Multi-Tools Related to Japan

[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, Shikayama Knife
10. LIFE-TOOL (Card-type MTs)

Fig. 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 LIFE-TOOL (Allison Forge Corporation)

1. About LIFE-TOOL (Card-type MTs)

     A&F Corporation, which imports and sells outdoor products in Japan, sold Allison Forge Corporation’s LIFE-TOOL at the end of 1970s. It became popular among young people at the time after the novelist Takeshi Kaikou introduced it in the PLAYBOY Japan Version (1978 ?).^[1]
They said the LIFE-TOOL has 40 different ways of using. And English/Japanese manuals with illustrations on how to use it was included. These captured the adventurous spirit of the kids at that time. I thought I could do anything like MacGyver with that.
Well, I couldn't read PLAYBOY because I was too young at that time.

     Of course, various manufacturers have released similar card type MTs.
Finally, I would like to introduce these tools and make this thread finale.

References

1. A&F corporation. (2017). A&F COUNTRY catalog 2017, pp.16-17.

Fig. 10-4, 10-5 Kanger TYPE-H
It seems to be a product of a manufacturer in Seki City called NORTH MAN.
This model has a grindstone. TYPE-L has an LED light instead.
Some models have a saw instead of scissors.

Fig. 10-6 Kanger II #88706
Unique shape. With a case resembling a handgun holster.

Fig. 10-7 Wolf-head is trademark of Fasteners Mailorder System. They had sold folding knives named WILDWEST.

Fig. 10-8 Quite the same as above. Kiya is a very old cutlery in Tokyo. Adler is a manufacturer of Solingen. Who made this?

Fig. 10-9 SURVIVAL
Sorry, I don't know the details.

Fig. 10-10 SUPER SURVIVAL
"Kanetsune" is a brand was sold by Yahata Shoji Co., Ltd (closed). They were mainly selling model guns.
Almost the same as above. What is SUPER means?

Fig. 10-11, 10-12, 10-13 Another SURVIVAL (SURVIVAL SET)
Includes peg tool, sheet lens, and survival manual. I think this is SUPER!

Fig. 10-14 TRIM TOOL
Unknown manufacturer. How to use is engraved on the tool body.

Fig. 10-15, 10-16 mighty tool
A tiny but mighty tool.

Fig. 10-17, 10-18 Sir Rich Tool
I found beauty products (scissors, tweezers, and so on)  and can-openers with the “Sir Rich” logo, but I'm not sure about the manufacturer. This tool is with ear-scratches.

Fig. 10-19, 10-20 ZEAL tool
ZEAL (closed) was a manufacturer of bass fishing lures. There were Zippo lighter models with this tool attached. So this tool is smaller than a Zippo lighter.

Fig. 10-21 SAVANNA (BRONICA)
BRONICA (closed) was a manufacturer of camera and lighter.
I don't smoke anymore.

Fig. 10-22, 10-23 HELP ME! (kaicut Japan)
KAI corporation also sold card-type MT. I can make a fire with this sheet lens, maybe...

Fig. 10-24, 10-25 VERSA VENTURE TOOL (FEATHER Safety Razor Co., Ltd.)
Upper) SENIOR
Lower) JUNIOR
FEATHER was originally established in Seki city by the founder of KAI. Today, FEATHER is a large company of razor manufacturers. So FEATHER and KAI are brothers, and rivals.

Fig. 10-26 VERSA VENTURE TOOL SENIOR and Instructions
The person in the picture is Yuichiro Miura, a famous Japanese professional skier and climber. In 2013, He succeeded in climbing Everest at the age of 80. Even now he continues to train in mountain climbing with heavy luggage on his back.
I can't be like him. But when I grab favorite MTs, I feel as adventurous as he is. Like him, I don't want to forget the heart of adventure.

     Oh yeah, starting this thread was fantastic adventure for me.
Thanks to my lovely MTs, and thanks to your kindness, I was able to accomplish this great adventure.

     This ends the presentation. Thank you very much!

平出　浩二

[magentus]

Bravo hiraboo! Thank you for such a fantastic thread.   

[Yadda]

Huzzah! The Al Mar and card tools sections were highlights to me. 

[Poncho65]

Wow I am just catching up on this wonderful thread Lots of awesome information in here and many very nice tools that I have never seen before Thanks you for taking the time to take the pics and writing all this information out, hiraboo

[hiraboo]

> magentus

Thank you for your warm words. I am honored if you enjoyed it.
( ^_^ )_且~~　(Have a hot soup)

> Yadda

I thought that topic of card tools wasn't interesting, but it was nice to introduce it.
Thank you for reading.
( *´▽`)_且~

> Poncho65

Thank you very much!
The availability of tools and information varies depending on the country where we live.
There are also a lot of very nice tools that I have never seen before in here MTo. I'm always looking forward to your posts!
ヾ(*￣▽)_旦~~


About Spyderench Japanese Model

I found a Spyderench Japanese model in a magazine.
Spyderench was featured in Japanese magazines between 2000 and 2003.
All photos published in magazines between 2000 and 2002 are USA models.
The Japanese model only appeared in 2003.
(After 2005, there is no data and I cannot consider it.)



Fig. 1   Hukami, E. (July 20, 2003). Nihon to sekai no knife catalog 2004, p 102. Japan; Seibidou Syuppan Co., Ltd.
In 2003, serrated edge model and combo edge model were first released in Japan.



Fig. 2   T01P Plane Edge 440C USA
You can see “USA” on this side.



Fig. 3   T01P Plane Edge 440C JAPAN
You can’t see “JAPAN” on this side.
As you see, plain edge model in Fig. 1 was apparently Japanese model.



Fig. 4   T01P Plane Edge 440C JAPAN
You can see "JAPAN" from between the pliers.
In Fig. 1, something appears slightly between the pliers of the plain edge model.
On the other hand, nothing can be seen from between the pliers for serrated edge model and combo edge model.


So I think Japanese plain edge was made only in short term around 2003. Perhaps another edges using 440C were all made in USA.

[comis]

Hey, Hiraboo.

Great read!

Btw, we are in a middle of Leatherman PST 30 days challenge in the Leatherman subforum, since you probably are an expert in early Leatherman history, I would like to invite you check out that thread and please do feel free to join any discussion or comment. 

[Aloha]

  great idea comis. 

Hiraboo, thank you again for all this work and information.  Wonderful read and one I'll be sure to revisit again and again.   

[hiraboo]

> comis

Thank you for your invitation! (*´□`)ゞ
I knew there were many challenge threads here. But I didn't know the rules of those.
Now I read this thread,
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,83325.0.html
and understand the rules.

To be honest, I don't know much about Leatherman, but I would like to post something to support everyone who is challenging.
٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و

> Aloha

If you have something sad, please revisit and read this repeatedly. (*´ｴ`)y

Fig. 2   T01P Plane Edge 440C USA

...And please laugh out loud. ミ(ノ;_ _)ノ =3

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird.
It's a plane... Oh, no. It's a plain edge.

[comis]

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,82188.msg2061791.html#msg2061791

Thanks for visiting that thread, and I am glad you were able to find the rules about those challenges. 

Here is a link to the challenges in 2020:

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,83080.0.html

Please do feel free to check them out, and join if you are interested.  It's a great way to interact and make friends with our fellow members.

[Sos24]

Thank you for sharing the information.  Very interesting thread.

[SteveC]

Thanks again hiraboo for this great and informative thread 

[hiraboo]

> comis

Thank you for telling me a lot. And thank you for the kind words.  (*ᴗˬᴗ)⁾⁾
To be honest, even with the help of Google, it takes a lot of time to read/write English sentences.
(´～｀ヾ)
So I'm going to work on a new challenge slowly. ( ´ω｀)ﾉ

> Sos24

I am glad you are interested. I hope this thread will be helpful for your collection.
(*´∀`)bﾟ

> SteveC

Thank you for reading to the end. I am always reading your posts happily!
ヽ(*´□｀*)ッ

About IC. CUT Unknown MTs

I found that they sold another MT series named Companion 10 (probably Companion X) before releasing the Stunt V series (see chapter 8 ).  They have the same basic structure as Stunt V, but their surface of the handles were smooth (no non-slipping processing) and had rectangle logo mark.

Variations of Companion X Series

	Type-1      Hobby	Type-2      Fishing	Type-3      Traveler	Type-4      Camper	Type-5      Fishing
Function	2	4	5	4	5
Blade	●	●	●	●	●
Keyring	●	●	●	●	●
Can opener	-	-	●	-	-
Cap opener	-	-	●	-	-
Slotted screwdriver	-	-	●	-	-
Phillips screwdriver	-	-	-	●	-
Wood saw	-	-	-	●	-
Fish scaler	-	●	-	-	●
Hook disgorger	-	●	-	-	●
Scissors	-	-	-	-	●

	Type-6      Traveler	Type-7      Camping	Type-8      Fishing	Type-9      Sports&Camp	Type-10      Sporting
Function	6	7	8	8	10
Blade	●	●	●	●	●
Keyring	●	●	●	●	●
Can opener	●	●	●	●	●
Cap opener	●	●	●	●	●
Slotted screwdriver	●	●	●	●	●
Phillips screwdriver	-	●	-	●	●
Wood saw	-	●	-	●	●
Fish scaler	-	-	●	-	●
Hook disgorger	-	-	●	-	●
Scissors	●	-	●	●	●

So I think these are Companion X series. The left one(yellow) is a Type-4 Camper, and the right one(orange) is a Type-5 Fishing.
However, the Companion X model I found in the magazine had a drop-point blade. On the other hand, these two models have trailing-point curved blade. I suspect these are early types.

[hiraboo]

Happy New Year! ヽ(*′ω`)ﾉﾞ
May this year be a good year for you.

The Different Logo Version of Al Mar "Memorial 6"
→see chapter 4



This logo is used on products sold by G. Sakai.
After Al Mar passed away, Al Mar Knives changed manufacturing from G. Sakai to Moki. But G. Sakai had the right to market knives under the Al Mar label for the non-U.S.market. So I think G. Sakai used this logo only in Japanese market to avoid conflict.

[Poncho65]

More great info Just now seeing the chart and it is looking great

[hiraboo]

> Poncho65

I'm sorry for the late reply. m(；∇；)m
I referred to this page to make charts.
https://www.teamopolis.com/tools/bbcode-table-generator.aspx
It was a very difficult task for me. (≧Д≦)


Some More Card Type Multi Tools



Fig. 1
Kanger TYPE-I




Fig. 2, 3
TYPE-I have a saw instead of scissors(see chapter 10; Kanger TYPE-H).

Related threads;
> Kanger Tool. A Japanes SwissCard
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,14489.0.html

> Japanese Card style survival tool with stone
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,18925.0.html






Fig. 4, 5
Another Sir Rich Tool(see chapter 10; Sir Rich Tool). A simple card type tool.








Fig. 6, 7, 8
A promotional goods of BELL'S scotch whisky.




Fig. 9
GENTOS MT-012 MULTI-TOOL 14 in 1


Fig. 10
GENTOS Co., Ltd. is a Japanese flashlight manufacturer established in 1978. I also have a lantern made by GENTOS.
https://www.gentos.jp/en








Fig.11, 12, 13, 14
The back of the tool is a photo case.
The tool is about 15mm thick.








Fig. 15, 16, 17
The ZIPPO lighter with a survival tool.


Fig. 18
ZIPPO and BRONICA SAVANNA(see chapter 10; BRONICA SAVANNA).


Fig. 19
ZIPPO and ZEAL tool(see chapter 10; ZEAL tool).
Both tools are almost same but ranyard holes, hex wrench, saw, flat-blade screwdriver are slightly different.

[hiraboo]

About Leatherman Mini Tool Gold?

I found relevant information(?) in an old thread.
It seems someone was stealing lots of gold models.  !?(ﾟ〇ﾟ;)
I need to call 911... But I remembered I can't speak english very well. ┓(´д｀;)┏


Original posted by J-sews;
Re: A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

It was indeed difficult to say goodbye Dave, especially with so much exciting stuff to see everywhere we looked.


I think the Portlad PD SWAT team was stacked up outside the door just in case.        



And it was a good thing they were there too!! Because while we were there, it seems some crazy visitor named Mat tried to make off with this display case of fabulous gold-plated Leatherman tools!





Just kidding! Actually, this display was one of the first things we saw upon entering the factory offices. I didn't get to memorize the description plate, but apparently this was presented to Tim Leatherman and Steve Berliner as a sign of appreciation by all the employees of Leatherman (hope I got that right)  It contains all of the Leatherman tool models produced up to that point, and each one is 24k gold plated! Very awesome!



> ALL

This post is not mine originally, but J-sew’s post.
Due to some issues around photobucket.com, you can hardly see many important photos posted by J-sew.
So I will back up his photos and restore some of his posts.

[hiraboo]

Additional Info. about IC. CUT Companion Series
(see chapter 8 and here)

I thought the name of this tool was “Companion X”, but the correct name seems to be just “Companion”.




IC. CUT Multi-tools
Black   Stunt V Type-5 Sportsman (Reference)
Red   Companion Type-7 Camping
Yellow   Companion Type-4 Camper
Orange   Companion Type-5 Fishing



   Minor Model Change, Blade Shape




Yellow   trailing-point blade
Red   drop-point blade
Black   drop-point blade ( Stunt V as a reference)


I had been able to find only Companion drop-point blade models in magazines so far.
Finally, I found a trailing-point blade model photo in the magazine.



Fujimori, A. (Eds.) (1983). “Advertising of Yamahide cutlery Mfg., Inc.,” Knife Daizukan (Monthly Combat Magazine Vol. 4, No. 39 March Issue Extra Edition), end-of-page. Japan: KK World Photo Press


All subsequent magazines have photos of the drop-point blade models.
I think around 1983, the trailing-point blade was changed to a drop-point.



   Color Variation


Iijima, K. (Eds.) (1983). “Ishikawa Hamono,” Knives (Monthly Mono Magazine Vol. 2, No. 8 July Issue Extra Edition), p70. Japan: KK World Photo Press


According to this article, Companion had the following color variations:

• Scarlet
• Radish
• Sky Blue
• California Yellow
• Black
• Safari Orange

Will I be able to collect all models? ι(´Д｀υ)

[hiraboo]

AL MAR KNIVES Timeline (in Japan)
 


    It seems there is no information about AL MAR KNIVES in this thread;
Multitool Time Line
So I'll introduce some articles about AL MAR KNIVES from Japanese magazines.



4x4 Tool Mate
     (See Multi Tool ENCYCLOPEDIA 4x4 Tool Mate)


     This is the ad when 4x4 Tool Mate was newly launched in Japan.

Nishimura, N. (Eds.) (October 1988). “AL MAR KNIVES Ad,” Knife Magazine No.12 (Vol.3 No.5), p47. Japan: KK World Photo Press

   グリーンベレー・アタック・シリーズを始めとしプロフェッショナルのためのナイフを作り続けるアルマーが新しいナイフをデザインした。EOD(爆発物処理班)ナイフと名付けられたこのナイフは、実際にSWATの爆発物処理班で使用されている。機能の追求から生まれた無駄のないフォルムが新鮮だ。特に存在感のあるペンチが目につく。ブレードの厚みを合計15mmとることでハードな作業にも耐えるよう設計されたこのペンチはラインカッターも兼ねている。またドライバーの先端は薄いテーパー仕上げでスクレイパーとしても使える。これにプラスドライバー、ロープカッター、ナイフブレードでEODナイフは構成されている。特殊な用途のために生まれたナイフだが、ツーリング、カヌーイング、フィッシング、キャンピングで、一度でもペンチの必要なシチュエーションに出会った人なら、このナイフの実用性の高さが理解できるはず。ポケットツールとして常時身につけておきたいマルチパーパスナイフの傑作だ。

     Al Mar, who have been making knives for professional including Green Berets Attack series, designed the new knife. This knife named "EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Knife" is used by  SWAT EOD team. This simple form pursuing practicality is novel. Especially this unique pliers stand out. The pliers blade have 15mm thickness not to break even within heavy use, and have the wire cutter. The end of flathead screwdriver was thin taper processed, can be used as a scraper. The EOD Knife was also assembled with a phillips head screwdriver, a rope cutter and a knife blade. This knife was made for special applications, but anyone who encounter situations even once which need pliers may understand high practicality. This is the masterpiece of multi-purpose knife you should carry with every day.

     As in the ad, this tool was initially called "EOD Knife." Shortly thereafter (at the latest the next year) they changed it to "4x4 Tool Mate."


     According to a Japanese book, there was a tool called "M9 Escape Knife" in the past.

Hirayama, R. (1998). Complete Book of The Toolknives, p114-117. Japan: Namiki-syobou


     During World War II, the British Intelligence (MI9) developed M9 Escape Knife. This tool was mainly made by JOSEPH RODGERS in Sheffield, also distributed to US OSS (Office of Strategic Services). OSS called this "MIS-X."
(If there were mistakes, I want someone who knows these things to correct them.)
And EOD Knife (4x4 Tool Mate) was a refinement of M9 Escape Knife (MIS-X).

     By the way, did SWAT already use EOD Knife (4x4 Tool Mate)  before AL MAR KNIVES released it in Japan?


     3 years later, the pliers has a small changed.

Fukami, H. (Eds.) (August 1991). “AL・MAR,” Nihon to Sekai no Knife Catalog '91, p30. Japan: Seibidou Syuppan Co., Ltd.


   Initial model used a rivet for the pliers to pivot on. Later models used a large flat head screw.

Left  ) Initial model
Right ) Later model



Valade 4x4 (Japanese name; 4x4 Tool Mate Special)
   (See Multi Tool ENCYCLOPEDIA Valade 4x4)


     Valade 4x4 was first appeared in a magazine at 1992.

Fukami, H. (Eds.) (August 1992). “All Purpose,” Nihon to Sekai no Knife Catalog '92～'93, p44. Japan: Seibidou Syuppan Co., Ltd.


     This was soon after original 4x4 Tool Mate was already changed to later model. So Valade 4x4 also used a large flat head screw for the pliers.



US Army Knife


     US Army Knife was appeared in a magazine at same time with Valade  4x4.

Id. at p45



QuickClip (Japanese name; Quick Plier)
   (See Multi Tool ENCYCLOPEDIA QuickClip)


     I could find only a few information about this tool. Maybe this is the new launch ad for this tool.

Nishimura, N. (Eds.) (October 1996). “AL MAR KNIVES Ad,” Knife Magazine No.60 (Vol.11 No.5), back cover. Japan: KK World Photo Press

     ナイフとプライヤーを備えたパワフルなエマージェンシー・ナイフ"クイック・プライヤー"は、コンパクトで丈夫な設計。車載用のナイフとして、アウトドア・スポーツ用のナイフとして、優れたポテンシャルを発揮します。また、ハンドルの裏側には、携帯に便利なベルトクリップがセットされています。

     The Quick Plier, a powerful emergency-knife with a blade and pliers, is designed tough and neat. As a knife for on-board tools, for outdoor sports, it will demonstrate excellent potential. And there is a belt-clip on the backside of the handle,  make it easy to carry.

     As you see, the first model have a plain edge blade. Later model have a half serrated/half plain edge blade.

The Later model I own; half serrated/half plain edge blade


     Also initial model having a plain edge blade is in the book I mentioned earlier.   

Hirayama, R. (1998). Complete Book of The Toolknives, p117. Japan: Namiki-syobou


     So, it seems that the blade has changed after 1998, but it is not exactly known.



Summary

AL MAR KNIVES Timeline (in Japan)

1988	EOD Knife released
1989	EOD Knife changed its name 4x4 Tool Mate
1991	4x4 Tool Mate changed later model
1992	Valade 4x4 released (Japanese name; 4x4 Tool Mate Special)
	US Army Knife released
1996	QuickClip released (Japanese name; Quick Plier)
after 1998	QuickClip changed later model

[hiraboo]

About Leatherman Gold Model Mini-Tool!


About this topic, please refer previous post;
here
and here
and here?

Drum roll ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Don!
Finally I found an advertisement for gold model Leatherman Mini-Tool release.



Doi, Y. (Eds.) (February 1988). "LEATHERMAN Ad," Knife Magazine No.8 (Vol.3 No.1), p23. Japan: KK World Photo Press


The SS Mini-Tool was released in Japan in early 1987. The gold model was released about one year later.
Correctly, this is an ad for new release of the L-500 Knife. So there is no detailed description of the gold Mini-Tool.



Enlarged view
ミニゴールド(限定品) = MiniGold (limited)


There was a coin-like tag I mentioned before.
"1/300" seemed not to be a serial number, but to mean one of 300 productions.

[Mechanickal]

Awesome!

300 only? That's what I call rare

[cody6268]

Was the L-500 ever marketed in the USA? But, it does look remarkably like the AG Russell One-Hand Knife.

[ElevenBlade]

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?

(Image removed from quote.)

Fig. 3-1 SOG Paratool

3.1 Overview

     To be honest, I don't know about SOG much more than Wikipedia information...
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, LLC is a company famous for their reproduction SOG Knife from the Vietnam era. ^[1]
The original SOG knife was also manufactured in Japan. ^[2] I think "Japanese Trading Company Yogi Shokai" was an Okinawan company, which awarded the first contract.  At that time, Okinawa was under the rule of the US military. I think it is highly possible that this company exported knives made in Seki city to the US military.

     Sorry we have gone off topic now.
In this chapter I will talk about the MTs made by SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, LLC.

3.2 Manufactures

     The current SOG knife is also manufactured in Seki city. ^[1]
Known manufacturer is,

G. Sakai
https://www.gsakai.co.jp/jp/

Hattori hamono Co., Ltd.
http://www.hattori-hamono.com

Kinryu hamono seisakujyo Co., Ltd (closed?)

3.3 SOG MTs Made in Japan

     There are only two SOG MTs that can be confirmed as made in Japan. Those are ToolClip and Micro ToolClip (1st Gen).

ENCYCROPEDIA
https://wiki.multitool.org/tiki-index.php?page=ToolClip
https://wiki.multitool.org/tiki-index.php?page=Micro+ToolClip

Great review of ToolClip, written by Grant Lamontagne
http://www.multitool.org/tools/sog/sog-toolclip-review

Great review of Micro ToolClip (1st Gen) , written by 665ae
http://www.multitool.org/tools/sog/sog-micro-toolclip-1st-gen-review


(Image removed from quote.)

Fig. 3-2 ToolClip (First Model)

(Image removed from quote.)

Fig 3-3 First model has a protection case for serrated blade.

(Image removed from quote.)

Fig. 3-4 ToolClip (Later Model)

(Image removed from quote.)

Fig. 3-5 ToolClip first model (left), and later model (right)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

Fig. 3-6 3-7 3-8 Micro ToolClip 1st Gen (black), and 2nd Gen (pink)

     There is no clear evidence, but I think G.Sakai created these MTs.
I will consider it in the G.Sakai chapter.


(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

Fig. 3-9 3-10 3-11 A.G. Russell Compact Multi Tool
I think they are the same manufacturer because the pliers are the same material (lost-wax casting?).

3.4 Question

     By the way, in the description of Wikipedia ^[1]What does "higher priced folders" mean? Does this mean "sheaths" or "cases" ?

References

1. WIKIPEDIA. (2018). SOG Specialty Knives, Retrieved October 30, 2019, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOG_Specialty_Knives

2. WIKIPEDIA. (2017). SOG Knife, Retrieved October 30, 2019, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOG_Knife

Nice thread.

Years ago I had found a Japanese multitool that I might describe as a cross between this SOG Toolclip without pliers and a Higonokami.  It had about 4 implements that folded out of one side and the handle was a simple piece of folded metal like a Higonokami.  Don't know what brand it was or where it disappeared off to.

[wowaboro]

Finally I found an advertisement for gold model Leatherman Mini-Tool release.

(Image removed from quote.)
Doi, Y. (Eds.) (February 1988). "LEATHERMAN Ad," Knife Magazine No.8 (Vol.3 No.1), p23. Japan: KK World Photo Press

Great info, hiraboo! Thanks for sharing this
For me also very interesting PSTs, especially BO PST, on this advertisement.
Please, make a larger photo of fragment with them.
And maybe you have another info about early BO PSTs?
Thank you in advance.

[hiraboo]

> Mechanickal

I am also surprised knowing that. (　 Д )　ﾟ　ﾟ
But I know your memorable MT beside you is one and only in the world. (*・∀-)☆

> cody6268

I can't find L-500 at Leatherman retired products website.
Was this product also limited to Japan? Wow, I live in “Multi-Tool Galapagos.” Σ(ﾟДﾟ υ)

Mitsuboshi cutlery, which had produced Leatherman PST in Japan, patented the "Frame rock mechanism."


Utility model No. 昭60-5680 (1985)

Probably they are also OEM of AG Russell. So I think they could sell L-500 in Japan without patent issue. (　･`ω･´)

 > ElevenBlade

If the tool you found is early (60s and 70s) Japanese pocket knives, and doesn’t have the manufacturer's name on it, it's hard to identify. Σ(￣ロ￣lll)
At that time, at least in Seki-City, it was almost a division of labor system. Many small manufacturers make parts and sell them to multiple assemblers. The finished products are similar and close to each other. (・ε・`*) …


Examples of early Japanese pocket knives made in Seki.
Masashi, A. (June 1990). "Factry Knife no himitsu," Knife Magazine No.22 (Vol.5 No.3), p13. Japan: KK World Photo Press

If you find these antiques, please take good care of them. v(￣∇￣)

> wowaboro
 
Reading other threads on Leatherman, now I recognise you are the “Guinness record holder” who collected Leatherman tools. (☼Д☼)

It's not as sharp as you would expect. (´ε｀；)


Enlarged view

I don't have knowledge about Leatherman as you are. I will try to investigate variously.
These days, I buy old magazines more often than MTs. （；^ω^）

[Aloha]

Just catching up on the latest.  More wonderful information and pictures.  I cannot recall if gregozedobe has stopped by  .  Greg are you out there? 

Thank you hiraboo for an amazing thread.  Hope you and yours are doing well and are healthy. 

[gregozedobe]

I cannot recall if gregozedobe has stopped by  .  Greg are you out there?   

Yep, I'm still around, healthy(ish), just not as active on MTo as I used to be.  Thanks for asking

[jnoxyd]

Yep, I'm still around, healthy(ish), just not as active on MTo as I used to be.  Thanks for asking

I'm glad to hear it! Keep yourself guys!

[Aloha]

Good to see you pop in Greg.  Freaking gold mini tool huh?  Wouldn't that be something  . I do hope your healthy( ish) rounds the corner to very healthy.  Sending you some Cali vibes my friend.   

[hiraboo]

> Aloha

Thank you for your warm words. I'm glad you seem to be fine, too. ('ω'*)
I also spend every day fighting fear, but for now it's okay.
I always pray for the safety of the other members. (◞‸◟)

> Greg

I’m glad to hear that.
And I'm glad to know that you are loved by the members. (▰˘◡˘▰)

> jnoxyd

I'm a novice, but I understand how heartwarming the friendship between forum members.
Please be careful about your health. ╭( ･ㅂ･)و ̑̑



A Homework from Greg (About Patent Problem of G. Sakai MobilePenchi)

About this topic, please refer previous post;
Chapter 6. G. Sakai
About BuckTool and G.Sakai MobilePenchi

Buck tool was launched in Japan in fall 1996.
G. Sakai Applied for a patent about MobilePenchi in February 1996.


Patent application publication number 特開平9-216168
Filing date was February 7, 1996.

G. Sakai filed a patent before Buck tool was sold in Japan. I think they did not imitate, but happened to come up with a similar mechanism.
And four years after, they launched MobilePench in 2000. At least in Japan, there seemed to be no patent issue.

How about this answer, Professor Greg? (*'ヮ')ﾉｼ

By the way, I found something interesting in the patent application documents.





They mentioned their new tool was more convenient than SOG Paratool and Gerber Multi-Plier.
Σ(ﾟдﾟ )

Bonus

An auction seller gave me a firesteel as a gift before.



I never knew what it was, but in the L-500 ad above there it was.

L-500の発売を記念し、すべてのレザーマンツールにメタルマッチ(U.S.A製)が付いています。

To celebrate the launch of the L-500, a metal match (made in U.S.A) will be a gift to everyone who purchases Leatherman tools.

I'm glad not to throw it away when I move. ι(´Д｀υ)

[gregozedobe]

A Homework from Greg (About Patent Problem of G. Sakai MobilePenchi)

Buck tool was launched in Japan in fall 1996.
G. Sakai Applied for a patent about MobilePenchi in February 1996.

Patent application publication number 特開平9-216168
Filing date was February 7, 1996.

G. Sakai filed a patent before Buck tool was sold in Japan. I think they did not imitate, but happened to come up with a similar mechanism.
And four years after, they launched MobilePench in 2000. At least in Japan, there seemed to be no patent issue.

How about this answer, Professor Greg? (*'ヮ')ﾉｼ

Thanks for the extra info about the Japanese patent 

I'm sorry, but my cynical mind thinks that this was most likely copied from the US patent 5267366, which was granted (and published) in the US in December 1993. 
https://patents.google.com/patent/US5267366A/en

This relates to the Spencer Frazer design used by SOG for their Paratool MT, but it seems BuckTool got SOG to allow them to use the patent (under licence) for the Bucktool 360 plier pivot pins.

The innovative folding mechanism that Spencer Frazer came up with for the Paratool is so different (design wise) to everything else that came before, and this Japanese patent (dated 1996) is so similar that I find it hard to believe it was truly an independent invention.  Given the dates of the two patents there was plenty of time for a resourceful patent searcher to locate the US patent and apply for a Japanese one for essentially the same design. 

If you look at the two patents in detail there are so many design similarities (eg the lanyard ring protruding only when folded) it is difficult to believe the later patent wasn't copied from (inspired by ?) the earlier patent

But that is just my opinion, others may disagree.....

take care, (Professor  ) Greg