In 1979 Les de Asis founded Bali-Song and in the 1980s the name was changed to Pacific Cutlery. The company name was subsequently changed to Benchmade in 1988, which remains to this day. Pacific Cutlery was known for knives designed by Jody Samson, butterfly knives and fixed/folders. Some of the models were made by the Hattori factory in Seki.
Beretta is a globally known Italian firearms manufacturer, the full name being Fabbrica D’Armi Pietro Beretta. A family owned concern with a history that goes back to it’s first firearm in 1526, Beretta is the oldest existing firearms manufacturer in the world. Beretta today is far better known for it Model 92F semi-automatic pistol in 9mm, designated M9 that was adopted by the U.S. military in 1985 and remains in use to this day in by the U.S. and other militaries and police around the world. Like other firearms manufacturers, Beretta relied on outside knife makers to produce a line of knives to complement their firearms.
Apart from the now highly collectable Beretta daggers, the Model 201 R.W. Loveless design licensed 4 inch blade drop point hunter was made by Hattori.
Beretta Model 201 Aus8 blade and Quince handle. A Stag handled version was also made, as well as a serial numbered limited edition model with a deer depiction on the blade in a wooden presentation case.
Beautiful deer engraving, serial numbered Model 201 in presentation case.
Model 204
Hattori continues to manufacture this model as the Hattori H-359
Valor Corporation of Miami Florida existed from the late 1960s until the early 1990s. In it’s time, it was a prominent seller of low cost firearms, ammunition, firearms related accessories and a large importer of knives from various Seki makers. While Valor’s knives covered a wide range of types, a few models were of high quality and stood out. Valor’s copy of the Gerber Mark II dagger, as well as the leather handled 373 were adopted as official knives of two separate US Army Special Forces units.
Valor marketed some models made for them by Hattori, some of which bore his name etched on the blade and some which did not.
The Valor Model 359 was also a Loveless based Drop Point Hunter, but with a tip dropping slightly lower than the Beretta 201. Some models had “Hand Made by Ichiroh” etched on he blade with a serial number on the other side.
“Ichiro” spelled “Ichiroh”.
While some Valor model 359s did not have any etching on the blade.
Present version, the Hattori H-300 Aus8
A folder known to be Hattori made is the Valor 360 Super Sport.
Again, etched “Hand Made by Ichiro” and serial numbered on the other side.
The Valor Super Sport 334, a very large folder.
From the 1960s through the 1980s James Parker of Tennessee was a dominant name in the knife business. At one time he was the owner of WR Case and Sons Cutlery and was responsible for the design and development of the Case Classic line. Under various labels such as Parker Cutlery, Parker Brothers and other brand labels like American Blade, Parker Eagle Brand, as well as Parker-Frost, Parker-Edwards and Parker-Imai, as well as the Bulldog Brand, Parker imported an enormous number of knives from Seki. He went as far as to build a factory in Seki with Seizo Imai.
While the majority were folders mostly traditionals of varying degrees of quality, they sold a line of fixed blades and folders called the “Parker Custom Series”. The two Seki knife makers that are known to have made models for this line are Ichiro Hattori and Tak Fukuta.
This is a model very similar to the current Hattori H700 but with the difference being in the grind with respect to the false edge.
Another difference is the full tang of the Parker which is not tapered in later models.
Some knives had “HandMade by Ichiro” and a serial number etched into the blade rather than the written “Parker Custom Series”.
HandMade by Ichiro S/N 0359
Parker later offered a Collectible version in a presentation box with no sheath. The grind line of the false edge was cornered and the tang became tapered.
Around 1986 Hattori also made the H700 for the German importer and distributor C. July Herbertz, who at that time period contracted for knives to be made in Germany, Italy and Japan with their company stamping on the blades.
The same nickel stainless Damascus pattern as used on the Browning Damascus Hunter was used.
The Hattori H-700 today in Aus8
HD-700 Spiral Damascus Hunter DX – VG2 core with 321 layer Nickel Stainless Damascus, Nickel Silver guard and pins, Mahogany handle.
A rarely seen Damascus Parker Custom Series knife the Hattori H-102 Master Hunter II
H-102 Presentation Master Hunter II ATS-34 blade Nickel Stainless guard and Pommel, Cocobolo handle.
HD-2 Master Hunter DX- VG2 core with 321 layer Nickel Stainless Damascus. Nickel Silver guard and pommel, Cocobolo handle.
Not many of these Parker Custom Series knives are seen today compared to the number of folding knives.
Another Custom Series knife is an unusual hidden tang version of the Loveless drop point hunter.
G96 was a brand owned by Jet-Aer Corporation of Patterson, N.J. which started in 1973 and remained an active importer of knives into the early 1980s. Jet-Aer Corp still exists today as a maker of Gun cleaners and lubricants, but they dissolved the knife division many decades ago. Most if not all of the G96 brand knives are copies or closely based on popular Buck models, both fixed blade and folding. G96 brand copies of the Buck 110 are fairly well known.
The Buck 119 is an American classic having been introduced in 1961, although some sources report an earlier date of 1955. It’s clip point design has established itself as the classical “American Hunting Knife” for decades and the model is still in production today.
Vintage Buck 119 Special.
G96 Model 940.
Jet-Aer Corporation contracted with Hattori to make a number of fixed blade models for the G96 brand. While the designs were obvious copies of well known Buck models, among knife owners there arose a common opinion that the steel used in the G96 knives was better than Buck’s blades. G96 blades, unlike other Japanese imports at the time which had “400 series”, “440 Stainless” or “Surgical Steel” on the ricasso G96 knives were unique in being marked “Rustproof steel”. The instruction sheet that came with G96 knives merely stated “”knife makers choice knives are made of a special rust proof steel that combines the edge holding ability of high carbon steel with the easy care of stainless steel. when properly sharpend they will hold their razor sharp edge through long & repeated use”. There has been speculation over the years as to the type of steel used from Aus6 to ATS-34, but Jet-Aer Corp, long divorced from the knife business is unable to clarify this point.
G96 offered other Buck based versions the 9XX series, as well as the full tanged 3XXX series.
Mod 920
Mod 900
Model 950 Skinner
Different handle version G96 Model 3010
Presentation box with instruction sheet.
G96 Model 3040
Hattori 6000/1000 discontinued.
G96 Model 940, Hattori Model 1700-A, G96 Model 3010
H1700A & H-1000
Extreme clip point variation-Model H100
The 1700A is the Buck 119 design whereas the 1700C is the Buck 124 Frontiersman design.
The Hattori 1700A was originally made for Valor Corp. Miami in the 1980s and sold as the Valor Model 1700-B Original Bowie.
There were at least two configurations, one with Valor stamped on the right side ricasso, and another which simply had “Original Bowie” printed on the left side ricasso and “Hi Stainless” “1700B Japan” on the right side.
The same 1700 was also sold in the US under the K-10 label.
Also sold under the Dickson label.
Current Hattori 1700A below:
Early on, the 1700-A was also sold in the Japan domestic market unmarked and shipped with a generic box.
In the 1980s through the 90s the well known knide designer Phil Hoffman had knives made in Seki Japan. First under the Lakota and Cheyenne label, then later under the Condor label. Some of these models were made by Hattori.
The Hattori 109 Drop Point Hunter
Another U.S. Importer of knives in the late 1970s to 1980s period was “Sharp TM” a brand name either owned and/or sold exclusively by K-Mart. In addition to folders OEM’d by Colonial in the U.S., they offered a number of Seki made fixed blades but one that is noteworthy is the Sharp Model S1000. Although this knife was simply marked 440 Stainless, it has always been made with Aus8.
The same knife was also sold by K-Mart under the M-Star Label, an “M” inside a star as a brand mark. It is unknown whether this preceded or followed K-Mart’s “Sharp TM” label.
Precise was another US Importer who sold the H-109 as the “Deerslayer Ltd”.
Precise USA, 1978 catalog.
Deerslayer Ltd
Deerslayer Ltd
Also sold by Sauer Germany in Europe:
Also sold by Wischo, Germany
The 1000 was also sold under the CAM III brand as well as Explorer ZZ.
This model survives today as the Hattori Model 1000, as well as the H-109 Drop Point Hunter, with a 3 1/2″ Aus8 blade, Nickel Silver Bolster and rivets, rounded and shaped grained Mahogany handle with brass lanyard hole.
national blade japan is not in the lists of knives why?
While Hattori did make a number of knives for Jim Parker’s Custom Series, we have not identified any made for Parker’s “National Blade” label. Those knives so labeled on the blade and ricasso and using Aus6 steel are believed to have been made by another Seki maker – Tak Fukuta.
If you have any information to the contrary, please submit.
Thank you.
I have a G96 Model 3030, which I cannot find referenced anywhere. I’m wondering if it has any collector’s value.
Is that a folder?
I guess my question is the same as Gregory’s, I am interested to know more about this model,. I have pics that I can share, if required.
This was purchased by my late uncle in Canada, who somehow shipped it to South Africa, where it ended up with me.
If you have any more information on the Model 3030, its a 11cm hunting knife, not a folder.
Thanks
Kev,
Could you please email me photos of your Model 3030 knife?
Thanks.
Ken
Thanks for all the information, Ken.
I have this model 3030 also, it looks very similar to the 3040 referenced in the site.
I’ve a G96 model 4040 knife , made for Jet Aer . Was the maker Hattori ?
Your answer is much appreciated .👍
Sorry to say can not confirm that. Hattori made folders for Browning, Kershaw and Valor as far as we know. He certainly made all of Jet Aer’s fixed blades. The G96 model 4030 has a distinctly early Hattori look to it, Whereas the 4040 is something of a mystery.
The Valor 1700B I have looks like a Buck 105 Clone but in your pictures it look like a Buck 119 Clone. Was it a 105 Clone?
The Valor 1700B was a Buck 119 clone as far as I am aware. I have never seen a Valor 1700b that looks like a Buck 105. Since Valor Corp Miami copied a number of popular designs I would not be surprised if they produced a 105 clone. If you have a photo up on an image hostingh site you can post your photo here using the IMG button above.
Ken, I could not find the IMG Link but I have attached a link to my website with photos of the Knife. I know Hattori produced some of the Precise deerslayer knives as well. Did he also do Deerslayer knives wih engraved blades? Thanks for your help. I am a big Hattori enthusiast.
Hi Steve,
I’m afraid I don’t see the link you mention.
I recently received a box of my fathers and grandfathers belongings from when my family lived in Miami, FL. The knife I am trying to identify looks VERY similar to the Valor Model 359 but the one I have is a 3 pin folding pocket knife. The markings on the blade that I can make out read “VALOR HI STAINLESS JAPAN”. There is also some sort of engraving on the blade that has been mostly worn away from sharpening. If ANYONE can help me, I would greatly appreciate it. I’m not looking for something that has value. I’m just trying to research my grandfather’s knife collection as he is no longer with us.
We need to see a photograph of this knife. Upload a photo to any hosting site and use the “img” button on top when replying.
How do I find the value of these old knifes, I got from my grandfather, 19 yrs. Ago before he passed and I know he had it for at least another 10-20 yrs. Custom Parker Series. Original Ichiroh, Hittori blade. U can take pictures.
Go to ebay and search for “Parker Custom Series”
checkmark “sold” in the left pane.
Go to ebay and search for “Parker Custom Series”
checkmark “sold” in the left pane.
I’m looking for information on what I believe is a Hattori made Beretta dagger. It is approximately 9-1/2 inches in total length. On the guard is the Beretta Logo on the butt it says, P. Beretta, it has the serial number 177 on one side of the tang and the other tang says, SEKI-JAPAN. S this Hattori made? Do you know what steel it is made of? What years produced, how many were made of the numbered series? I am interested in any information that you have on this beautiful knife. Thank you
I have a Parker #0531 with the tapered tang. Hand made by Ichiro on blade. The knife is in excellent condition, never used or sharpened. I would like to know its value.
See :
https://www.arizonacustomknives.com/knives-by-maker/parker-cutlery-company.html
The Hattori 109 DPH exists in even more versions than the Deerslayer and the Sharp.
I know about Winchester and Sauer (a German hunting rifle producer).
Would you like me to send a few pictures of them?
Norbert,
Yes I would be happy to put up your pictures. I am aware of 2 models that Hattori made for Winchester, the Master Hunter IV and the H-102, both have “Winchester” on the blade, and are a numbered limited edition series. But the 109 DHP is news to me.
Many thanks
Hello Ken,
I am happy to send to you a couple of pictures of Hattori 109 DPH made for Winchester and Sauer.
Please drop me an email, and I will reply with photos attached.
Best regards
I have a Beretta R.W.Loveless design Semi-Skinner model 202A with a quince wood handle( Seki,Japan). Does anybody know if that knife made by Hattori or Moki? If anybody know reply in comments.
Thanks
Hi Ken. I have a Beretta Semi -Skinner model number 202A in quince wood. I wondering if Hattori made this model or Moki. I know he made a Beretta drop point model number 201A but don’t hear anything about my knife. It’s said Seki , Japan on the blade. If you know any information, let me know. Thanks
Those were made by Moki.
Thanks. Good to know. I have a lot of Hattori knives, so this one make any difference. At least now I know who made it.
Hi. Ken what about Beretta 202 ( in the blade just 202, Japan) it’s also made by Moki ?
Thanks, waiting for your respond.
The Beretta 202 was made by Moki.
Thank you again. I just get it SAN-21 ( H-359) drop point and done with Berettas. I prefer to have a original Hattori knives.
Best regards to you.
Hello Ken,
Are the Parker Custom H-109 master hunter II’s VG2 with 321 layers of nickel and stainless? The one I now have looks just like the ones above but has a SN on the left bolster, 131. Do you know anything about the SN or how many of these were made? I enjoy this website very much. Thanks, Tyler
I meant H-102 not 109.
Tyler,
The original OEM knives from the 70s/80s were Aus8.This includes knives made for Browning as well as Parker Custom Series.
Do not know how many were made in that series.
Regards
Hi Ken,
Hope all is well and I wish you a happy new year.
Do you know if the G96 7003 boot knife was made by Hattori? Thank you for your previous replies and thanks in advance for any future info!
Hi Tyler
Happy New Year to you as well. And a better year for everybody everywhere.
Yes, the 7003 boot knife was also made by Hattori.
Regards
Ken
Do you have any information on the Beretta daggers? I have one approximately 9-1/2″ total length. It is marked with the Beretta logo, serial number 177 and P. Beretta on the butt. The other side has SEKI-JAPAN. What date was this dagger made, how many were made and other information you have would be appreciated. Thank you.
PS What a beautiful knife!
Hattori made the Beretta daggers in the 1980s with Aus8 steel.
Further information would need to be obtained from Beretta collector sources.
Hini have a Valor 440 stainless around 15″ looks like a survival jungle army machete… I would like to know more about this knife, his traditional uses, quality, value, years of making… Is there someone who can resolve my curiosity?
Valor puts a model number on the ricasso. What is the model?
Or post a photo here using the “img” button on top of the dialogue box.