Multi-Tools Related to Japan

[hiraboo]

> ElevenBlade-san

I'm glad to hear that. ( ´ ▽ ` )b;
After that, I wanted to own the Bassett Trim Trio knife, and bought one.
It's pretty good knife!

[old Lefty]

What a great thread! Thanks Hiroboo-san. I will be spending quite same time going thru this.

Lähetetty minun SM-T515 laitteesta Tapatalkilla

[hiraboo]

> old Lefty-san

Thank you for reading. (*'∀'*)ゝ
Arigatou!!



Kershaw 3030

Kershaw made some Swiss Army Knife-type tools.
There is an article about Kershaw 3030 in SwissArmyKnights.
See this excellent article for more detailed information.

I mentioned in Chapter 8 about similarity between the Kershaw 3030 and IC. Cut Stunt V.
Now I show you more detail about this similarity.









Buck; IC. Cut Stunt V Type-5 Sportsman
Front; Kershaw 3030
It looks different in size due to perspective. But both tools are just same size.
They look the same except for the handle material and Phillips driver/corkscrew.









Left; Kershaw 3030,   Right; IC. Cut Stunt V
The shape of the base of the blade (ricasso?) is slightly different.
The other details are very similar.



The positions of tweezers and toothpicks are opposite.


It has been commonplace for manufacturers in Seki-city to enter into OEM contracts with each other.
So I think that IC. Cut was in charge of manufacturing this tool, and Kershaw (Kai corporation) sold it with their brand.

[ElevenBlade]

> old Lefty-san

Thank you for reading. (*'∀'*)ゝ
Arigatou!!



Kershaw 3030

Kershaw made some Swiss Army Knife-type tools.
There is an article about Kershaw 3030 in SwissArmyKnights.
See this excellent article for more detailed information.

I mentioned in Chapter 8 about similarity between the Kershaw 3030 and IC. Cut Stunt V.
Now I show you more detail about this similarity.


(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)
Buck; IC. Cut Stunt V Type-5 Sportsman
Front; Kershaw 3030
It looks different in size due to perspective. But both tools are just same size.
They look the same except for the handle material and Phillips driver/corkscrew.


(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)
Left; Kershaw 3030,   Right; IC. Cut Stunt V
The shape of the base of the blade (ricasso?) is slightly different.
The other details are very similar.


(Image removed from quote.)
The positions of tweezers and toothpicks are opposite.


It has been commonplace for manufacturers in Seki-city to enter into OEM contracts with each other.
So I think that IC. Cut was in charge of manufacturing this tool, and Kershaw (Kai corporation) sold it with their brand.

   looks like a really good knife for camping. 

[hiraboo]

> ElevenBlade-san

 
These two models are far superior in quality to other SAK-like tools.
Oh, one thing. Maybe the blades of Victorinox have a polished finish by tumbling process. But I think these two models were real mirror finished.
Of course, Victorinox excels in overall accuracy.

I have little experience camping since I was a kid. （；＞＜）
I want to go camping.
I want to eat delicious camping food! (*￣0￣)/



G. Sakai FieldTool

As I mentioned Chapter 6, I have always been looking for a FieldTool. 
Yes, I finally got it!





J-sews posted about this tool before. He also had looking for it. I hope he will read my post someday.



G. Sakai logo. A samurai.











The thin handle is slightly bent, so it won't get in the way of the Phillip screwdriver.



Some fixed head multi tool related to Japan.
Left to right;
      Leatherman J-PST (for size comparison)
     A. G. Russell AG-TOOL (In Japan, released by Mitsuboshi cutlery, probably made by G. Sakai)
     G. Sakai FieldTool
     SOG ToolClip (In Japan, released by Mitsuboshi cutlery, probably made by G. Sakai)
     Al Mar 4x4 Tool Mate (made by G. Sakai)




     

[gregozedobe]

I have little experience camping since I was a kid. （；＞＜）
I want to go camping.
I want to eat delicious camping food! (*￣0￣)/
 

Another great post hiraboo, Thank You ! for adding to the collective knowledge on MTo          

And congratulations on finding a FieldTool.  I know it can be very satisfying finally getting a rare tool that you have been looking for for a long time.

I thought the AG Russell AG-Tool MT looked a bit familiar, and sure enough when I looked on my spreadsheet I have one almost the same.  Mine doesn't have any markings on the handle, only "A.G. Russell" on the knife tang, and  "A.G. Russell" printed on the box in large print, and a sticker on the end of the box with "AG-Tool", "1 EA", MADE IN JAPAN" printed on it.  The tool is quite small, and feels very high quality.

By the way, often camping food seems more delicious than it really is because by the time you have set up camp and prepared a meal you are very hungry, and food always tastes better when you are hungry.      

[Yadda]

  with Greg.

Great post and congrats on the new purchase.  Absolutely fantastic!  The samurai badge on the tool is great. Now I have another want on my list.  . But the journey and hunt are really most of the fun. 

[ChopperCharles]

That AG Russel looks very similar to the Marble's fishing tool, but with bypass cutters instead of anvil cutters. Very cool!

Charles.

[Marcellus]

Where are the earlier posts to this thread? 
Sounds like it's interesting.
Is it just me, because the beginning pages by the  OP appear to be missing content.

[ElevenBlade]

Where are the earlier posts to this thread? 
Sounds like it's interesting.
Is it just me, because the beginning pages by the  OP appear to be missing content.

there was apparently a server crash a few days ago... a lot of content has gone missing.  the Admins are working hard to recover as much as they can. 

[Marcellus]

there was apparently a server crash a few days ago... a lot of content has gone missing.  the Admins are working hard to recover as much as they can.

Ok, thanks.

[hiraboo]

Sorry for replying late.

> Greg

Thank you for warm words! (b゜v｀*)
I used to be desperately looking for new MTs. But now I realize that you and other members are already had most of tools I want. If I have something I want to know, I can ask you anytime, so now it's not as desperate as it used to be. (*´ω｀)ﾉ


> Yadda

Thank you very much! (σ´∀｀)σ

But the journey and hunt are really most of the fun.

I'm a little sad because one of my goals has been achieved. But inspired by your activities, I have set new goals.
I will announce the results here. About "Wonder Knife". d☆´ー')


> ChopperCharles

Thanks to your post, I remembered other tools similar to AG-TOOL.
I will introduce them as well.
Please enjoy! (*′∇`*)


> Marcellus

For now it looks normal to me. Is that okay?　ヾ(・ω・`
I hope that this place will be restored soon and you will enjoy it.


> ElevenBlade

I didn't know that it was going to be such a big deal. (￣□￣;)!!
Thank you for the explanation.
By the way, I have an additional little information about the your mother's knife.
I will post it later. (^▽^;)


AG-Tool and some similar MTs





Left to right;
   An unknown electrician tool made in France.
   An unknown tool made by Monopol in Solingen, Germany.
   Marbles MR227 Fishing Pliers Knife.
   A.G.Russel AG-TOOL








An unknown electrician tool made in France.
L'ELECTRIC
I don't know anything about French tools, so please correct any mistakes.
As far as I investigated, "Breveté S.G.D.G." means "Government is not liable for breakdowns or unforeseen circumstances", and this system continued until the latter half of the 1960s. Ah... maybe. I don't know very well.








An unknown tool made by Monopol in Solingen, Germany.
I also don't know anything about German tools, so please correct the mistake.
As far as I investigated, "D.G.M." is an Italian progressive metal band.
...Oh I'm sorry, just kidding.
I think probably it means "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Materialkunde(German Society for Materials)" or something. Ah... maybe. Please help!








Marbles MR227 Fishing Pliers Knife.
It is etched "Safety Pliers", made in China.








A.G.Russel AG-TOOL
Made in Seki, Japan. One side of the file is a serrated blade.






The order is the same as the top photo.
Enlarged photo of handle locking mechanism.

[hiraboo]

Oh! I find more information about these French and German tools!
I learned a lot.    MTo forum is amazing.
 
Please read these thread.

・Some of my collection.......

・Please Help Me Identify - C. Everts Germany

・E. Behrman L'Electric Multi-Tool Pliers

・Off brand 7 day challenge - L'Electric Brevete SGDG

[Chako]

Your posts are very educational. I enjoyed reading this thread.   

[Marcellus]

I'm glad this thread was restored by the technical people.

What an interesting presentation.

Thanks Hiroboo for your time and effort.

I was reminded that I had a card tool hidden away in my socks drawer that was long forgotten.

[hiraboo]

One more German tool thread.
・Hoffritz Version of Seaboard Multitool



> Chako

Thank you very much! 
Like everyone else, I am always surprised your beautiful collection. And I really enjoy to see it. o(´▽｀*)/♪


> Marcellus

I also thank everyone who runs the forum. o(´ω｀*)
And thank you for your warm words. o(^▽^)o

I'm interested in the card tools you have.
Please show me someday!



Bassett Trim-Trio and similar tools





Upper to Lower
・kaicut unknown folding pocket knife (made in Japan)
・Liter USA folding pocket knife advertising Snap-on Tools
・Bassett Trim-Trio folding pocket knife


kaicut knife has two tool blades and the other knife has three tool blades.






・Bassett Trim-Trio
I'm not sure about this tool. Please let me know if you have any information.



The patent document of Bassett Trim-Trio (US 2,779,098) (1957)




・Liter USA folding pocket knife
I'm also not sure about this tool. Please let me know if you have any information.







kaicut was one of the brands owned by KAI corp., Japan.
Considering similarity, this knife is apparently influenced by Trim-Trio, rather than Japanese Higonokami.
This is a shot blast finish and is not shiny. I think it's different from the tool ElevenBlade's mother had. However, as your mother remembers, it is possible that the tool is made in Japan.



Patent document of kaicut (昭55-73281) (1980)
About base of the tool blade, locking mechanism.

[ElevenBlade]

One more German tool thread.
・Hoffritz Version of Seaboard Multitool



> Chako

Thank you very much! 
Like everyone else, I am always surprised your beautiful collection. And I really enjoy to see it. o(´▽｀*)/♪


> Marcellus

I also thank everyone who runs the forum. o(´ω｀*)
And thank you for your warm words. o(^▽^)o

I'm interested in the card tools you have.
Please show me someday!



Bassett Trim-Trio and similar tools


(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)
Upper to Lower
・kaicut unknown folding pocket knife (made in Japan)
・Liter USA folding pocket knife advertising Snap-on Tools
・Bassett Trim-Trio folding pocket knife


kaicut knife has two tool blades and the other knife has three tool blades.



(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)
・Bassett Trim-Trio
I'm not sure about this tool. Please let me know if you have any information.


(Image removed from quote.)
The patent document of Bassett Trim-Trio (US 2,779,098) (1957)



(Image removed from quote.)
・Liter USA folding pocket knife
I'm also not sure about this tool. Please let me know if you have any information.



(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

kaicut was one of the brands owned by KAI corp., Japan.
Considering similarity, this knife is apparently influenced by Trim-Trio, rather than Japanese Higonokami.
This is a shot blast finish and is not shiny. I think it's different from the tool ElevenBlade's mother had. However, as your mother remembers, it is possible that the tool is made in Japan.


(Image removed from quote.)
Patent document of kaicut (昭55-73281) (1980)
About base of the tool blade, locking mechanism.

   Basset Trim Trio   

[hiraboo]

> ElevenBlade

Yes, it is really cool tool!



Walton’s Thumb Fisherman’s Multi-Tool


To know about this tool, please read this blog,
   AVIDMAX blog
   Walton’s Thumb, The Ultimate Fisherman’s Multi Tool

This tool was made in Japan from the early 1970s to the late 1980s. In 2015, it was produced in China and sold again.




Upper: Late model made in China
Lower: Early model made in Japan

"Walton's Thumb" logo was printed (etched) on the late model. On the other hand, logo was engraved on the early model.






In the late model, country of origin information (made in China) was printed on the packaging.
In the early model, it was engraved on the body.




Late model: etched "WT", "WALTON'S THUMB・WALTON'S THUMB"
Early model: engraved "HR", "WALTON'S THUMB | BY HANK ROBERTS"




Patent information was engraved on the early model.






Both have the same tool components.



Additional information about card tool manufacturers


This is "SUPER SURVIVAL" card tool I mentioned before in Chapter 10.



I didn't know the manufacturer. I only knew the company that sold it. But it turned out.



"Kanetsune" (and "NORTH MAN") is one of the brands produced by KITASHO Co., Ltd. in Seki-city.

[hiraboo]

Leatherman Knifeless Fuse and Japan limited Knifeless Kick


・About Knifeless Fuse

Knifeless Fuse is featured as a discontinued product on the Leatherman headquarters website.
   LEATHERMAN Retired Products




Upper: (Normal)  Fuse
Lower: Knifeless Fuse

The Knifeless Fuse have a file instead of a knife.




The order of the tool components from the inch ruler side (up) to the centimeter ruler side (bottom).

Upper: (Normal)  Fuse
   Knife
   Large Screwdriver
   Small Screwdriver
   Spacer Ring
   Lanyard Ring

Lower: Knifeless Fuse
   File (with two thin spacer rings)
   Large Screwdriver
   Small Screwdriver
   Spacer Ring
   Lanyard Ring

The order of the tool components is basically the same for both models.


・About Knifeless Kick




The Knifeless Kick was sold by Leatherman Tool Japan LTD. They affixed stickers to the original box.
The white sticker "ナイフレス　はさみ付き" means "Knifeless, with scissors." The yellow sticker is notation of seller and guaranty.




Upper: (Normal)  Kick
Lower: Knifeless Kick

The Knifeless Kick have a scissors instead of a knife.




The order of the tool components from the inch ruler side (up) to the centimeter ruler side (bottom).

Upper: (Normal)  Kick
   Knife
   Large Screwdriver
   Small Screwdriver
   2x Spacer Ring
   Lanyard Ring

Lower: Knifeless Kick
   Small Screwdriver
   Large Screwdriver
   Scissors
   1x Spacer Ring
   Lanyard Ring

Not only did they exchange the scissors and knives, but they also changed the order of the other tools.
It seems that Leatherman Tool Japan imported Kick made in USA and scissors parts, then reassembled one side handle and sold it.

[Yadda]

The Walton's Thumb tool was rebadged when sold by Abercrombie & Fitch.  The tool name is Trout Tool. 

[hiraboo]

> Yadda

I've seen information about another version of this tool before, but I've lost it ever since. 
Oh! Your post was a very good hint and I was able to find that information. 
Thank you very much!

Similar in name to "Abercrombie & Fitch", but "A&F Country", which is Japanese outdoor sports equipment import and sales company, sold the Trout Tool.

A&F Trout Tool (Discontinued)




The image is reprinted from the above site.

This tool was launched in 1997.




Nishimura, N. (Eds.) (December 1997). "NEW PRODUCTS," Knife Magazine No.67 (Vol.12 No.6), p107. Japan: KK World Photo Press

 I confirmed that it was listed in the 2015 catalog of A&F  Country.
Google Books: A&F COUNTRY General Catalog 2015



There are some detailed pictures on Amazon.co.jp.
















The images are reprinted from Amazon.co.jp.


This tool was also sold by OCTS Co., Ltd. Which is a company that manufactures and sells outdoor equipment in Seki City.
I found this tool made by OCTS being put up for auction(ended) in Japan.










The images are reprinted from auction site.


Oh, I have a money clip made by OCTS.




I didn't know about OCTS. This time, through this survey, I found out that this manufacturer is in Seki City, and I am very satisfied. (*´ω｀*)v
So, thank you again, Yadda! （○´3｀○)b

[hiraboo]

Extra edition
Multi-Stationary-Tool Part 1/2: PLUS FA-001 Factory



As you know, there are unique "multi-stationery-tool" made by Wenger.






Wenger Swiss Business Tool No.60

↓Please see Chako's wonderful collection and great review for these tools.
・Wenger Swiss Business Tool.

PLUS Corporation is one of the stationery companies in Japan. They also manufactured "MSTs" previously.




Upper: Wenger Swiss Business Tool No.60
Lower: PLUS FA-001 Factory (discontinued)




This tool have a scissors, a magnifying glass, a stapler, ...




And have two small screwdrivers, a carton opener, a measuring tape, a compass, ...




And have a LED light.
The price was about 3000 yen, about one-fifth of Swiss Business Tool. However, it was a little expensive as a stationery. I think it wasn't cheap, it was a well made "MSTs".

[Yadda]

The Factory Plus line had a second iteration.  Maybe FA-002? They seem rarer.  I haven't seen as many.

[hiraboo]

> Yadda

Oh! I was helped by you again. ∑(*ﾟдﾟ*)
I didn't know other models of this tool.
After searching based on your suggestions, I found a detailed website.

Quartic Pocket Research Center>Set Stationery Lab.(Japanese)>Factory
This website introduces various stationery items that were once sold in Japan. All I had here was information I didn't know.　 =͟͟͞͞(•̀ω•́ ‧̣̥̇)

The photos are reprinted from the above site.
There were three type of PLUS Factory.

	Top	Factory (Late type)	Released in 2000
	Middle	Factory (Early type)	Released in 1986
	Bottom	Factory F2	Released in 1988

Factory (Early type 1986)
It was printed as "FOR NON-DESK-WORKERS". Oh, I think it didn't mean the "labor's tools". Probably they wanted to say "tools for business person who offen take a business trip".
There is no information about model number.
Components: stapler, paper punch, mending tape, knife, staple remover, loupe, measuring tape, scissors, mini case





Factory F2 (1988)
I think this was a miniaturized version 2.
There is no information about model number.
Components: ballpoint pen, stapler, knife, staple remover, screwdriver, scissors, mini case





Factory (Late type 2000)
Same as the one I introduced.
According to this site, they re-released new model as "stationery for travelers".
Components: stapler, compass, LED light, scissors, measuring tape, screwdrivers, knife, loupe


Thank you again, Yadda! ヽ(*´□｀*)ッ

[Yadda]

Hola Hiraboo,

I have a new (old)  Japanese multi tool for you to research.

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,86124.msg2185911.html#msg2185911

[hiraboo]

Extra edition
Multi-Stationary-Tool Part 2/2: Sanrio Stationary Vehicle Series



Sanrio Company, Ltd. in Japan is well known for cute characters such as Hello Kitty. Recently, I hear that there are enthusiastic fans of Hello Kitty overseas. Maybe some members know about this character.




Hello Kitty goods that were in my house. Oh... cute. But it's not mine.
Surprisingly, Sanrio once sold some "MSTs".



Mid Fielder JMF-1 Stationery Car








Released in 1986, 2800 yen.

These series had planned by Sanrio and produced by MIDORI (now Designphil Inc., the other stationery manufacturer).




Patent document of Sanrio. No. 昭63-66296, May 2, 1988




The design of this plastic model is based on the car sold by Nissan Motor.




Nissan Be-1 (Reprinted from Wikipedia.)






A lot of stationery is stored in the car.




I saw a version made in Hong Kong listed on ebay.
This version is made in Japan.



Mid Fielder JMF-2 Tool Buggy










Released in 1986, 3500 yen.
There were four color variations.




Reprinted from Twitter of the person who was in charge of designing this tool at that time.
According to him, the design of this tool was based on the R/C model "The HORNET" sold by TAMIYA Inc.








It's hard to read, but it's "MADE IN JAPAN".



Mid Fielder JMF-3 Survival Bike










Released in 1987, 3200 yen.
I don't know which motorcycle the design of this tool was based on. Please let me know if anyone has a good idea.








It's hard to see, but the headlights are on.

Someone: "Hey, it's just a stationery. I want to see Multi-tools here, not a toy like stationery gears."
Me: "Wait, wait. Please look closely. There certainly is a card type multi tool there."








Mid Fielder JMF-4


I can't find any information about JMF-4. I don't even know if it exists.
Please let me know if anyone has information...

"4" is unlucky number in Japan, like "13". I think, it seems, perhaps, 4 is a missing number. There is no basis for this idea, sorry.



Mid Fielder JMF-5 Writing-Bicycle








Released in 1988, 2500 yen.








I think it's fragile for stationery. When I remove the parts, it seems to break and I'm a little scared.




The box is printed with 1988, but the body says 1986.
This is a very rare item even in Japan.

[cody6268]

I really love those Sanrio models! They are really good diecast models, but also shove a ton of tools in there.  Eventually going to have to find them myself.  I found two different versions of the Be1 and the motorcycle on US eBay, from US sellers at prices in my budget.

[hiraboo]

> Yadda

Thank you for introducing an interesting tool made in Japan. o(・∇・o)


> cody 6268

I am very happy you are interested in these tools. I hope you can get them.
If you get them successfully, please tell me and show them. (*´ω｀*)v

[hiraboo]

Kanger Survival & Fishing Tool for Venture
Part 1/2



As I mentioned in Chapter 10 and this post, there are several types of "Kanger Survival & Fishing Tool for Venture."
I think the information presented this time is final.





Kanger Type-H (posted) : with grindstone and scissors





Kanger Type-I (posted) : with grindstone and saw/fish hook disgorger









Kanger Type-L (new info.) : with beam light(LED light) and scissors




The LED is orange light. The battery is almost dead, but it doesn't seem to be replaceable.







Kanger Type-E (image from the closed Japanese auction) : card type multi-tool





Kanger II (posted) : with large scissors



These tools had been OEM-provided to various brands. For example...




"自然作" and "Green Cross" are brands of Arcland Sakamoto Co., Ltd., which runs a huge DIY stores in Japan.

The tool was also sold by other brands such as "Parker Cut. Co.", "The Nature Company", "Savanna", etc.







STEINER is a German manufacturer of optical equipment.
The instruction manual say it is 日本製(made in Japan).






In this version, the LED is red light. And also the battery is almost dead.
According to the instruction manual, the battery cannot be replaced and the LED light part is sold separately.
I have no idea where to buy it

There are many variations, and it is a tool that you often see at auctions, but the manufacturer was unknown.

But I finally found the manufacturer. I will introduce it in the next report.
stay tuned 

[gregozedobe]

In this version, the LED is red light. And also the battery is almost dead.
According to the instruction manual, the battery cannot be replaced and the LED light part is sold separately.
I have no idea where to buy it

There are many variations, and it is a tool that you often see at auctions, but the manufacturer was unknown.

But I finally found the manufacturer. I will introduce it in the next report.
stay tuned 

The battery may not be dead. 

In the past some manufacturers (including Gerber with their Mult-Lite) chose to only use one coin battery cell, which meant they only had enough voltage and current to run a low powered amber or red LED (and not very brightly at that, even with a fresh battery).  White LEDs require a higher voltage to work than amber or red LEDs.