All About Pocket Knives

I'm hoping to find information on this antique switchblade. It's marked TOYOKAZU, has a Tiger below the name on the blade and TIGER on the brass cap. It belonged to my Grandfather, he died in the 1930's. I've tried to find information online to no avail. I didn't want to clean it before I found out what it's worth and whether cleaning would affect its value. My grandmother said my grandfather carried this everyday and used it all the time.

It looks Japanese and is not unlike those sold in the Mexico markets. I don’t think it dates back to the thirties though. I might be wrong but that Stainless blade mark looks later? Maybe Bill knows for sure.

Mr Mike wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:27 am I'm hoping to find information on this antique switchblade. It's marked TOYOKAZU, has a Tiger below the name on the blade and TIGER on the brass cap. It belonged to my Grandfather, he died in the 1930's. I've tried to find information online to no avail. I didn't want to clean it before I found out what it's worth and whether cleaning would affect its value. My grandmother said my grandfather carried this everyday and used it all the time.

That is a cool knife and great to have a piece like that owned by your Grandfather. Hard to say from the pics, it looks like a little rust in places. I'd clean that off and leave as is otherwise.

That "scrat" jigging pattern on the bone is definitely Japanese, but I would have guessed it was from the 1950's or 60's, though I am certainly no expert, and hope to learn more.
I personally would do as little cleaning to it as possible. Every mark, scratch, and tarnished spot tells a story about your grandfather! I would oil the blade pivot, wipe off the excess and use that oily cloth to wipe down the rest of the knife, and then enjoy owning a piece of family history!

Thanks to everyone for the input!

This type knife was not made in Japan before the late 1950s, so it wasn't Gramps'.
The backspring is bent.

QGofLake wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:15 am

Mr Mike wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:27 am I'm hoping to find information on this antique switchblade. It's marked TOYOKAZU, has a Tiger below the name on the blade and TIGER on the brass cap. It belonged to my Grandfather, he died in the 1930's. I've tried to find information online to no avail. I didn't want to clean it before I found out what it's worth and whether cleaning would affect its value. My grandmother said my grandfather carried this everyday and used it all the time.

That is a cool knife and great to have a piece like that owned by your Grandfather. Hard to say from the pics, it looks like a little rust in places. I'd clean that off and leave as is otherwise.

Forgot to add... I'd use WD40 and #0000 steel wool to remove any surface rust on the blade. It won't harm the patina. For any rust around bolsters/pins, WD40 with a cloth. If there is any dirt or grime on the scales, a moistened soft bristle toothbrush. Then like Reverend said, some oil around the pivot pin and the rest of the knife.

Interesting old knife, Mike, it's one I've not seen before.
The Mexican bull fighter knives came to mind for me also, but who knows.
BTW, to AAPK!

It's the same knife as the Japanese bullfighter knives sold in Mexico-except with bone handles.

Thanks for the info Bill. What do you mean by "The back spring is bent?"
I wonder if it was my grandmother's step-brother? He was in the Navy, could have picked it up in Mexico, or maybe New Orleans?
Do you do repairs on knives like this?
Thanks again for all the information.

"Back spring"=the spring on the back of the knife. It's not supposed to stick up like that.

I do repairs like that, but am not accepting work for a month, at least.

I would appreciate it if you could contact me when you have the time to repair my knife.
Thanks again for all the information.