All About Pocket Knives

This pocket knife arrived very recently in a large group/lot of pocket knives that I bought. I did NOT purchase the group/lot to obtain this particular pocket knife. But, it is a BEAUTY and it turned out to be a keeper. It is a VALOR JAPAN, one blade, two tang stamps, M.O.P. handles/scales, 3" closed (not including the bail), pattern #530, fish shaped pocket knife. The blade serves as the dorsal fin. The main blade front tang stamp reads "VALOR - #530." The main blade back tang stamp reads "STAINLESS - STEEL - JAPAN." It is in EXCELLENT condition. It did NOT need any cleaning. I took some pictures (they do NOT do it justice) and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

I have one Valor knife from Japan don't know much about them but it's a pretty nice knife

Front: Sport - Valor Miami USA
Rear tang: 440 stainless 335 Japan

Very recently, this pocket knife arrived and it now becomes the latest example to join this topic or thread and to join my general pocket knife collection. It came in a very large group or lot of pocket knives that I bought. I was happy to find it, but I did not buy the group or lot for this particular pocket knife. It is a JAPAN, one blade, one tool (a marlin spike), one tang stamp, 4 3/8" closed (not including the bail or lanyard loop), rigging pocket knife. This is my first and only rigging pocket knife. The bail or lanyard loop also unlocks the marlin spike. The main blade tang stamp says "STAINLESS (over) STEEL (over) JAPAN" The main handle side says "RIGGING-KNIFE" Is it a VALOR rigging knife? I have seen a couple of VALOR rigging knives on-line and they "look" identical to this one. But, they had "VALOR" on the tang stamp(s). Nevertheless, it is in VERY GOOD condition. It did NOT need any cleaning. I took some pictures and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

And here is my example to join this little thread, my brother in law gave this to me a couple of years ago and I just recently got it out then I seen this thread. A Valor 515-S stainless steel from Japan. Never thought of it much, the button you can push in,but it doesn't have a spring in it. I think it was just nonfunctional switchblade...

That's a smart lookin' knife Theo. I don't see a lock-tab to "pick" it closed, does the button need to be pressed in order to fold the blade closed, or is it simply slip-joint action? Thx!

Madmarco wrote: ↑Mon Jan 09, 2023 6:20 pm That's a smart lookin' knife Theo. I don't see a lock-tab to "pick" it closed, does the button need to be pressed in order to fold the blade closed, or is it simply slip-joint action? Thx!

Hey buddy, no it is a slipjoint that's is it, no button to push or lock blade. Put together very well , I also liked the early Sabre knifes from Japan, has to be the early ones though. Hey buddy have you picked up any cool switchblades lately? I am getting that itch for Italian made switchers, I did buy 3 orfour cheapers from blade city , but it didn't relieve the itch for the 11 in Maltese that I want

Hey Theo!
Thanks for that info, your knife is in great shape I'm really liking it. I just noticed the long pull on the blade which ordinarily wouldn't be there if it had a spring in it originally, so I'd say you're right about it being a nonfunctioning stiletto and not a true automatic. I don't know if I bought any autos since we last spoke, but if you check the "Some of my autos" thread in the "Switchblade Collectors" forum you'll see for yourself. If you go to the AAPK stores and do a search for AGA Campolin knives, a couple of 11" Maltese should come up at current prices, and you'd be supporting our site too if you buy there. Show us what you got from Blade City buddy, cheapos or not. Good hearing from you man!

can anyone tell me about this knife looks like something that's reasonably valuable.
Thank you!?
Number on the blade is 10903 btw

Can anyone tell me anything?

Be patient 7887, someone who knows about your knife will eventually see it and provide you with some answers. BTW, to AAPK!

how often does it usually take? Is there any research resources i can pull from myself?

Madmarco wrote: ↑Tue Feb 14, 2023 11:34 pm Be patient 7887, someone who knows about your knife will eventually see it and provide you with some answers. BTW, to AAPK!

78son87acon wrote: ↑Tue May 02, 2023 2:46 am how often does it usually take? Is there any research resources i can pull from myself?

Madmarco wrote: ↑Tue Feb 14, 2023 11:34 pm Be patient 7887, someone who knows about your knife will eventually see it and provide you with some answers. BTW, to AAPK!

Ha, ha, ha!
You're asking me how a watch works, my friend!
I'm afraid not I nor anyone I know can predict how long before someone has answers for you, and I speak only from what I've experienced here myself.
In the meantime I suggest you read through the topics in this forum" Japanese-made knives", there appears to be plenty of information in them.
IMHO, you have a knife that is beyond "run of the mill", so don't let impatience make you do something foolish.
I know it's frustrating and you've hung-in there very well so far, try to continue being patient.

I'm new to the forum here and have a question regarding Valor knives made in Japan. I picked one up at a gun show down in FL back in the 80's if memory serves correctly that I've never seen another like it. Not even a photo of one online anywhere. I'll post some pics of it here in hopes that someone more knowledgeable about it than I might have some information about it. It really is quite a neat little knife. Bone handle, very well made overall with a somewhat skimpy sheath. It came in a red box and no literature with it.
I thank you in advance for any information anyone may have on it.

Hey, LITW, I can't tell you much about your knife other than it's very cool, but keep checking back for replies cuz lots of members likely do and once they've seen it should have some answers for you. The fact it's made in Seki, Japan usually indicates a quality knife, so it certainly isn't a junker.
to AAPK!

Thank you very much Madmarco. I appreciate the welcome and I look forward to learning and sharing what I'm able here.
I too think the knife is "cool". My thinking is perhaps not very many were made could be the reasoning of its seeming scarcity. When I look at it I don't see it as being mass produced. But, I really don't know for certain. Hopefully others will have one or seen similar.
Thanks again.

I have seen some Japanese Valor knives, but not with that handle. I am wondering if it might have been rehandled before you bought it? Usually there would be a pommel and but on the end of it. I do not recall seeing the pith on the end of any Japanese knives of that type (most had bone or plastic handles rather than real stag).
If so, that only makes it more unique!
Hopefully someone with more information will chime in soon.

Madmarco wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 8:25 pm The fact it's made in Seki, Japan usually indicates a quality knife,

Marco, I wonder if this was actually made by Valor and just not marked that....

That's always a possibility, Dog, but one I hope you're wrong about as that would weaken my strong resolve and admiration about Seki made knives. There HAS to be at least 1 legitimate knife company!!!

GSPTOPDOG wrote: ↑Thu Nov 14, 2024 12:08 am

Madmarco wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 8:25 pm The fact it's made in Seki, Japan usually indicates a quality knife,

Marco, I wonder if this was actually made by Valor and just not marked that....

TopDog, I believe the Explorer knives were part of the Gutmann family, with the knives being made by G Sakai mostly. G Sakai also made knives for Valor, Gerber, Al Mar, SOG, and Spyderco. Excellent piece!

Madmarco wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 12:43 am That's always a possibility, Dog, but one I hope you're wrong about as that would weaken my strong resolve and admiration about Seki made knives. There HAS to be at least 1 legitimate knife company!!!

Marco, I was surprised to learn that Cold Steel US made knives were actually made (in some cases) by Camillus .... so, one never knows ....

Corn Creek Cutlery wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 8:18 pm

GSPTOPDOG wrote: ↑Thu Nov 14, 2024 12:08 am

Madmarco wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 8:25 pm The fact it's made in Seki, Japan usually indicates a quality knife,

Marco, I wonder if this was actually made by Valor and just not marked that....

TopDog, I believe the Explorer knives were part of the Gutmann family, with the knives being made by G Sakai mostly. G Sakai also made knives for Valor, Gerber, Al Mar, SOG, and Spyderco. Excellent piece!

Thankks for the info CxIII always appreciated

GSPTOPDOG wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 10:29 pm

Madmarco wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 12:43 am That's always a possibility, Dog, but one I hope you're wrong about as that would weaken my strong resolve and admiration about Seki made knives. There HAS to be at least 1 legitimate knife company!!!

Marco, I was surprised to learn that Cold Steel US made knives were actually made (in some cases) by Camillus .... so, one never knows ....

That's interesting, Dog, but being someone who has never "collected" knives but rather "accumulated" knives, and am unfamiliar with aspects like point of origin, makers, and general history, I don't know if I should be happy or sad. So, I'll have to go by your words and emojis, and go with sad. One never knows.

Madmarco wrote: ↑Sun Nov 17, 2024 5:26 am

GSPTOPDOG wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 10:29 pm

Madmarco wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 12:43 am

That's interesting, Dog, but being someone who has never "collected" knives but rather "accumulated" knives, and am unfamiliar with aspects like point of origin, makers, and general history, I don't know if I should be happy or sad. So, I'll have to go by your words and emojis, and go with sad. One never knows.

Marco, I would be happy ... Because, Camillus made excellent quality knives.... Cold Steel came up with the designs and models (someone correct me if I am wrong) and then contracted solid knife making companies to fabricate and deliver very high-quality knives .... to accumulators ... such as you 'n me Remember the old C.S. "Proof" videos? Lynn Thomphson and his crew would bash the Trailmaster into cinder blocks and cut 9" of rope, then chop through 16 2x4s, etc...etc... I would say that C.S. produced some purdy good knives over the years.

Reverand wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 12:47 am I have seen some Japanese Valor knives, but not with that handle. I am wondering if it might have been rehandled before you bought it? Usually there would be a pommel and but on the end of it. I do not recall seeing the pith on the end of any Japanese knives of that type (most had bone or plastic handles rather than real stag).
If so, that only makes it more unique!
Hopefully someone with more information will chime in soon.

Thank you for the insight Reverand. I hadn't considered that the handle could have been replaced however in looking at it very closely it seems too perfect. If it has been replaced then what an amazing job they did. Incidentally, I also have a belt buckle knife that is made by Valor and marked Seiki Japan that I will post some pics of once I remember where I put it . Thanks again for the reply sir.

GSPTOPDOG wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2024 9:17 pm

Madmarco wrote: ↑Sun Nov 17, 2024 5:26 am

GSPTOPDOG wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 10:29 pm

That's interesting, Dog, but being someone who has never "collected" knives but rather "accumulated" knives, and am unfamiliar with aspects like point of origin, makers, and general history, I don't know if I should be happy or sad. So, I'll have to go by your words and emojis, and go with sad. One never knows.

Marco, I would be happy ... Because, Camillus made excellent quality knives.... Cold Steel came up with the designs and models (someone correct me if I am wrong) and then contracted solid knife making companies to fabricate and deliver very high-quality knives .... to accumulators ... such as you 'n me Remember the old C.S. "Proof" videos? Lynn Thomphson and his crew would bash the Trailmaster into cinder blocks and cut 9" of rope, then chop through 16 2x4s, etc...etc... I would say that C.S. produced some purdy good knives over the years.

Then HAPPY it is, Dog! Thanks for that information, buddy, I'm trying to pick up as much knowledge as I can, so in the future I'll know whether to be happy or sad about something someone says regarding a knife's quality.
I remember those C/S abuse videos vividly, and when I saw the individual put their Grivory (super hard plastic) model in the vise and then bend the knife over to almost 90 degrees, and then release it and it went right back to standing up straight with absolutely no damage, I was hooked! I have bought maybe 20 C/S knives, folders and fixed blades, and will continue to buy more should they produce any new models that catch my eye. When it comes to Cold Steel knives, color me impressed!