All About Pocket Knives

Hello - I ran across some knives left by my father, and this one got me curious. I was hoping someone might be able to tell me anything about this knife and whether it can be cleaned (or should it be). I added a couple photos, but I think the blade says Valor #185 SP Japan. The emblem on the outside does say Valor.
Thank you,
Sheryl A.

Valor, or Valor Corporation, was a cutlery importer located in Miami, Florida. They were in business from the late 1960's through the early 1990's.

Yes, you will want to do something about that rust. If you don't it will continue to eat the blade.

I wouldn't be concerned about affecting the dollar value of the knife, even if it were in pristine condition it would not be a high-dollar knife. That's not to say that Valor knives weren't quality knives. Valor brand knives had a range of quality, with some being very high quality. And although there are collectors who might pay well for a particular Valor knife, that wouldn't apply to your knife.

Yes, you must do domething to remove and stop the rust. The knifes value is as a family heirloom, so you want to keep it from further damage

I love valor knives. I own several and carry them on a regular basis. To me that is their most valuable quality. They are a sturdy knife but not so fancy that you hate to use it. My most favorite knives however are those that are from my father and grandfathers. Thus, to me, you have something really special. Definitely clean it, sharpen it, oil it, pocket it, use it. Think of the man who once owned it when you do. Keep it well enough and you'll have something with lots of memories attached to it to pass on

I would guess your knife would be from the earlier years of Valor knives given it has genuine bone handles. Applying little light oil of some kind and then wiping it clean would do the bone some good. Putting some 320 grit sandpaper on a flat surface and moving the blade over the abrasive surface would be one way to remove the rust. Nice old Valor!

awtonomow wrote: ↑Sun Nov 02, 2025 4:55 pm Hello - I ran across some knives left by my father, and this one got me curious. I was hoping someone might be able to tell me anything about this knife and whether it can be cleaned (or should it be). I added a couple photos, but I think the blade says Valor #185 SP Japan. The emblem on the outside does say Valor.
Thank you,
Sheryl A.

Beautiful HOK (Honest Old Knife) , Sheryl, stop the rust and enjoy remembering your Dad when you slip it in your jeans.
to AAPK!

Would anyone have any info on this Valor? Made in Solingen Germany and looks quiet a bit like an old German eye .

Dansword wrote: ↑Fri Dec 12, 2025 1:41 pm Would.....

This is the "Japanese-made knives" forum.

New_Windsor_NY wrote: ↑Fri Dec 12, 2025 3:31 pm

Dansword wrote: ↑Fri Dec 12, 2025 1:41 pm Would.....

This is the "Japanese-made knives" forum.

As most valors are. Was simply asking if anyone had any info on this one. Just disregard the post

Dansword wrote: ↑Fri Dec 12, 2025 4:05 pm As.....

Try here:
https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... hp?t=73983