Space Shuttles on eBay.

[Sags]

Just browsing, and it seems there is a spate of Space Shuttles on US eBay right now, all from Japanese sellers, all between $85-$100.  Pictures seem legit, but I'm wary because there are 3-4 different sellers listing them, all with the same pictures and descriptions, also the pictures are all stock photos, not actual photos.

I'm tempted, but something smells just a bit fishy.

[ColoSwiss]

That's a special version of the Space Shuttle that is currently made for the Japanese market. It adds the hook and small back-side screwdriver to the original version. Victorinox of Japan does a number of items that usually aren't available elsewhere. The surprising thing is its being offered on US ebay. Normally Japanese knife dealers won't export to the US.

[comis]

I actually ordered one from a Japanese seller, and although he might be a little slow to send, it did arrive ok.

[Huntsman]

I always fancied a Space Shuttle - and just spotted these too, whilst browsing -
- I do like the inlay SAKs (Fisherman Grand Prix etc)

However I had exactly the same thought as Sags and was going to post a query in the fake SAK thread - Then found this.

Thanks Coloswiss -
You always find the answer on MTo !!!
Just for interest when you say Victorinox Japan - Are they actually manufactured in Japan, or still in Ibach and exported to J?

Only one question left - Do I buy? - They are not cheap!!

PS. If you want a laugh read the descriptions, there is a history of Vic, description of the knife etc etc all in very Japanese English.
Just one quote for your interest:
"For more than a century until today from its inception, Victorinox North Pole with explorers and astronauts, Everest, and and to the ends of the universe, in a variety of situations success for ."

Wow - I knew Vic SAKs had been all over earth and even into orbit of earth - But did not realise they had been out to black holes and other Galaxies etc etc until now!!

[ColoSwiss]

Victorinox Japan is like Victorinox North America; its Vic's marketing organization in that area. My understanding is the Japanese organization has a lot of local autonomy and regularly orders out special versions that aren't available elsewhere.

When I was in Japan last year I hit the Victorinox flagship store in the Ginza (basically a hole-in-the-wall). Picked up a couple of special items. However a number of items I knew about from online were not there. The staff's English was almost as limited as my Japanese, so no information was forthcoming  as to where I might find them.

The Vics from my Japan trip.