale at KSF. I like my Shun 8" Damascus Chef's Knife, been using it for many years (purchased from AG Russell), but often find it's just too big for a lot of my cutting needs. The smaller Santoku is lighter weight and more nimble. Both are superb kitchen knives though.

Here is a portion of the ad copy from KSF explaining what "Kanso" means:

If you have admired the simple lines and effortless grace of Japanese design, you have experienced kanso. Kanso is a design principle based on Zen philosophy. It means "simplicity," but it is a simplicity that is achieved by concentrating solely on what is most essential.

Corn Creek Cutlery wrote: ↑Sat May 24, 2025 11:18 pm

GSPTOPDOG wrote: ↑Sat May 24, 2025 6:14 am

Exxxxceeellllent Piece TopDog! And some great info/history posted as well. Many

Thanks CxIII ... I've get the handles back on and get a "full dressed" picture on the thread....

QTCut5 wrote: ↑Sun May 25, 2025 9:13 pm I picked up this Shun 5.5" Kanso Santoku recently on a special sale at KSF. I like my Shun 8" Damascus Chef's Knife, been using it for many years (purchased from AG Russell), but often find it's just too big for a lot of my cutting needs. The smaller Santoku is lighter weight and more nimble. Both are superb kitchen knives though.

Here is a portion of the ad copy from KSF explaining what "Kanso" means:

If you have admired the simple lines and effortless grace of Japanese design, you have experienced kanso. Kanso is a design principle based on Zen philosophy. It means "simplicity," but it is a simplicity that is achieved by concentrating solely on what is most essential.

NICE "Q"! I have been graduating to smaller knives lately for use. The weight is not a factor with me, but ease of use is. I am finding a 6 1/2 - 8" knife is great for everyday carry. At 8", in the kitchen, your knife would be perfect!

Beautiful Q. Love that Ken Onion designed blade. I drooled over those for years and never bought one. I have so many Japanese chef knives and love them all. I’m sure those are just as amazing to use as mine are. Thanks for sharing.

Corn Creek Cutlery wrote: ↑Sat May 24, 2025 11:18 pm

GSPTOPDOG wrote: ↑Sat May 24, 2025 6:14 am Well.... ... it WAS made in Japan*....

*The Imperial Military Nagoya Arsenal (陸軍造兵廠名古屋工廠 Rikugun Zōheishō Nagoya Kōshō), better known as Nagoya Arsenal (名古屋工廠 Nagoya Kōshō) was a Japanese state-owned combine of five military industrial facilities located in the various wards of the city of Nagoya.

Exxxxceeellllent Piece TopDog! And some great info/history posted as well. Many

Here is the Type #30 with the grips back on.

Nice TopDog. Those grips look perfect for that piece. I like wooden handles and those make it look perfect.

TopDog, that one just has the L@@K for me ... excellent work! Piece

Corn Creek Cutlery wrote: ↑Fri May 30, 2025 11:05 am Mcusta MC-31D Shinra Kasumi VG-10 Core Damascus Blade Damascus Handle 3.75" Closed

Very nice Tony. You take great photos. I collected and still have all the MC30’s that Mcusta made. One of the best series they have done.
You might want to post this in the thread dedicated to Mcusta’s, in the Japanese made knives forum.

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Sat May 31, 2025 10:47 am

Corn Creek Cutlery wrote: ↑Fri May 30, 2025 11:05 am Mcusta MC-31D Shinra Kasumi VG-10 Core Damascus Blade Damascus Handle 3.75" Closed

Very nice Tony. You take great photos. I collected and still have all the MC30’s that Mcusta made. One of the best series they have done.
You might want to post this in the thread dedicated to Mcusta’s, in the Japanese made knives forum.

Thank you Mark! Mcustas stand alone in their craftsmanship and artistry in my opinion. Since I got the Bamboo 33D from you and the Bushi Sword from Gary, I have been hooked. Also, as you and Gary, I like offering higher quality knives in my store. Mcustas certainly qualifies. I will post in the thread you mentioned, and post more of their knives in the future.

Corn Creek Cutlery wrote: ↑Fri May 30, 2025 11:05 am Mcusta MC-31D Shinra Kasumi VG-10 Core Damascus Blade Damascus Handle 3.75" Closed

Beautiful knife and Amazing pic as usual, Tony! I'm more a lover of the traditional patterns but Love the lines on this one.

knifeaddict1965 wrote: ↑Sun Jun 01, 2025 3:48 am

Corn Creek Cutlery wrote: ↑Fri May 30, 2025 11:05 am Mcusta MC-31D Shinra Kasumi VG-10 Core Damascus Blade Damascus Handle 3.75" Closed

Beautiful knife and Amazing pic as usual, Tony! I'm more a lover of the traditional patterns but Love the lines on this one.

Appreciate it Kevin! Given the array of knife patterns available ... no wonder we gaze at tables at shows and pics on this forum.

That's another fine edition to add to your Japanese knives accumulation, Tony, great work on staying focused.

Picked this AG Russell Seki Japan made knife last week on eBay. I was prepared to go a whole lot higher to get this one. The handle is “air stepped” just like Master Koji Hara has done on many knives, which makes me think that he made this for AGR. The handles are cocobolo. Even the pins have been air stepped. The blade is ATS-34 and has the usual high polish that Master Hara does on his knives. Nice full tang construction. My only hesitation with stating that this is definitely Hara is the pin placement. Master Hattori is well known for using this many pins on fixed blades. If anyone has the definitive information on who made this knife, I would sure appreciate it.

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Sat Jun 21, 2025 8:48 pm Picked this AG Russell Seki Japan made knife last week on eBay. I was prepared to go a whole lot higher to get this one. The handle is “air stepped” just like Master Koji Hara has done on many knives, which makes me think that he made this for AGR. The handles are cocobolo. Even the pins have been air stepped. The blade is ATS-34 and has the usual high polish that Master Hara does on his knives. Nice full tang construction. My only hesitation with stating that this is definitely Hara is the pin placement. Master Hattori is well known for using this many pins on fixed blades. If anyone has the definitive information on who made this knife, I would sure appreciate it.

Beauty Mark! The handles flow nicely with the knife's shape.

Corn Creek Cutlery wrote: ↑Sun Jun 22, 2025 10:10 pm

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Sat Jun 21, 2025 8:48 pm Picked this AG Russell Seki Japan made knife last week on eBay. I was prepared to go a whole lot higher to get this one. The handle is “air stepped” just like Master Koji Hara has done on many knives, which makes me think that he made this for AGR. The handles are cocobolo. Even the pins have been air stepped. The blade is ATS-34 and has the usual high polish that Master Hara does on his knives. Nice full tang construction. My only hesitation with stating that this is definitely Hara is the pin placement. Master Hattori is well known for using this many pins on fixed blades. If anyone has the definitive information on who made this knife, I would sure appreciate it.

Beauty Mark! The handles flow nicely with the knife's shape.

Thanks Tony. It’s a work of art.

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Sat Jun 21, 2025 8:48 pm Picked this AG Russell Seki Japan made knife last week on eBay. I was prepared to go a whole lot higher to get this one. The handle is “air stepped” just like Master Koji Hara has done on many knives, which makes me think that he made this for AGR. The handles are cocobolo. Even the pins have been air stepped. The blade is ATS-34 and has the usual high polish that Master Hara does on his knives. Nice full tang construction. My only hesitation with stating that this is definitely Hara is the pin placement. Master Hattori is well known for using this many pins on fixed blades. If anyone has the definitive information on who made this knife, I would sure appreciate it.

Nice fixed blade Mark! Love the Terraced Cocobolo handles. I have seen Case Terraced Pearl Trappers and Toothpicks but never pulled the trigger on one.
Very Cool!

knifeaddict1965 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 23, 2025 5:12 am

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Sat Jun 21, 2025 8:48 pm Picked this AG Russell Seki Japan made knife last week on eBay. I was prepared to go a whole lot higher to get this one. The handle is “air stepped” just like Master Koji Hara has done on many knives, which makes me think that he made this for AGR. The handles are cocobolo. Even the pins have been air stepped. The blade is ATS-34 and has the usual high polish that Master Hara does on his knives. Nice full tang construction. My only hesitation with stating that this is definitely Hara is the pin placement. Master Hattori is well known for using this many pins on fixed blades. If anyone has the definitive information on who made this knife, I would sure appreciate it.

Nice fixed blade Mark! Love the Terraced Cocobolo handles. I have seen Case Terraced Pearl Trappers and Toothpicks but never pulled the trigger on one.
Very Cool!


Screenshot 2025-06-23 010740.png

Thanks Kevin, I didn’t realize that Case ever made a knife with that material. I’ve only seen Master Koji Hara do this on knives.

As per the seller “ This slim lockback was made for Gutmann Explorer in Seki, Japan circa 1980s by G. Sakai”