A Kmart Collectible Knife for sale.

[onehikes]

Having a collectible knife associated with Kmart seems like an oxymoron.

Hard to believe that you could have walked into a Kmart in the 70's and bought a knife for around $10 that was made in Seki, Japan by Ichiro Hattori. It happened. Now it would cost $195.00. There is also one on e-bay for $299 right now.

"Sharp" was a U.S. Importer of knives in the late 1970s to 1980s period. They offered a number of Seki made fixed blades but one that is noteworthy is the Sharp Model 1000s. These were often sold through K-Mart. 8" OAL, 3.5" Hollow ground blade of 440 steel (many Hattori's were later discovered to use AUS-8 steel) This knife is used as I do not have the box, but perfect. Shows no signs of being sharpened but not guaranteed.

Hattori later issued this knife as the H-109 Drop Point Hunter, with a 3 1/2″ Aus-8 blade, Nickel Silver Bolster and rivets, rounded and shaped grained Mahogany handle with brass lanyard hole.

For more info: http://hattoricollector.com/2015/10/01/ ... and-valor/. For more pictures and information go to my AAPK store:
Fitzwillies Outdoor Emporium.

[kootenay joe]

Does it say "Hattori" on the knife ? If not how did you track down the maker ?
"Valor" is another brand from same time period that had knives made in Japan and some in USA, i think. Do you know if there is a connection between "Sharp" and "Valor" ?
Most interesting post. Thank you.
kj

[onehikes]

No it does not say Hattori on the blade. Hattori did not always put his name on knives like the Valor knives you inquired about. The link I provided takes you to a Hattori website where they show you the Sharp 1000s and that Hattori mproduced them. I had found the site after I became interested in Hattori's and noticed the Sharp Knife. When I ran across one I acquired it. Looking for other Hattori's whenever I can. I also got a Hattori Browning Sportsman series knife as well as several others. Glad you enjoyed the post. So many great stories out there in the knife world.

[jerryd6818]

I remember considering/wanting a JUNGLEE HATTORI but never pulling the trigger because I thought they were over priced for what they were. Just shows what I know. Holy cats, the asking prices have shot through the roof. Can I get a do over?

[onehikes]

I have looked at the Hattori Junglee as well running $300-$400 but I prefer his smaller knives for hunting and general use. Knives he produced in the 70-80's are my favorites, hard to find and getting expensive. We all have our knife weaknesses and like many mine change all the time.