[Guest]

Anyone know the history of American Blade from Chatanooga TN? I believe they were bought out by Parker in the 1980's. If so, is it possible that Tak Fukata was designing knives for them? Trying to verify my facts, before I start posting pics of one of their knives....

giz

 

[Guest]

OK, still working on the history...and it seems like a really oddball knife. Evidently Tak Fukuta did a series of limited knives for the American Blade show in 1984 in Chattanooga TN. American Blade became Parker Cutlery about this time.

Not related and still not sure of this, American Blade was the magazines that became Blade magazine ~ from what I can tell, and sponsored the show. To be verified. Confused yet? I am...

The knife is 7.25" overall, blade is 3.5". Slim knife as it is only 7/16" at the guard. It is boot dagger style with only one side ground, the back side is ground flat with a slight hollow grind. Scales are buffalo horn, guard appears to be nickel. The sheath is interesting. It is meant to be worn IWB and has a friction fit retainer built into it. The blade locks in place by the guard, and requires a small amount of force to remove it. The belt clip is extremely strong and hard to remove once it is locked in place. I carried this yesterday and it is very comfortable, not even noticing that it was on during a 3 hour car ride.

giz

 

[Leighton]

Seems he was designing knives for Parker Cutlery about 20yrs or so ago. From what I can find he is still designing knives in Seki Japan. Doesn't seem to be alot of info on him. He has been able to remain under the radar, though most of his work from what I've been able to look at is very nice, it seems alot of his knives are reworks of older patterns. I know this probably doesn't answer any of your questions, as until you mentioned him I have never heard of him, and most of my books have little if any info on his work.

Leighton

 

[f150guy]

almost resembles a SOG Pentagon, made in Seki, Japan. May be one in the same designer?

http://sogknives.com/store/M14.html

 

[xtimberman]

The whole package is very nice - holster, blade, and handle - has lots of classy style, too. Wish they'd left the advertizing off the blade, though! It looks like it does, but I'm wondering if the handle weighs enough to have the "heft" that a proper SD knife needs, IMO?

I googled around and found someone on a knife forum who was asking the same questions that you are - must be several of them around and about.

xtm

 

[Guest]

almost resembles a SOG Pentagon, made in Seki, Japan. May be one in the same designer?

http://sogknives.com/store/M14.html

That is a real coincidence that you just mentioned that...
I compared the two side by side when I bought the Tak Fukata. That's funny that you picked up on that. In reality, they couldn't be farther apart in quality. But the blade itself is a very similiar grind on one side only. The SOG is a different taper, but almost the same size.

I'm starting to lean to a display knife made for a major knife show in Chatanooga TN. Wouldn't it be something if this is a one of a kind and that is why it is saying "Designed by Tak Fukata" etched on the face of the blade.

Take a look at this: http://cutlerscove.com/customfolders/butterfly-tak.htm


giz

 

[f150guy]

Giz, which one is better quality? I only have the Sog Seal pup. It's my go to knife around the garage and yard, cuz I don't really like it for anything other than grunt work. It holds an edge, is corrosion resistant (left it stuck in the ground over the winter) and prys and chops like a champ. Let's just say i abuse it.
That would be something if you had a one and only made solely for the show. Definitely a keeper regardless.

 

[Guest]

f150guy,

As far as the steel goes, I'd have to go with the SOG. Must be AUS80 or better, pretty good stuff. Also for durability, again the SOG...

As far as design work, guard, bolsters to holsters, fit and finish...the Tak Fukuta knife wins the day.

Go to which blade balances the best, again the Fukuta.

Which is the better daily carry knife....? The SOG will most likely give better service in the Kydex holster on the long-term. The man-made materials will probably last longer and be more durable.

S ex appeal ~ sorry the SOG losses this one big time The Fukata is drop dead gorgeous in real life and the pics that I posted do it no justice. Here's a example...Jules is my wife and put up with me for too many years throughout guns and knives. She shoots everything from Flintlocks to Bushmaster's and is very accomplished. She knows my Randalls and others....She took one look at the Fukata knife and said it stays, put it away and don't even think of selling it. :mrgreen:

giz

 

[Leighton]

Giz, My wifes the same way, if it passes her aproval its a keeper! Of course she is too!!!!!

 

[Guest]

Leighton,

Look for a big box due mid week next week :mrgreen:

I'm finding that the knives are like the handguns a few years back. Not enough info, and lots to learn or be gleaned from the folks that know the real deal. It amazes me how little we know, and how much we have to learn. Full of contradictions, and wonder...

The fact that so many makers are still with us, speaks well of knife collecting's future. It is amazing, how little we know...

As to the wife issue....y'ep ~ mine's a keeper...don't know how a misinformed retrobate ~ such as myself, ever convinced this gal to put up with me

giz

 

[Guest]

Have a Parker Cut in a design that is very close to what you have. Bit more beat up with a solid metal handle. Same sheath, IWB. Blade seemed stong and solid. Not bad for a $2 garage sale.

Couldn't find anything about it.

so now I know a potential designer of the original. Thanks

 

[Guest]

The experts on blades are starting to weigh in on the Fukuta knife...looks like I have a winner. Designed by one of the longest running custom knifemakers of the last century. They are tying up the connections to Parker and his relationship to that company in the late 70's and early 80's...exciting stuff....

giz

 

[xtimberman]

I asked one of the knife contacts I have to take a look at your photo and he said that the overall style reminded him of the 19th century San Francisco "school" of knifemakers - McConnell, Price, Will & Finck, etc.

No matter what you find out, you've got a stylish, well-made blade.

xtm

 

[Guest]

The more beat up, utiliatarian verson. a Parker Cut.

 

[Leighton]

Which Gerber copied and called it a MK1, or MKII, I can never keep those two straight.

 

[xtimberman]

The more beat up, utiliatarian verson. a Parker Cut.

Is the blade on yours flat on the other side - like Giz's?

xtm

 

[Guest]

Ooops. didn't read giz's close enough. Mine is identical on both sides. So not even close enough for hand grenades.