Multi-Tools Related to Japan

[comis]

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.


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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


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Released in 1986, 2800 yen.

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


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


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


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Nissan Be-1 (Reprinted from Wikipedia.)


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A lot of stationery is stored in the car.


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



Mid Fielder JMF-2 Tool Buggy


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


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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.


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



Mid Fielder JMF-3 Survival Bike


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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.


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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."


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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


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Released in 1988, 2500 yen.


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


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


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No way!    I used to drive Kyosho buggy and this brought back a lot of great memories!  All these are really cool and innovative, I would have loved to have those when I was really young.  Pretty amazing and fun way to get introduced to tools!

[hiraboo]

> All

May this year be a good year for you. o('ー'o)♪


> Greg

Thank you for always telling me.
ヽ(*´□｀*)ッ
I didn't know about the LED color, brightness(require voltage).
I was relieved to know that it was usually dark.
Oh, but they mentioned it was a "Beam light" unit. I am little sad that it is too weak to call "Beam light" for me...
(´･ω･`)


> comis

Wow, Kyosho is one of great companies of radio controlled car in Japan. I didn't know that it is a well-known company in the world.
w(￣Д￣ w
I'm very happy that my post touched your heart. Thank you for reading!
o(*^▽^*)o

[SteveC]

Thanks hiraboo and Happy New Year to you as well !     

[hiraboo]

> SteveC

Thanks hiraboo and Happy New Year to you as well !     

Thank you !
Don't drink too much !



Kanger Survival & Fishing Tool for Venture
Part 2/2

Last time, I introduced you to various variations of Kanger tools. There is almost no detailed information about Kanger even if you search in Japanese.

However, I barely found out there was another unknown and unusual version of this tool.
Some months ago, when I got an old magazine, I found the unusual Kanger tools in an ad for a store.



Fujimori, A. (Eds.) (February 1983). Advertisement for military goods shop "Tokyo Phantom," Monthly COMBAT Magazine special edition "Military2" (Vol.4 No.37), p3. Japan: KK World Photo Press

It was a set of card type multi-tool and belt buckle. And it turns out that there were at least three versions.
The card tool was printed as "Adler" and "KIYA", and was the same as one I posted in Chapter 10.
The belt buckle had the word "Kangar" on it. You can store the card tool in the buckle.
The circle and "新" mark means "new product". So this tool seemed to be newly released in late 1982 or early 1983. The price at that time was 5,000 or 6,000 yen.

Now that it's clear what it looks like, all I have to do is look for it.
And, yes I fortunately found it on a Japanese auction and was able to win the bid.




New In the Box ! Really !?




The card tool is quite same shape as Adler/KIYA tool. But I have no idea about this "JRC" and the lion mark.
The buckle seems to be made of brass.




You can attach the card tool like this. The card tool is fixed unless you push it through square window.




The back of the buckle.
You can see the words

   SURVIVAL
   &SPORTS
   TOOL SET

   By Hayakawa

   MADE IN JAPAN
   JAPAN PAT.P
   U.S.A. PAT.P
   W.GERMANY PAT.P

"Hayakawa" is the Japanese surname.
Using this name as a clue, I searched for patent information.



Patent document of "Band". No. 昭和56-64307(1981) by Shinichi Hayakawa.

Bingo!
Now I can see who invented it and which company made it.

The company that manufactured this tool, HAYAKAWA INDUSTRY INC. is one of the metalworking companies in Seki City. Shinichi Hayakawa was once a CEO of this company.
Interestingly, his company has been a metal stamping service, not a cutlery now and in the past. In the early days of the company, they were subcontracting and stamping cutlery. So they OEMed different companies, and as a result, their products were sold by different brands.


Oh I found WILDWEST brand version, and got it too. 





The wolf head mark and WILDWEST is the brand of Fasteners Mailorder System.


The instruction manual describes the origin of the name "Kangar".

　出先でどんな事が起り、どんな必要が生じるのか予測もつかない昨今、日常的な外出の場合などは、何を持っていたらよいのか迷うだろう。
　そんな願いを秘めて作られた、多目的工具Adler(Big & Prett[ママ])そのAlder[ママ](Big & Pretty)を、いつでもどこでも、ワンタッチで取り出せ、ワンタッチで内蔵できるベルト用バックルの出現、その名もKanger(カンガー)あなたはきっと、Kangerのとりこになります。スポーツ、レジャー等巾広く御使用下さい。
　Kanger(カンガー)とは、Kangaroo(カンガルー)の様に大切に、大切に、多目的工具Adler(アドラー)又はBig & Pretty(ビッグアンドプリティー)を保護してくれるパックル[ママ]です。御使の場合は、充分説明書をお読み下さい。

   These days, you can't predict what will happen and what will be needed on the go. So you will be wondering what to bring to daily outings.
   The tool made with such a wish, the Multi-Tool Adler/Big & Prett[sic]. And we will newly introduce you the belt buckle named Kanger. With Kanger, anytime anywhere with one touch, you can take Alder[sic]/Big & Pretty out and also build it in. You will surely be captivated by Kanger. Please use it widely for sports, leisure, etc.
   The Kanger is the puckle[sic] that protects the Multi-Tool Adler/Big & Pretty carefully, yes carefully, like a Kangaroo does. Please read the instructions enough before using.

Now you know that the original Kanger was the buckle part which could incorporate the card type tool.





And now you also know that there are two types of card tools, "Adler" and "Big & Pretty".

Even most Japanese enthusiast do not know this information. This is the highest level of confidential information.

As always, should you or any member of your MTo be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow all knowledge of your actions. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck.

[Yadda]

 

Wow!  Fantastic!

[hiraboo]

> Yadda

Thank you very much! (*´ω`*)



After that, I found the information about JRC.
According to this blog post, JRC means "Japan Resin Craft" which was a company that used to sell knives. (And the company is now closed.)



Kershaw swiss army knife type multi-tools
#3030, #3020, #3010

I introduced Kershaw #3030 in this thread before.
Now, let me introduce you to other family members of Kershaw #3030.


Kershaw #3020



Kershaw #3020 with Victorinox Spartan(91mm).
#3020 also contain a tweezer and a toothpick.




Oh, I needed to clean it before I took the picture.


Kershaw #3010



Kershaw #3010 and Victorinox Spartan(91mm).
#3010 also contain a tweezer and a toothpick, but the previous owner has lost them.




"Kershaw" is engraved on the blade. "3010 Japan" is engraved on the back of the file.

[Aloha]

Just now catching up.  Those belt buckle survival tools are very interesting.  Thank you for sharing. 

Kershaw swiss army type knives are awesome. I hope I see one in the wild one day. 

Well done hiraboo as always.   

[hiraboo]

> Aloha

Thank you very much ! （^ヮ^）
I hope you find what you are looking for.
But, this post may be even more appetizing for you. （≧▽≦）



G96 Jet-Aer Corp. #965


I don't know much about Jet-aer corp.
According  to AAPK All About Pocket Knives website, they had sold knives in 1973 till the mid 80s. The knives were designed similar to Buck and Gerber, and made in Seki, Japan.

And they had also sold SAK-like multi-tools.   











As the wise readers have already noticed, this MT was designed similar to one of Japanese MTs.
I feel now you may be thinking the manufacturer of this MT was IC. CUT, don't you?




Black: Kershaw #3030
Brass: Jet-Aer #965
Red  : IC. CUT Companion Type-7








Orange: IC. CUT Companion Type-5





Finally, I will post a comparison with Gerber and Back.
Surely, all it is similar.


BUCK #110


Jet-Aer #965


GERBER FS-II

[hiraboo]

Sanrio Stationary Vehicle Series
Mid Fielder JMF-4 FORMULA TIME

When I introduced "Sanrio Stationary Vehicle Series" before, I mentioned JMF-4 was a missing number.
Well, I jumped to wrong conclusion, sorry. 

No matter how much I looked up, there was no information about JMF-4. But surprisingly, some days ago I found a JMF-4 was sold on Japanese free market web site.　I will reprint the photo and report it.




JMF-4 is named "Formula Time". The shape of JMF-4 is like a formula one car.
The main function is AM / FM radio.　The stick in the foreground is the antenna rod.




There is a liquid crystal digital clock on the tail wing.




There is a light inside the front nose (I can't see it well).
Opening the parts, you can use it as a desk light.




The rear part of the cockpit is a storage compartment.




On the left side, you can see the tuning dial above the screw.




There is a battery case, AM / FM switch, and speaker on the bottom.




On the right side, you can see the volume dial above the screw.




Rear view. There is a battery for watch here.




The box and instruction.
1987 Made in Japan 5500yen JMF-4




Decorative stickers and clock instructions.

All these images are reprinted from Japanese free market web site.


The market price(7800 yen) is too expensive for me. And it's not as attractive as other models.
Even if I don't get the real one, I am already satisfying because I got the information looking for. 

[ElevenBlade]

> Aloha

Thank you very much ! （^ヮ^）
I hope you find what you are looking for.
But, this post may be even more appetizing for you. （≧▽≦）



G96 Jet-Aer Corp. #965


I don't know much about Jet-aer corp.
According  to AAPK All About Pocket Knives website, they had sold knives in 1973 till the mid 80s. The knives were designed similar to Buck and Gerber, and made in Seki, Japan.

And they had also sold SAK-like multi-tools.   


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As the wise readers have already noticed, this MT was designed similar to one of Japanese MTs.
I feel now you may be thinking the manufacturer of this MT was IC. CUT, don't you?


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Black: Kershaw #3030
Brass: Jet-Aer #965
Red  : IC. CUT Companion Type-7


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Orange: IC. CUT Companion Type-5

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Finally, I will post a comparison with Gerber and Back.
Surely, all it is similar.

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BUCK #110

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Jet-Aer #965

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GERBER FS-II

I really like that Jet-Aer

[SteveC]

Good stuff hiraboo   

Here is a thread of mine about my G96 Jet-Aer

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,71264.msg1446635.html#msg1446635

[hiraboo]

> ElevenBlade

Yes it's good quality, not as cheap copy of SAK. ( *• ̀ω•́ )b



> SteveC

Thank you very much!
Now I am reading your great story in your thread.
I cried a little. (ﾉД`)
Because...



Additional information about card type multi-tools
Part 1 / 7

Seven years ago, my brother died suddenly of a heart attack.
This card tool is one of his relics.



SV80
STAINLESS STEEL JAPAN
STAINLESS BLADE & SAFETY HARD CASE

He loved skiing. I heard he often went to Canada and Australia on ski trips.
This tool is advertising item of ski equipment company.

I wasn't sure about this tool.
It was hard to find out which manufacturer made it.
But finally I found it.

HASEGAWA CUTLERY CO.,LTD.
The company started as a small polishing factory, and now mainly manufactures scissors in Seki-city Japan.　



SV80(SS) SV88(BO)

The other day, I found a black model.
I took pictures side by side like brothers.

[hiraboo]

Additional information about card type multi-tools
Part 2 / 7

I introduced Kanetsune SUPER SURVIVAL in Chapter 10. And after that I found Kanetsune is one of brands sold by KITASHO Co., Ltd.

The other day I found another Kanetsune tool named MC TOOL.



Left: Kanetsune MC TOOL case and tool
Right: Kanetsune SUPER SURVIVAL


I also found the MC TOOL in the magazine.



Iijima, K. (Eds.) (July 1983). "SURVIVAL TOOL," Monthly Mono Magazine special edition "KNIVES" ( Vol. 2 No. 8 ), p88. Japan: KK World Photo Press


However, the tool shape I got is looked different from photo. I'm worried that the seller may have replaced it with another tool...
For the time being, I'll continue the discussion, assuming this tool is genuine.


Interestingly, this tool is exactly the same as Herbertz Campingwerkzeug Nr. 615000.



Left: Kanetsune MC TOOL
Right: Herbertz Campingwerkzeug Nr. 615000


I think it is highly possible that Japanese-made tools were sold under the German brand.

I introduced another similar tool in Chapter 2.
There are some other tools that are very similar to these.



Left: Special ticket for "Gifu Chube Future Expo 1988", Manufacturer unknown
Upper right: SUPR, Manufacturer unknown
Lower right: SUPER II, Manufacturer unknown


In conclusion, I believe all these tools were manufactured in Seki City.
And I think the manufacturer is likely to be KITASHO Co., Ltd.



Upper left: SUPR
Upper right: Kanetsune MC TOOL
Middle: Special ticket for "Gifu Chube Future Expo 1988"
Lower left: SUPER II
Lower right: Herbertz Campingwerkzeug Nr. 615000

[hiraboo]

Additional information about card type multi-tools
Part 3 / 7


I introduced Sir Rich Tool in Chapter 10 and another post.



Left: Sir Rich Tool (big) case and tool
Right: Sir Rich Tool (small) case and tool


Sir Rich Tool is one of the mysterious tools that I sometimes see at Japanese auctions and free markets. The quality of the tool is relatively good, but there is no information in magazines, website, etc.

One day, I found the other small Sir Rich Tool with different shaped case and instruction paper.



Sir Rich Sun Tool


According to the instruction paper, it revealed that the name of the small tool was "Sun Tool". But again, there is no information about the manufacturer in the instruction paper…

…Uhh. Wait, I just saw this tool and case in previous post.



Left: Kanetsune MC TOOL and case
Right: Sir Rich Sun Tool and case
The magazine is ibid.


Again, Kanetsune is one of the brands that KITASHO Co., Ltd. manufactures and sells. KITASHO is one of the big companies that manufactures and sells cutlery in Seki City. So I think Sun Tool was likely to have been manufactured by KITASHO.


By the way, when you search for "Sir Rich" on the web, you may find more travel gear than multi-tools.





Sir Rich MEN’S SET travel gear for men


It is a rather cheap product. I bought this one, hoping to find any clue about the brand.
Oh, yes ! The name of the seller is printed on the band-aid and cotton swab packaging.





The seller name is Sun・Gift Sangyo Co., Ltd. This company doesn't seem to exist anymore.
Another company name and its address are also printed there. It was the pharmaceutical company that manufactured Band-Aid. (Nakai Seiyaku Co., Ltd., Osaka, also closed business )

Now I understand why the name of the card tool was "Sun Tool".
Because the seller company name was "Sun・Gift Sangyo."

As an aside, I found another Sir Rich multi-tool in this pouch.



A multipurpose knife that looks a lot like Bassett Trim-Trio.


Hey, who made it ?

[hiraboo]

Additional information about card type multi-tools
Part 4 / 7


I introduced Bronica Savanna multi-tool and lighter in Chapter 10.



Bronica Savanna multi-tool and lighter (repost)


Recently I have found there are four types of Savanna branded multi-tools.





Left to right

• Kanger Savanna version ( same as Kanger TYPE-I )
• Card type multi-tool ( motorcycle supplies store ＫＵＳＨＩＴＡＮＩ advertising model )
• Savanna multi-tool and lighter
• A multi-tool consisting of four round plates

( I tried to write the url of ＫＵＳＨＩＴＡＮＩ, but I can’t because it contains four letter words "sh*t"... lol )

The name and model number of each tools are not described in the instruction paper.

The round tool on the far right is unique, so I'll put a few more pictures on it.



Closed position.


Open position.


The second tool from the left seems to be Big & Pretty, but there is no hexagonal wrench hole. Hmmm…





…Oh yeah, I remembered. It is quite same as Kanger Type-E.



Kanger Type-E (Kodak advertising model, image from the closed Japanese auction, repost)

Conclusion:
Bronica Savanna multi-tools have much in common with Kanger multi-tools.
As mentioned in a previous post, Kanger ( also Adler, Big & Pretty ) was made by Hayakawa Industry Inc.

So I think Bronica Savanna was also made by Hayakawa Industry Inc.




By the way, I also introduced TRIM TOOL in Chapter 10. I thought it was a counterfeit product because it was low quality.

Recently I found something in common with the TRIM TOOL and Adler.



Left to right

• TRIM TOOL ( big ), repost
• Adler
• Survival Tool, first post
• TRIM TOOL ( small ), SEGA advertising model, first post

The instruction papers of all begin with this sentence, which is the same word for word.

もしもの時・・・●●●● (ツールの名前) があったら
　ワシの口ばしのように鋭く
　　ワシの爪のようにがっちり使える
　あなただけの小道具

In case of emergency… If you have a **** ( tool name ).
   Sharp like an eagle's beak
      Can be used sturdy like an eagle's claw
   Props just for you

Conclusion:
So I'm sure TRIM TOOLs are all manufactured by the same manufacturer, Hayakawa Industry Inc.

[MichaelGT83]

I've been reading through this thread, there's some excellent and interesting information in here Hiraboo, nice one.

I really like those IC. Cut knives.

[Yadda]

More great info hiraboo!  I have of the Bronica Savanah round multi tools and the leather case and chain. I agree with your conclusions on the manufacturers.

[hiraboo]

Sorry for the late reply. (´Д｀ι)


> MichaelGT83

Information about Japanese multi-tools is not too much even here in Japan. So I try to put togather the information.
I appliciate to MTo for providing a place for the presentation.
☆⌒(*＾-ﾟ)v

I hope you will be pleased. ε=ヾ(*~▽~)ノ


> Yadda

I'm surprised you have the Bronica Savanah round multi tools, case and chain!
I think it's a very rare item.
Great! (屮゜Д゜)屮

It is very encouraging that you agree. （●´3｀）~♪
Thank you very much!



Additional information about card type multi-tools
Part 5 / 7


As I mentioned in Chapter 10, the reason why there are a lot of card-type multi-tools in Japan is that LIFE-TOOL sold well.



LIFE-TOOL, Allison Forge Corporation, reposted


I found more detailed website about LIFE-TOOL and others.

BushcraftUSA. (2013). Walle-Hawk and other credit card survival tools, Retrieved March 21, 2021, from https://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/walle-hawk-and-other-credit-card-survival-tools.241354/

According to this thread, Allison Forge had sold “WALLE-HAWK” in 1970s, and sometime in the 1980s they changed it “LIFE-TOOL”.
The instruction manual says "Copyright 1974" in both the English and Japanese versions. This mean that they made the instruction manual in 1974 and sold "LIFE-TOOL" in Japan after that. I think it was before 1980s.





Patent documents US3461469A: Multipurpose Tools and Wallet Holding Therefor
Jessie Morrision filed the application in 1966.



The LIFE-TOOL Survival manual original English version


Japanese translated version


As the reference books, it says "Survival With Style", “Outdoor Survival Skills” and “Backpacking nyuumon (Japanese)”.



Therefore, there are many copy products of LIFE-TOOL in Japan.
I also introduced some of them in Chapter 10.



An example of copy products.
Left: LIFE-TOOL, Allison Forge
Right: SURVIVAL, manufacturer unknown, reposted


Confusingly, some tools have the same name. Now, I would like to organize the information.



SURVIVAL (I) and instruction paper, manufacturer unknown, same as above


I call this type (I) because it has a simpler shape than the model described below.



SURVIVAL (II) and instruction paper, manufacturer unknown


The instruction paper said that this is “JUMBO-SURVIVAL”. How jumbo do you think it is?



Left: SURVIVAL (I)
Right: SURVIVAL (II)


Actually both are the same size.
SURVIVAL (II) has a fish scale remover on the bottom edge.

The two are clearly from the same manufacturer. But there is no information about manufacturer in the instruction papers.



IC. CUT (Ishikawa Hamono Seisakujyo Co., Ltd.) also sold similar products.



SURVIVAL (III), IC. Cut


It is the same size as the above SURVIVAL (I) and (II), but more elaborate than above.



SUPER SURVIVAL, IC. Cut


It has basically the same shape as SURVIVAL (III).
The difference is the safe case, the direction mark and the double / single edged blade.



Left: SUPER SURVIVAL, IC. Cut
Right: SUPER SURVIVAL, Kanetsune (Kitasho Co., Ltd.), repost


The Kanetsune version I got has no safe case. Other than that, quite the same tool was sold by IC. Cut and Kitasho.



Upper left: SURVIVAL (III), IC. Cut
Upper right: SURVIVAL (I), manufacturer unknown
Lower left: SUPER SURVIVAL, IC. Cut
Lower right: SUPER SURVIVAL, Kanetsune (Kitasho)


As you can see, these tools have many similarities. So I think they were all made by the same manufacturer.

Who made them. IC. Cut? Kitasho? Or another?

I can’t determine which manufacturer made them.
The only certain thing is that it is a manufacturer in Seki City.

[hiraboo]

Additional information about card type multi-tools
Part 6 / 7


I also introduced you Feather Versa Venture Tools in Chapter 10.
After that I found advertisement of those tools in a magazine.



Iijima, K. (Eds.) (July 1983). Advertising of Feather Trading Co., Ltd., Monthly Mono Magazine special edition "KNIVES" ( Vol. 2 No. 8 ), p100. Japan: KK World Photo Press

It’s not “the larger the better”. You'll be amazed at the 18 features of these little tools.
The real survival tools for hard venture sports.
When fighting extreme nature, playing outdoor sports in harsh condition, the Versa tools will perform many functions to survive.
This tool was created as a full-fledged professional model for all situations.

According to this ad there have been three different models.

• Versa Ranger with exclusive genuine leather case   13,500yen
• Versa Senior with case   3,900yen
• Versa Junior with case   3,300yen

As you can see, the price of Ranger is by far the highest. So I think Ranger sold in small quantities. But the other day, fortunately, I found this at a Japanese flea market.



Left: Versa Ranger, first post
Upper right: Versa Senior, repost
Lower right: Versa Junior, repost


The size of Ranger is larger and little thicker than others. The front side has a black finished.



Left: LIFE-TOOL
Reft: Versa Ranger


Obviously the Versa series were also influenced by LIFE-TOOL.



Left: Exclusive genuine leather case
Right: Versa Ranger (back side)


The back side has a mirror finished.





The case is large and thick enough to hold a cigarette box.
The saw blade is square. I have never seen it.
I don't know why this is three times as expensive as the others…



Kai corporation also sold some card type multi tools. I can't find any reference material about this.
I'm still investigating.



Left: 5 Way Kit, kai-cut, first post
Reft: Help Me! and case, kai-cut, repost


Oh yes, help me!

[SteveC]

Great info on the card tools hiraboo  !   

[hiraboo]

> SteveC

Thank you very much !
It's a niche information, so I'm worried if you can enjoy it. ヾ(;´Д`)ﾉ
This is the final episode.



Additional information about card type multi-tools
Part 7 / 7



In the above post, I introduced LIFE-TOOL and its patent documents.
Many Japanese card tools were influenced by life tools and were made to look almost like that.



Allison Forge LIFE-TOOL, repost


But the patent for the LIFE-TOOL is not valid in Japan. So someone else stole the idea of LIFE-TOOL and applied for a patent in Japan.



Left to right

• LIFE-TOOL, PATENT 3461469
• Jupiter Survival Tool, PAT. 1409686, first post
• SURVIVAL SET, PAT-G 4414776, repost

Jupiter Survival Tool, case, instruction manual


Jupiter Survival Tool was a complete copycat product. Did you notice the difference from LIFE-TOOL?
The answer is there is no dent in lower right corner of this tool.

You can search the patent documents for this tool using the information in “Pat. 1409686”.



Patent documents実公昭56-17009 (1981) about “Tool”
Akinori Mori filed the application in 1976.


Curiously, the patent document for this tool mentioned the dent that is not in the actual tool. The function of this dent is fixing the head of the nail. Then you can hit it with your fist.

The patent application was filed by a company in Tokyo. In 1981 the owner of the patent right was changed to a parson in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture.
Sanjo (Tsubame-Sanjo) is one of a major industrial cluster area of industrial products which inherited the ancient tradition such as cutting tools, work tools, metal tableware and others products.
So I think this tool is likely to have been made in Sanjo, Niigata.

This manufacturer also made other types of card tools.



Survival Tool, advertising the Buterazine ( released in 1983 ) which was the product of Daiichi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., first post

This tool is also engraved with "Pat. 1409686".

Hmm, I have seen this unique U shape before.



Left: Survival Tool
Right: Feather Versa Junior, repost

There are other similarities, such as size and lines. There is no information to determine which is the original idea.

By the way, there is a tool that have same direction mark on it.



Left: Adventure Tool, the souvenir of Japanese baseball team Hiroshima Toyo Carp when they achieved a third victory in 1980, first post
Right: Mighty Tool, repost


The Mighty Tool has same direction mark as Jupiter Survival Tool ( also same as LIFE-TOOL).
I searched the web thinking that the Mighty Tool was from the same manufacturer.
Oh, I found a Mighty Tool with “Pat. 1409686” on it.



Mighty Tool printed “PAT. 1409686”
Image from the blog "roco.roco.HIROKO"


According to the blogger, she bought this Mighty Tool as a tourist souvenir near my hometown. The price was 1500 yen.
I am glad the prediction about manufacturer is correct.




I also found new information about another type of tool, SURVIVAL SET.









SURVIVAL SET, Pat-G 4414776
Combined with these components, you can use it as a sundial.


I can’t find any patent information from “Pat-G 4414776”.
I had given up completely, but I happened to find the information while writing this post.



Patent documents 実公昭56-049747 (1981) about “Portable equipment”
Mamoru Nakamura filed the application in 1977.


The patent application was also filed by a company in Tokyo. Interestingly, the patent document states that the information about this tool has been published in Japanese manga magazines. It was Weekly Shonen Sunday June 26, 1977 issue, page 260.



Weekly Shonen Sunday. June 26, 1977 issue. Japan: Shogakukan Inc.


I remembered that a manga had been serialized in this magazine. The story of the manga was that a boy survives a world where a sudden catastrophe has occurred. This manga had symbolized the outdoor boom and survival boom at that time.
The name of the manga is “Survival” (1976 to 1978).
I think multi-tool “SURVIVAL SET” was produced because this manga “Survival” was a hit.

And I found the advertisement of this tool.



Midorikawa, I. (Eds.) (May 1978). Advertisement of Genz Co., Ltd., Monthly Magazine Best Fishing May issue (Vol.2 No.5), Back cover. Japan: KK Japan Journal Press
"SURVIVAL" newly released 3500 yen. It said this tool has 52 functions. Wow!


The seller of SURVIVAL was a company in Tokyo.
There are many metal processing factories in Tokyo. Therefore, I think this tool was made in Tokyo.

Additional information about the card type multi-tools ends.
Thank you very much !

[GotBluntnose]

Recently found this Rigid lockback 2 fold knife with electrician addition. And guess what, it's from JAPAN. ( subarashii desu ne ?)
I bought it because I have the Rigid multitool too, but that one was an Imperial Ireland version made in China. Rigid is all over the place with their factory orders.

Do you know if this knife is new or old (20+ years) ? [EDIT] I found out this knife is from 1995 by United Cutlery.

Here are some pics:

[hiraboo]

> GotBluntnose

I'm sorry for the late reply. （；＞＜）

Thank you for telling me about multi tools related to Japan.
I didn’t know about Rigid and Imperial Ireland.
Your collection is "subarashii desu !" (ﾉ≧▽≦)ﾉ

I see Rigid RG-51 for the first time.
I found this (used with box) on eBay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/274486559249
Here are some pictures from eBay.







As you said, this tool seemed to be launched in 1995.
Wow I want to get this tool someday !　(^.^)b

[hiraboo]

I mentioned about SURVIVAL SET in above thread. According to the patent documents, the initial information about this tool was printed in old manga magazine.

Hahaha, yes I know I am a little crazy. Ψ(｡Θ∀Θσ
Wanting more information, I had looked for the manga magazine for a while, and finally bought one at a second hand bookstore.




Weekly Shonen Sunday. June 26, 1977 issue. Japan: Shogakukan Inc.
The list price is 150 yen. I bought it for 800 yen.  (*ノω・*)




Ibid. Reader gifts and advertising of mail-order shop "Gen's". pp 260, 261.
30 winners will get the Gen's TOOL (3,500 yen) as the prize!
 


I misunderstood that the manga artist and the maker collaborated to sell this multi-tool. Actually, there was no relation between the card type multi-tool "SURVIVAL SET" and the manga named "SURVIVAL".

“Gen’s” was a mail-order shop (I heard that there had been a building of their shop in Ginza, Tokyo. They were closed long time ago) which had sold imported miscellaneous goods.
They produced SURVIVAL SET (originally named Gen's TOOL) which was very similar to the LIFE-TOOL. The actual patent No. engraved on the tool body was “PAT-G 4414776”. On the other hand, the patent No. in the magazine was “574-7007” which was their phone number.  （ᅙωᅙ）

Now I got the information and very satisfied, then I will sell manga magazines to another second hand bookstore. (*´ｍ｀)

[hiraboo]

Exchangeable blade tools 1 / 2



When I browsed some old articles, I found an interesting post.

Why do i keep getting MTO emails ?
Zed got an email asking "would a kershaw blade trader be considered a multitool?"

Let's see kershaw blade trader series.



Image from the kershaw 2003 catalog.

There are later models of blade trader.

• 1091CT Camp Tool Trader
• 1094HBT Hunter's Blade Trader
• 1095SBT Sportsman's Blade Trader
• 1096FBT Fisherman's Blade Trader
• 1098AK Alaskan Blade Trader
• 1099DBT Deluxe Blade Trader

Later models were made in China.



Image from a magazine ¹⁾.


Image from a magazine ²⁾.

There are early models of blade trader.

• 1095 Do it all Blade Trader
• 1095TF Do it all Blade Trade
• 1099 Delux Blade Trader
• 1099TF Blade Trader

Early models were made in Japan.

Oh, I don't want to argue with you about "would a kershaw blade trader be considered a multitool?"
But I would like to call kershaw blade traders and others as "exchangeable blade knives" in this thread.


Other makers also created exchangeable blade knives, for example...



Image from a book ¹⁾.

There were three sets of Gerber Bolt action exchange blades.

• 7023 Utility (Utility blade, Saw blade)
• 7024 Hunter (Utility blade, Hunter blade, Saw blade)
• 7026 Skinner (Utility blade, Skinner blade, Saw blade)

Bolt action series were designed by Blackie Collins.

 

Image from ebay.

According to the Japanese knives shop CREEK, this model is 7523 Exchange Blade / Saw, made in Taiwan.



Image from a book ²⁾.

BUCK 428BK Selector. The origin of this knife was 426 Bucklite III.
Is it same as V52 Selector ?



Image from a book ³⁾.

• 429A7 Outdoorman Selector Set
• 429A8 Hunter Selector Set

It seems that there are 10 types of blades and waiting for collector's challenge.



Image from a book ⁴⁾.

CASE XX-Changer light

• 181 Black
• 184 Orange

I don't know the details.
 


Image from a book ⁵⁾.

Ranger's France Levin Camping Knife
Ranger's France was a brand of a French company. But almost all knives were made by G. Sakai, Japan.



Image from a magazine ³⁾.

IC. CUT(Japan) Super Survival System III

• 3000TM
• 3000TS
• 3000TB

All models have a normal blade, a spanner blade, a serrated blade.



Image from a book ⁶⁾.

HIRO KNIVES(Japan) Craft Knife Set
Knife blades set for wood carving. HIRO KNIVES have related to IC. CUT.


Ok, this is a forum of Multitool.org.
And I need to talk about multitools related to Japan.

I have a IC. CUT Super Survival System III 3000TS.




It is not only an exchangeable blade knife, but also an exchangeable multitool !




But because of spring is really strong, it's too tight and difficult to exchange blades.
Not practical as a multitool...

Wait, I have a kershaw 1095 Do it all Blade Trader.




OREGON USA, not Japan ?




Oh yes, it was made in Japan.
And please look closely, it have a can opener on saw blade.

Would a kershaw blade trader be considered a multitool ?
Why don't you call it a multitool !


References,

Magazines
1) Doi, T. (Eds.) (October 1987). "Special feature about kershaw," Knife Magazine No.6 (Vol.2 No.5), p48. Japan: KK World Photo Press
2) Nishimura, N. (Eds.) (August 1989). Advertising of World Cutlery Co., Ltd., Knife Magazine No.17 (Vol.4 No.4), p21. Japan: KK World Photo Press
3) Nishimura, N. (Eds.) (June 1989). "Japanese Factory Knives," Knife Magazine No.16 (Vol.4 No.3), p74. Japan: KK World Photo Press

Books
1) Fukami, H. (Eds.) (Janualy 1988). Nihon to sekai no knife catalog, p11. Japan: Seibido Publishing Co., Ltd.
2) Fukami, H. (Eds.) (June 1994). Nihon to sekai no knife catalog '94, p74. Japan: Seibido Publishing Co., Ltd.
3) Fukami, E. (Eds.) (August 1997). Nihon to sekai no knife catalog '97 ~ '98, p32. Japan: Seibido Publishing Co., Ltd.
4) Fukami, E. (Eds.) (September 1999). Nihon to sekai no knife catalog '99 - 2000, p55. Japan: Seibido Publishing Co., Ltd.
5) Fukami, H. (Eds.) (August 1990). Nihon to sekai no knife catalog '90, p75. Japan: Seibido Publishing Co., Ltd.
6) Fukami, H. (Eds.) (October 1992). Nihon to sekai no knife catalog '92 ~ '93, p45. Japan: Seibido Publishing Co., Ltd.

[hiraboo]

Exchangeable blade tools 2 / 2


At first, I should correct mistake in my previous post.



I wrote "Image from the kershaw 2003 catalog", but it was 2005 catalog correctry.
I'm sorry.



Now let's get down to the main subject.
Talking about Japanese exchangeable blade tools, probably this type is better known.




Images from ebay.

Chako seems to have stored it in one of his thousands of drawers↓
・What is stored in this top drawer?

It seems that there are at least three types of similar exchangeable blade tools made in Japan.
So I would call this "Type B (7pcs.)" in this thread.



Next.




Images from ebay.

Looking closely, you may know this tool has the brand name SYNANON on blades.
So I would call this "Type S (6pcs.)" in this thread.

By the way, BARLOW and SYNANON are brands that are used only for exports. I have not heard about these brands in Japan. I can't find any information in Japanese books and magazines.



Next.


Images from ebay.

The third model has no brand name. Only "STAINLESS (STEEL) JAPAN" is on blades.
I would call this "Type C" in this thread.


The following is a detailed description of each tool.



Type S (6pcs.)


I got this set of tools on ebay. It is SYNANON brand.





It contains a drop point blade, a flathead screwdriver, a hummer, a can opener and bottle opener combination tool, a yellow tool body with Phillips screwdriver, a tape measure.
 



The tape measure was also made in Japan. I don't know about this logo. I am investigating now.



Upper : Victorinox Spartan (91mm)
Lower : The body of Type S





There is only one Phillips screwdriver in the body parts. And it has the function as a lever of the locking system.
Opening the Phillips screwdriver, the lock open.




Next, attach the tool blade like this.




Folding the Phillips screwdriver, the lock close.





Upper: Victorinox Spartan (91mm)

The size of the blade is considerably larger than the Victorinox of the same body size.



Type B (7pcs.)


I got this set of tools on Japanese auction website. There is no BARLOW brand notation anywhere.





It contains a drop point blade, a flathead screwdriver, a hummer, a can and bottle opener combination tool, a white tool body with Phillips screwdriver, a saw, a file.



Upper  : Victorinox Spartan (91mm)
Middle : The body of Type B
Lower  : The body of Type S



The locking system for each tool is exactly the same.



Comparison of common tools.
Upper : Type B
Lower : Type S




There is no BARLOW notation, but there is SUZUYA notation on the case.



I also have a SAK type knife with SUZUYA notation.
I think SUZUYA was the name of a wholesaler or exporter that is currently out of business. I'm researching SUZUYA but I don't know anything so far.



Type C


I don't have Type C itself.
I have something very similar to that. I bought it on Japanese flea market.





It contains a flathead screwdriver, a hummer, a green tool body with Phillips screwdriver and sheeps foot blade, a saw, a file.
There is a feature at the bottom of the tool.



Upper : Victorinox Spartan (91mm)



Each tools on the body have nothing to do with the locking system.






You need to just hook the tool.



And rotate the tool, lock it.



CAP印　万能ナイフ means the CAP brand all-purpose knife.

The seller said this tool may have been sold in the mid 1940s to mid 1960s.
The manufacturer of this tool, CAP Knife Mfg. Co., Ltd., was currently out of business. I'm researching it but I don't know anything so far.

[Pete.Z]

A lot of very interesting tools in this thread!
Thanks for sharing.

[hiraboo]

> Pete.Z

Thank you for reply. ( 'Θ')ﾉ

Yes I like these old unique tools.
I think Japanese manufacturer can't make them anymore, because of price, lack of craftsman, idea and so on. ('c_,'｀)
So I want to keep a record of them.



By the way, I wanted to write "hammer"  instead of "hummer".

When I realized my mistake, always it was too late to edit my post.
il||li ＿|￣|○ il||l 

[hiraboo]

In a previous post I introduced this knife as "Ranger's France Levin Camping Knife".





As always, that was my mistake, sorry.
A few days ago, I found the same knife at a Japanese auction.









As you see, it is “The Raven” multi blade knife set designed by Robert Wrench, sold by Wraven product Inc.
I don't know about Robert Wrench. I would be happy if you could tell me about him.

Now I can understand how to lock the blade.






There is the spacer parts inside the handle. You can open it like this.



Place the blade between the spacer parts.



Then close it.
I think the locking mechanism is similar to KutMaster MultiMaster and so on.



All the above pictures are from the auction site.
I haven't bought it. Just looking

Because of “SEKI - JAPAN” engraving, the manufacturer is likely to be G Sakai.


If you have a chance, you can find it on ebay.




Image from WorthPoint ( from ebay).

Designed by Robert Wrench- This is an inter cahngeable knifeset produced only one year. Around 1986. Do not confuse it with a low quality set produced in China. These blades are heavy duty 440 stainless steel produced in Seki City Japan. The same place that Spyderco knives are made. T are eight interchangeable blades. 2 spearpoints, 1 tanto, 1 filet, 1 guthook skinner, 1 saw, 1 punch and 1 fish hook remover and scale cleaner. The thick leather sheath has two snap pouches. One for the knife and the other to hold extra blades. The frame of the knife is polished alumunum and the handles are black striped hardwood. Each blade is like 3/16" steel and very heavy duty. Overall length with blades in place measures 9

[comis]

In a previous post I introduced this knife as "Ranger's France Levin Camping Knife".


(Image removed from quote.)


As always, that was my mistake, sorry.
A few days ago, I found the same knife at a Japanese auction.


(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)


As you see, it is “The Raven” multi blade knife set designed by Robert Wrench, sold by Wraven product Inc.
I don't know about Robert Wrench. I would be happy if you could tell me about him.

Now I can understand how to lock the blade.


(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

There is the spacer parts inside the handle. You can open it like this.

(Image removed from quote.)

Place the blade between the spacer parts.

(Image removed from quote.)

Then close it.
I think the locking mechanism is similar to KutMaster MultiMaster and so on.

(Image removed from quote.)

All the above pictures are from the auction site.
I haven't bought it. Just looking

Because of “SEKI - JAPAN” engraving, the manufacturer is likely to be G Sakai.


If you have a chance, you can find it on ebay.


(Image removed from quote.)

Image from WorthPoint ( from ebay).

Hiraboo,

Thanks for posting this one, pretty unique handle design and the presentation is so nice.  I'd have a hard time to use the knife even if I were to ever win one.