In the mid 1970s, Peter Kershaw, formerly a marketing representative at Gerber Legendary Knives formed his own company together with his wife Judy and shipped their first knife in 1974. He had sent a Made in USA Gerber fixed Blade to Ichiro Hattori to serve as a design basis for the series of knives that became the Kershaw 10X0 series. The blades were all Aus8 and while the original models had wood handles, the basic production models used a phenolic resin handle.
1974 Kershaw ad.
Several serial numbered engraved limited edition boxed presentation models were also made.
Custom engraved 1030 with Mammoth handle.
Recent Hattori versions in VG10 (60-61RC) Cocobolo handles with black spacers, stainless steel hilt and pommel.
H30 Field Hunter
H31 Field Camper
H31,H29,H30 VG10
While the Hattori brand versions of Kershaw models are in VG10, a rarely seen model is the Kershaw model 1129 (Hattori H29) with a Cowry-Y blade, a powder steel used only by a few custom knifemakers in Japan, such as Koji Hara. The Kershaw model 1129 is said to have been made in limited numbers as a test prototype. Cowry-Y is made, along with Cowry-X by Daido Steel and is reported to contains 1.25 of Carbon, 14.5 of Chromium, 3.0 of Molybdenum, 1.0 of Vanadium, 0.3 Nb in HRC 62-64 .
The Kershaw 1050 Folding Field is arguably the best known classic Kershaw folder.
Model 1050 Folding Field
Made by Hattori in Aus8 steel
Specifications
There has been a number of variations in the ricasso stamping which has been summarized as;
1979-1981 Left side: Kershaw, Oregon USA. Right side: 1050, Japan.
1982-1989 Left side: Kershaw, Oregon USA, By KAI Japan. Right side: 1050.
1990-1998: Left side: Kershaw, Folding Field. Right side: KAI 1050, Japan.
1999- 2008 Left side: Kershaw, Folding Field. Right side: 1050, Japan.
Post 2009 : Kershaw marketed 1050s manufactured in China for one or two years using 8Cr13MoV steel.
The Kershaw 1050 is on display among the knives in the Seki Sword Tradition Museum (関鍛冶伝承館) in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
Model 1050 in Display in museum
Various Kershaws
The 1050 with a clip point blade was designated model 1055 Folding Field III. This model was produced only during 1986-88 and are relatively rare.
Above- PakaWood scaled 1050 marked Kershaw. One of three special editions made for the1974-2004 Kershaw 30th Anniversary.
Second 1974-2004 30th Anniversary Edition Kershaw 1050. Damascus VG10 core with 16 layer Stainless/Nickel blade, solid Nickel Silver blosters and Micarta scales. Serial numbered and only 500 made sold in presentation box with Certificate of Authority. 4 inches (10.2cm), Overall – 8 1/4 inches (21cm), Weight- 8.2 oz.
Hattori 1050 VG10 S/N 074
Third and final 30th Anniversary limited edition- 300 knives using VG10, stainless steel and ebony marked “Hattori” and 500 knives marked “Kershaw”.
Hattori 1050 pair VG10/Ebony
Current Hattori H-51 VG10/Cocobolo
H-51 Large and Small
H-51
H51 in Cowry-X powder steel.
Special thanks to Mikael Wallin, Sweden.
Note: One of the best articles on the complete history of Kershaw Knives can be found at the following Knife Depot page:
looking to purchase 2 kershaw 1050 folding field knifes
Kershaw 1050s are readily found on ebay all the time in various conditions and asking prices.
whats your price
I have a 1050 by Kai Japan never used. new old stock
I have one of these knives purchased in 1991 in the UK, whilst at lump stone, it is stamped however with the 1999-2008 combination.
According to this site the model I inherited from my father-in-law is the 1979-1981 line. The brass has green stuff on it, would brasso be a good solution to getting rid of that?
Brasso will work. I’ve used Weiman Brass Polish which is much less expensive.
yep
Brasso works perfectly.
I just had a 1050 stolen from my house along with a lot of guns,cameras and electronics,but my knife is what I miss most. I bought it in the early 80s for $85 dollars. It was in like new condition with my social security number on the sheath.
Your knives are so beautiful,love them. I fell in love with mine the first time I saw it🙂
My God!! I have exactly the same feeling my friend, like you are telling my story.. my 1050 also got stolen in my house many years ago. As off today Istill think of that knife the most. I bought the Kershaw folding field beginning of 90’s for 4000 franks that is 100EU now and still trying to find the same in mint condition. Seems pretty impossible. That Folding field 1050… 🥺 Greetings Guy-Louis
Belgium
I see your 1050 year models , I have one that’s not on your list , it has – Left hand side – kershaw , Right hand side – 1050,Japan . Any idea what year model this is ?
Try emailing Kershawguy.
http://kershawguy.com/
I have been collecting the Kershaw 1030 fixed, and 1050 folders for quite a few years. I have 3 of each of the models, and sheaths from each production years of both the 1030 and 1050. (I believe there are only 4 productions)
I Also have the 30th Aniv. 1050 Damascus/VG10. Model
The only 2 I need to complete set is the 1990-98 1030 marked Kershaw on one side and Kia 1030 Japan on the other. And the 1999-2008 1050 marked Kershaw folding Field on one side and 1050 Japan on the other side.
Looking to purchase the above 2 -to finish my collection or possibly even sell the set as is to a collector. The knives and sheathes are in Very good to new condition.Comes in display cases with sheaths separate. Thanks Stan
Hello Stan,
how much fpr the 30th Aniv. 1050 Damascus?
Best regards
I got Kershaw folding field/1050 Japan in excellent shape with leather belt sheath if still interested
Hi I live in the UK. Are you interested in selling your Kershaw 1050 folding knife?
Please help,
I am trying to add a few knives to my collection since retiring. I have become a huge fan to the hunters and field folders. I am having a tough time finding the 1056, 1032 and 1034. I am always looking for the different variants of the 1050 and 1055 also. If anyone can help I sure could use some.
I have “Kershaw Fielding field” 1050 Japan, in GREAT condition, Email me @ cody.hendricks089@gmail.com if your intrested in adding to your collection.
I got one that says 1040 315/500 on one side and kershaw Oregon usa by kai Japan on the left side. The handle has been laser engraved and says snap on tools team Kansas city on the right handle and northwest fire breathers on the left handle. Did they only make 500 model 1040’s?
No. They probably made 500 of those “Ad” promotional 1040s for Snap On Tools.
https://vgy.me/u/0FzuGM
I want to know what my Kershaw Oregon USA on one side and 1050 Japan on the other is worth.
Go to Ebay, search for Kershaw 1050 and click on “sold” in the left pane.
Is the Kershaw folding (KAI) field 1070 also made by Hattori?
Yes.
Bonjour,
je cherche des information sur un kershaw 1056 mais je ne trouve que le 1055 cité plus haut identique sauf le chiffre
“La 1050 avec une lame à point d’attache a été désignée modèle 1055 Folding Field III. Ce modèle n’a été produit qu’en 1986-1988 et est relativement rare.”
pouvez vous m en dire plus svp
The 1055 was a clip point version of the 1050 that was made for 3 years between 1986-1989.
The 1056 is the same design as the 1050 but it is smaller.
The 1056 measures 7″ open with a 3″ blade and 4″ when closed.
This is a full 1 3/8″ shorter than the 1050. It is quite rare and thought to have
been made for perhaps only 1 year. Hope this helps.
La 1055 était une version de la 1050 réalisée pendant 3 ans entre 1986 et 1989.
Le 1056 a le même design que le 1050 mais il est plus petit.
Le 1056 mesure 7 “ouvert avec une lame de 3” et 4 “lorsqu’il est fermé.
Ceci est un plein 1 3/8 “plus court que le 1050. Il est assez rare et pensé pour avoir
été fait depuis peut-être seulement un an. J’espère que cela t’aides.
I have 2 Kershaw 1050 folders. One is the 82-89 and the other
is 99-08 in excellent condition that I would sell. My e-mail is
aaspden@rogers.com if you are interested.
Can you tell me the make and model of the small folder pictured with the PakaWood scaled 1050 30th anniversary model? Thanks!
The smaller knife on the bottom is a Kershaw Talon Model 1420ST Titanium lockback.
I have a kershaw oregon usa on one side. 1050 japan on other. Which would make it the first model. Used and no sheathe. No niks in Blade or handle, could use a polish. Still tight as a bank vault when its open.
Email is tonyexcel625@gmail.com
I love my model 1035 kershaw Oregon usa by Kai Japan. I picked it up maybe 35 years ago. Use it every month. I would like to get one very similar to it, or the same for my son. Any help from you would be appreciated.
Arthur Roberson. 440 258-2738
acroberson@oh.rr.com
The early Hattori made Kershaws are hard to come by the last couple of years.
You would have to keep an eye on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1970s-KERSHAW-1050-RARE-FOLDING-KNIFE-WITH-ORIGINAL-CASE-KAI-JAPAN-OREGON-USA/174147689819?hash=item288c02dd5b:g:BJUAAOSwiGReE4a5
In addition, other sites like Arizona Custom Knife, etc.
Good day
I gave my father many years ago (a lot) a new Kershaw, Oregon USA, By KAI Japan, now I have it back and need to know the actual price for this beautiful knife. It is like new but the brass has never been polisch.
A.K
Assuming you are looking for current resale value, the best way would be:
1) Look at Ebay by running searches with the “Sold Listings” checked off.
2) Look at Arizona Custom Knives.
Values vary depending on model, condition, rarity, etc.
I have one that has Kershaw on one side and N.1050 SEKI-JAPAN on the other side, and has a phenolic resin handle. Is this part of the 30th anniversary series?
Found a mid 80s 1050 at the bottom of a pond while metal detecting many years ago. My son just brought it to me from an old box he was rifling through in the junk closet (yes I said closet not drawer and don’t judge) anyway the bolsters and handle are in great shape but blade is badly pitted to the point of being through the knife blade in spots. is it worth trying to replace the blade? are blades available? it seems the knife is valued based on blade marking so if i replace the blade will it only be as valuable as a newer Kershaw 1050 knife? do people have any interest in rough knives like this?
also i may have fibbed on the closet comment it is actually a room. don’t judge! 🙂
Doubt you will find a replacement “blade only for any 1050. Unless you watch ebay carefully in case someone puts up a 1050 that had damaged scales.
This model was discontinued decades ago.
I have very clean 1050 with like new case I would like to sale. Kershaw Oregon USA by Kai Japan on left side and 1050 on right side.
jbricker7883@aol.com
Michael Moore Dec 11-2021 Ihave a Kershaw 1056 ,and 1056 folding Field what year were they Made? I also have a Kershaw Cowry-Y1150 when was it made and any information on it i can not fine anything on it Michael
Kershaw , is there a collector out there that knows when the Kershaw 1056 came out ? have one Just Kershaw ,1056 Japan the other Is Kershaw Folding Field III ,1056 Japan what year ? The Kershaw Cowry-Y1150 is done by Hattori But that’s all Iwould like to know more about it and the year it was made.
Were the Kershaw Talons (1420, 1420ST, 1421ST & 1422ST) designed by Hattori?
No. The Talons are generally considered to have been Pete Kershaw designs.
I have like perhaps 20pcs or more old Kershaw knifes ranging from pocket knife to Trooper knife, Survival knife which are new and never been used before. Some still in the original box.
Even letter opener as well.
Bought it like 20 years as a lot.
Some of them are from USA and some Kersaw by Kai.
If anyone is keen, email me at henrypek15@gmail.com
Wow what a site.
I am 59 and just came across my old dive knife.,a Kershaw AMPHIBIAN 1006
It never new it was so good and was made buy such a skilled designer.
Thank you for all the work that you have done on this site to show of his unbelievable work and skill.
Brisbane ,Australia (-: 🔪
Wow what a site.
I am 59 and just came across my old dive knife.,a Kershaw AMPHIBIAN 1006
It never new it was so good and was made buy such a skilled designer.
Thank you for all the work that you have done on this site to show of his unbelievable work and skill.
Brisbane ,Australia (-: 🔪