Gigantic 7” closed Mitsuboshi Hobo knife

[Bigduck1]

Ok Hobo knife collectors! This one is for you. I have run across about a handful of Hobo knives made in Japan in the last few years. BUT…I have never seen one this BIG!! It is a whopping 7” closed, 12” with Clip blade out and weighs 1.5 pounds!! What is also different is that the fork and spoon can detach from the knife to be used more easily than you see with other Hobo knives. It is stamped Mitsuboshi Japan on the Clip tang. It also has a can/bottle opener combo, saw blade, the clip, a scizzors and a Hawkbill that only opens to 90 degrees. The bolsters are brass. It has a steel bail. And the blades are carbon steel other than the Stainless Steel Fork/spoon. Has anyone ever run across another like this one? And if so, does anyone have a decent idea of the age of it? I will attach several photos.

[SwedgeHead]

These two need to be best friends. LoL (18" open)

[ThatWeirdKnifeGuy]

I have a few that are probably 5" closed but none quite that big. Of the Japanese hobos I've seen, the mitsuboshi branded varieties seem to be the highest caliber. The jigging style is called scrat, the small hawk that opens to a half stop only is a citrus peeler. Rough guess on age range is 50 to 60. Later versions almost always seem to have cheap looking plastic scales.

It's a cool knife for sure, the detachable utensils is neat, I've not seen that on this style of hobo before.

[Bigduck1]

Thanks for the info TWNG! I’m torn between keeping this one or allowing it to go to a true collector. It is an Odd one for sure! I just like to find and save these things from a life of rusting away.

[Bigduck1]

SwedgeHead yours takes the lead for sure on OAL! Holy mackerel!

[Modern Slip Joints]

If you're planning to cross the country as a stoy away in a box car loaded with groceries you'll be glad you kept it. Being able to wash the fork and spoon seperate from the handle will make your trip easier. You'll need one of the stove and pan sets back packers carry and water, lots of water. sneaking back on after refilling water jugs at stops could be a problem.