Multi-Tools Related to Japan

[hiraboo]

Hello everyone.
When you are collecting MTs, sometimes you may notice  “JAPAN” carved on the blade. But in most cases, the tool manufacturer is not in Japan. Don't you think it's strange?
So I would like to introduce some MTs related to Japan in this thread.
I think most of the information has already been mentioned by other members.  I'm thinking of gathering that information here.

As a plan,

1. LEATHERMAN
2. Seki city, “Japanese knife capital”.
3. SOG
4. AL MAR
5. Spyderco
6. G. Sakai
7. Kershaw
8. IC. CUT
9. Fujimoto knife, Kayama knife
10. etc?

To be honest, I’m not very detailed. Most of the information I will introduce was searched on the web in Japanese.
I am not very good at English and it takes time to translate. All translation mistakes are my responsibility. And I’m sorry I can't answer a question right away.
Please let me know if you have any additional information. If you find my mistake, please correct it.
Please take it easy.

[hiraboo]

1. LEATHERMAN
2. Seki city, “Japanese knife capital”.
3. SOG
4. AL MAR
5. Spyderco
6. G. Sakai
7. Kershaw
8. IC. CUT
9. Fujimoto knife, Kayama knife
10. etc?

Fig. 1-1

     As you know, the Japanese model of Leatherman PST is a rare collector’s item.
For more information about PST, see another great work, for example,
Leatherman PST chronology project
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,5877.0.html

     Why is "Japan" carved on a Leatherman tool  born and raised in USA?
There are not many people who know the reason.This time, I would like to introduce (informally) Leatherman Tool Japan.

1.1 Location of LTJ

https://goo.gl/maps/LcgqmRX6M7xxbqt96

1.2 History of Leatherman and Japan

     I’ll quote the company history on the LTJ website.[1]
Responsible for translation: hiraboo (and Google)

The History of Leatherman Tool Japan

～Leatherman's roots are in “Seki”～

     LEATHERMAN founded in 1983. Produced in Portland, Oregon, USA, exported to over 100 countries around the world and used by people. In fact, the early LEATHERMAN knife blades were manufactured in Seki city, Gifu prefecture, which is known for producing famous samurai swords (katana).

     At the time of its founding, Tim Leatherman produced the initial model “PST” in a small factory in Portland. When the number of orders gradually increased and production in-house reached the limit, Tim was at a certain exhibition to show his productions. At that place he met an employee at the New York branch of Mitsuboshi cutlery CO.,LTD. Which is a long-established knife manufacturer in Seki. Triggered by that, as a craftsman, he was obsessed with Japanese manufacturing technology. And in cooperation with Mitsuboshi cutlery, he made a mass production system for Made in Japan products in Seki city. He laid the foundation for today's world brand.

     They manufactured knife blades in Seki city, Gifu pref,
manufactured pliers in Niigata Pref,
sharpened files in Hiroshima Pref,
made special heat treatment in Nagano Pref,
finally, assembled the parts to completion in Seki city, Gifu pref,
shipped to Portland.

     In this way, the initial PST was built with the support of Mitsuboshi cutlery, and the integration of advanced technology from all over Japan. This is a history that even LEATHERMAN core fans are not familiar with. Today, in Portland, they consistently handles everything  from design to manufacturing, assembly of parts, and shipment. However, "Seki's craftsmanship" is alive at its roots.

     From the bond between Tim and Mitsuboshi cutlery, Leatherman Tool Japan Co., Ltd. was established in 1986, three years after the establishment of LEATHERMAN with the investment of Tim himself.

Fig. 1-2,1-3 upper) Early USA PST, middle) Japanese PST,  lower) final type PST

     This is why PST had temporarily been made in Japan in the early days.
In another interview, Takahisa Watanabe, the representative of Mitsuboshi cutlery said:[2]

     An employee at the New York branch at that time found a prototype of the Pocket Survival Tool (PST) developed by Tim Leatherman at a show. The beginning was we liked it, offered to make it, and commercialized in Japan. This was a smash hit, Leatherman became bigger and bigger, now it has grown to have a large factory in Oregon. And in 1986, a joint venture called Leatherman Tool Japan was established due to the bond between Tim and Mitsuboshi cutlery. There are group companies around the world, but the first is Leatherman Tool Japan.

     I don't know who offered first. However, it seems that the production of PST started in Japan was a very early event.

Fig. 1-4 Japanese PST

     Between 1983 and 1985 (just after the Plaza Accord), Mitsuboshi cutlery was in charge of manufacturing the blade and assembling all the parts.[3] Not only the blades but all the parts were manufactured and assembled in Japan for the Japanese model.

Fig. 1-5 Japanese PST

1.3 LTJ of Today

     Currently, LTJ does not manufacture tools, only imports and sells them as an authorized agent. Since they inspect products very strictly, even things that pass in the home country may be reject in Japan. Among the engineers at the head office, there was a joke-like goal, “Let's clear the inspection of JAPAN!”. [4]

     Tools purchased from LTJ are marked with the LTJ, and can be repaired by LTJ.

Fig. 1-6 SIGNAL with LTJ mark

1.4 Another Japan Limited Models

     In Japan, it is illegal to carry a knife for no reason. So LTJ have made special models without blades. Knifeless STYLE CS is now available for purchase. A package opener is incorporated instead of a knife. This alternated parts are made in Seki city, and assembled by LTJ.

     Previously, knifeless FUSE and knifeless KICK were also on sale. They are traded at high prices among Japanese collectors. Someday knifeless STYLE CS may also be a collector's item (?). Unfortunately I don't own any of them.

References

1. Leatherman Tool Japan LTD. (2018). Leatherman Tool Japan toha, Retrieved October 20, 2019, from https://www.leatherman-japan.com/ltj/
2. Syatyou no jijyoden.net. (2013). Mitsuboshihamono-kabushikigaisya daihyoutorishimariyaku-syatyou Watanabe Takahisa interview, Retrieved October 20, 2019, from https://www.ddr38.net/0mitsuboshi/0mitsuboshi.html
3. H2O Style. (2019a). Otonanokaishyakengaku LEATHERMAN TOOL JAPAN (zenpen), Retrieved October 20, 2019, from http://h2o.tokyo/2019/01/09/company_leatherman/
4. H2O Style. (2019b). Otonanokaishyakengaku LEATHERMAN TOOL JAPAN (kouhen), Retrieved October 20, 2019, from http://h2o.tokyo/2019/03/22/company_leatherman2/

Fig. 1-7 TSS100A Standard Silver. LTJ named these model numbers and names?

Fig. 1-8 TSS100ACC Standard Silver Cap Crimper

Fig. 1-9 TSB100A Standard Black

[Barry Rowland]

I'm blessed with several Japanese knives and a PST.  All of my knives are Seki City Spydercos, and are top notch!

[Chako]

Excellent thread. 

[hiraboo]

>Barry Rowland

I like spyderco knife too. It's very interesting shapes!
When you get angry with me, remember that Japanese model PST is a proof of friendship. (^_－)☆

>Chaco
Thank you very much!
Now I say to all people who want to start new thread a joke-like goal,  “Let's clear the inspection of Chaco! ” (*￣∇￣*)

I am writing second topic about Seki city. Please wait patiently.

[comis]

>Barry Rowland

I like spyderco knife too. It's very interesting shapes!
When you get angry with me, remember that Japanese model PST is a proof of friendship. (^_－)☆

>Chaco
Thank you very much!
Now I say to all people who want to start new thread a joke-like goal,  “Let's clear the inspection of Chaco! ” (*￣∇￣*)

I am writing second topic about Seki city. Please wait patiently.

The very first plier-based MT I got was the Japanese LM PST when I was young, it sure brought back a lot of memories whenever I get to hold it in hands.

A lot of well known brands in the West from Japan are all from Seki, I looked forward to your writeup about Seki city!

[Yadda]

Excellent thread. 

+1

[gerleatherberman]

Wow, hiraboo! Fantastic and historically relevant post!

Thank you so much for taking the time and doing the research to compile the Japanese history of Leatherman. Very interesting!

The extent most of us knew was "LM couldn't keep up production, so had some made in Japan". Your explanation sheds light on the true involvement.

[hiraboo]

1. LEATHERMAN
2. Seki City, “Japanese Knife Capital”
3. SOG
4. AL MAR
5. Spyderco
6. G. Sakai
7. Kershaw
8. IC. CUT
9. Fujimoto Knife, Kayama Knife
10. etc?

Fig. 2-1 A credit card size tool that we often see.
Illustration of ancient swordsmiths working in Seki. They were making a samurai sword in traditional costumes.

Fig. 2-2 This tool is a part of special ticket for "Gifu Chube Future Expo (1988)".
So I think this tool was officially made in Seki.

1. History of Seki City

     Seki was a one of most famous samurai swords (katanas) producing areas, once called Mino, and has a history of about 800 years. There located near the former political center. And they could get sand iron, high quality charcoal, and soil required for forging.
With modernization, the government prohibited the people from holding swords. As a result, the number of swords made in Seki has dramatically decreased. Instead, they decided to produce kitchen knives, scissors, small knives, etc. in the place.
Seki is still a famous production area for knives, and there are many manufacturer and dealer.

     See the official brochure for details. [1] Hey, it's english version! I will put it on the end.

2. Manufacturer and Dealer of Outdoor Knives in Seki City

     Some dealers can ship internationally.

Gifu Seki Cutlery Federation / Gifu Cutlery Hall -English website available
http://seki-japan.com/

G.SAKAI Co.,Ltd. -English website available
http://www.gsakai.co.jp/jp/index.html

HIRO KNIVES Co., Ltd. -No web page

Houwa Cutlery Mfg., Inc. (ATHRO KNIVES)
http://athro.ktroad.ne.jp/

Ishikawa Hamono Seisakujyo Co., Ltd. (IC. CUT)
http://www.gifujirushi.com/075ishikawahamono.html#075goods

Kai Corporation -English website available
https://www.kai-group.com/

Kitasyo Co., Ltd. (KANETSUNE SEKI) -English website available
http://www.kanetsune.com/

Leatherman Tool Japan Co., Ltd.
https://www.leatherman-japan.com/

MARUSHO INDUSTRY Inc. (MCUSTA) -English website available
http://www.marusho-kogyo.jp/

Mitsuboshi Cutlery Co., Ltd.
https://mitsuboshi-cutlery.com/index.html

MOKI KNIFE Co., Ltd. -English website available
http://www.moki.co.jp/

Nosyudo Inc. (samurai swords)
http://nosyudo.jp/

Seki Kikusui Hamono Co., Ltd. -English website available
https://www.seki-kikusuihamono.com/

Seto Cutlery (Seto Kanagata Hamono Kougyo Co., Ltd.)
https://www.setocut.co.jp/

Yamahide Cutlery Mfg., Inc.
http://www.yamahide.com/

Fig. 2-3 Manufacturer; A&T, Model number; KC-05/SS, Model name; Cubtool
I'm not sure about this manufacturer. A man who used to manufacture knives in Seki is now living in China and he made this. [2]

Fig. 2-4  Manufacturer; A&T, Model number; KC06A, Model name; Multitool
This manufacturer's tools seem to be sold only by Seto Cutlery. It's not worth buying, but it's rare.

Fig. 2-5 Manufacturer; A&T, Model number; XL271, Model name; Rubber Monkey

Fig. 2-6 Only Rubber Monkey have "SEKI". (Others just have “STAINLESS”.)

3. Museum in Seki

    If MTo members have the opportunity to come to Japan, they should visit these museums!
...Unfortunately I have never visited Seki city. Let's go together someday!

FEATHER museum
https://www.feather-museum.com/

G.SAKAI Knife Museum -English website available
http://www.gsi-japan.com/shop/html/user_data/museum.php

Sansyu Cutlery -English website available
http://www.hamonoyasan.com/

Seki Hamono Museum -English website available
http://www.hamonoyasan.com/sekihamonomuseum/

Seki Sword Smith Museum -English website available
http://www.city.seki.lg.jp.e.gs.hp.transer.com/kanko/0000001558.html

World knife museum (Seto Cutlery)
https://www.setocut.co.jp/contents/world/

4. Leatherman Tool Museum, The Lost Sights

     There used to be a “Leatherman Tool Museum” on the LTJ site. Unfortunately, the museum is now closed. There are blogs of people who visited the place before, and you can know what it was like. [3][4]
...I wanted to go before it closed. I hope it will reopen someday.

References

1. Seki city sightseeing association web site. (2014). SEKI Sightseeing Guide, Retrieved October 22, 2019, from http://sekikanko.jp/pdf/glt2014.pdf

2. Seto Cutlery. (n.d.). A&T, Retrieve October 25, 2019, from https://www.setocut.co.jp/shop/products/list.php?category_id=76https://www.setocut.co.jp/shop/products/list.php?category_id=76

3. Ride! iyarashi no akanin rider. (2012). Hatutyuu, Retrieved October 24, 2019, from http://hirojan0225.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-27.html

4. Uddii no offshore dagane. (2013). Leatherman Tool, Retrieved October 24, 2019, from https://sea.ap.teacup.com/woodyjoke/416.html

Fig. 2-7 to 2-11 SEKI Sightseeing Guide [1]

[hiraboo]

> comis

It's fantastic that there is a memorable MT nearby. Please continue to cherish the PST that store your memories. (∩ˊ꒳​ˋ∩)

I hope my posts will help you.

> Yadda

I learned new expressions from you. Thank you! ٩( ᐖ )و

> GLBM

I'm happy to share knowledge with you.
Your kind reply will always cheer me up. Thank you! (*´∀`*)

[SteveC]

Please tell us more about the gold colored MiniTool ?

[wowaboro]

Please tell us more about the gold colored MiniTool ?

IMHO it's just usual MiniTool with 24K gold coating by Texas Tool Crafters.

[cody6268]

I'm kinda curious about that knifeless Style CS. Not really a fan of the Style PS currently on me keys; primarily because of its Squirt-type scissors. The Micra type ones are definitely better. Package openers are handy tools--surprised LM doesn't offer such a tool on a small frame (and the Squirt could really use it in place of its weak scissors). The one thing I found shocking was the Japanese price--6050 yen! That's about $60!  I think I paid around $25-ish for my Style PS in the States from Leatherman direct.

[hiraboo]

> SteveC

Oh, you have hunter's eyes! That question was unexpected. (^▽^;)
I got that frame at an auction. Originally, each tool had a price tag. I think it was an exhibit for sale.
I will provide more detail about the gold model later. p(´∇｀)q

> wowaboro

Sometimes I have seen customized tools at auctions. For example, the handle is beautifully painted, or the knife is made of Damascus steel. I wanted to know who did it. Thank you for the information! ♪＼(*´▽｀)oﾟ★,｡･:*:･☆ﾟ"

> cody6268

It's certainly expensive! I want it too, but it is too expensive to buy. Σ(￣ロ￣lll)
Original price, transportation cost, price for new parts, assembly fee...
I hope Tim makes it. (・ε・`*) ...

About GOLD MiniTool

According to this magazine,


Fukami,E. (1999).Nihon to sekai no knife catalogue '99-2000. Japan: Seibidou syuppan Co.,Ltd.



Gold color model is one of the variations of MiniTool.
According to the LTJ naming,

     TSS300A Leatherman Tool Mini Silver
     TSB300A Leatherman Tool Mini Black
     TSG300A Leatherman Tool Mini Gold

[Aloha]

Terrific work.  That gold MINI is wonderful.  I think this is the first one I've seen.  Thank you for sharing. 

[Yadda]

Looks TiNi coated to me. Still neat though. 

[wowaboro]

About GOLD MiniTool

According to this magazine,

Gold color model is one of the variations of MiniTool.
According to the LTJ naming,

     TSS300A Leatherman Tool Mini Silver
     TSB300A Leatherman Tool Mini Black
     TSG300A Leatherman Tool Mini Gold

Thanks, hiraboo! Very interesting info!
I've never knew and seen no one standard LM factory produced model in gold color. 
Judging by the small difference in price (Gold - 14000Y, Silver - 12000Y, Black - 13000Y), it's not 24K gold, but some "like a gold" coating.

[gregozedobe]

Thanks for that info.  I had seen a photo of the BO mini before (almost certainly here on MTo), but can't recall anyone actually having one, and the "gold" (TiN ? ) mini is something completely new to me.       

[Chako]

I have one...and I think a few other members have one as well.

[gerleatherberman]

Very cool tools and information,  hiraboo! Thank you much!

[gregozedobe]

I have one...and I think a few other members have one as well.

BO or "gold" ?

It's embarrassing to admit, but after checking my spreadsheet it seems I do own a BO Mini      (my excuses are that I'm getting old, my memory is obviously faulty, and I bought it a long time ago ) 

[Yadda]

BO or "gold" ?

It's embarrassing to admit, but after checking my spreadsheet it seems I do own a BO Mini      (my excuses are that I'm getting old, my memory is obviously faulty, and I bought it a long time ago )

Seems like you need a second one. Your mind defaulted to the "two is one and one is none" rule. Been there. 

[Chako]

A BO. I will have to see if I have a gold one...not exactly sure about that...must be an age thing. 

[gregozedobe]

A BO. I will have to see if I have a gold one...not exactly sure about that...must be an age thing. 

    

[hiraboo]

> Aloha

I am very happy that you are pleased. Thank you for your reply! d(⌒O⌒)b

> Yadda

If you look closely, the color of the component near the joint is stainless silver.
As you say, I think it is titanium nitride coating.

Well, I searched this term on the wiki.
Wow, I want to teach to my colleagues "titanium nitride coating". ( +･`ー･´)

> wowaboro

Oh, you have detective's eyes. That is a great reasoning.
If it was made of real gold, it must be 100 times higher.  ∑(・ω・ﾉ)ﾉ

> Greg

I'm happy to add new information to your huge knowledge.
And it's exciting to rediscover what you forgotten. (o ´Д`)σ)Д`)

> Chaco

Someday I want to visit Chaco's Labyrinth of MT!
I have to find a lot of lost treasures. ٩(๑´3｀๑)۶

> GLBM

I don't hide any secret anymore, maybe… (;^_^A

The rest of the page mentioned above.

Now I'm writing next chapter. φ(´ω｀= )
The content is thinner than ever. _(┐「ε:)_

[Aloha]

Seems like you need a second one. Your mind defaulted to the "two is one and one is none" rule. Been there. 

 

[Chako]

Ok...got 3 stainless, 1 BO, and 1 Camo. No gold one. I had to check this morning.

[gregozedobe]

Ok...got 3 stainless, 1 BO, and 1 Camo. No gold one. I had to check this morning.

The next obvious question is: 

Does anyone have an actual Made-in-Japan LM Mini, and if so how do they tell it apart from all the Made-in-the USA Minis ?


And no, swapping in a JPST plier head doesn't count ... 

[hiraboo]

The next obvious question is: 

Does anyone have an actual Made-in-Japan LM Mini, and if so how do they tell it apart from all the Made-in-the USA Minis ?


And no, swapping in a JPST plier head doesn't count ... 

According to my research, PST was manufactured in Japan between 1983 and 1985 (just after the Plaza Accord). And then they stopped manufacturing all products, just imported and sold LMT.
MiniTool was manufactured between 1986 and 2004.
> Leatherman production timeline.
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=4416.0

IMO, all the mini tools were made in America, and TiNi coated in Japan.
...I will investigate more.

[comis]

Great wealth of information here, different Minis, and the info about Seki.  As a knife enthusiast, that is one place in Japan I always wanted to visit!  And a MT card as entry ticket?  That's just awesome!