What is this?

Shoki · Dec 5, 2009

I posted these pics over at W&SS mostly to show off my new toy but I was wondering if any of you guys recognize it. It's 13.5" overall, 7.75" blade, 3/16" thick, scandi ground, and forged. Sakai is stamped on the sheath but I don't know if that refers to Sakai, Japan or someone's name. I generally don't like posting identification threads, preferring to do the sleuthing myself but I've searched the hell out of it and haven't found anything. Any ideas would be great.

Bill Burke · Dec 5, 2009

Well I am not real sure but it kinda looks like a knife.

PeterPHWS · Dec 5, 2009

The handle style looks very similar to Hiro Itou....see Japanese Knives Direct web site...it would fit with the Japanese link on the sheath....it may have been a private commission....the scandi style edge and the unusual blood groove if that is what it is....has the blade styled size wise on a Finnish Leku...maybe send a photo to Koki who runs JKD and see if he can check it out with Mr Itou?

Here is the link

http://www.japaneseknifedirect.com/default.asp

Hiro Itou has a passion for hunting and his knives take a Scandi type feel in some respects....mainly for me in the sheath style...he has evolved to working with R2 Damascus steel...hard to get in the US...but your knife could be an early piece of his...here is one of mine which made me think the handle style was similar given the Japanese connection on the sheath...

Shoki · Dec 5, 2009

PeterPHWS said:
The handle style looks very similar to Hiro Itou....see Japanese Knives Direct web site...it would fit with the Japanese link on the sheath....it may have been a private commission....the scandi style edge and the unusual blood groove if that is what it is....has the blade styled size wise on a Finnish Leku...maybe send a photo to Koki who runs JKD and see if he can check it out with Mr Itou?

Here is the link

http://www.japaneseknifedirect.com/default.asp

Hiro Itou has a passion for hunting and his knives take a Scandi type feel in some respects....mainly for me in the sheath style...he has evolved to working with R2 Damascus steel...hard to get in the US...but your knife could be an early piece of his...here is one of mine which made me think the handle style was similar given the Japanese connection on the sheath...

Thanks for the link! The handle shape and rivet style suggest Mr. Itou's style but the examples in the link (and yours) are MUCH nicer than mine so I guess that would support it being an early piece. I guess the next step is to ask him!

Bladeandbarrel · Dec 5, 2009

G. Sakai knife. Very high quality.

They are one of the top Japanese makers of production and limited production knives. Probably AUS-8.

Good catch.

Shoki · Dec 5, 2009

After looking at his other stuff, I'm pretty convinced it's Itou's.
Peter, you're the man.

PeterPHWS · Dec 5, 2009

Yes I think it is definately an "Itou" too. The sheath may have come out of the G.Sakai company....it is based in Seki in Japan and seems to be a brand "outsourcing or brokering" the knife models in it's range to the various makers based there.

None of their current range are "Itou" in style....more like Dusty Moulton in some of their offerings...but if it is an Itou early piece I think it is a very interesting find and will be a top quality knife...his reputation is "excellent" and this knife certainly shows the Scandi influence to his work. Good find...:thumbup:

Shoki · Dec 5, 2009

PeterPHWS said:
Yes I think so too. The sheath may have come out of the G.Sakai company....it is based in Seki in Japan and seems to be a brand "outsourcing or brokering" the knife models in it's range to the various makers based there.

None of their current range are "Itou" in style....more like Dusty Moulton in some of their offerings...but if it is an Itou early piece I think it is a very interesting find and will be a top quality knife...his reputation is "excellent" and this knife certainly shows the Scandi influence to his work. Good find...:thumbup:

Cool. Thanks again for your help, don't think I could have figured it out by myself. The only problem is, now I don't wanna use it!

Edit: Sorry 'bout the thread title, didn't mean to offend.