Description

Story and History of the Japanese Custom Knife Maker "Takayuki Watanabe"

Takayuki Watanabe is 72 years old Custom Knifemaker in Mino, the neighbour city of Seki. He has been involved with knife making at age of 20, helping his father's business of the knife buffing and polishing. He has started making his own custom knives at 32 with a passion and yearning to Bob Loveless. In 1994, he had a chance to visit the Loveless's workshop in Riverside, California to show some of his knives. Bob was surprised with his work of high level craftsmanship, and asked him to stay and work together at his shop.

At that time, there was no name marking on his blades, so Bob has wondered why you don't put your name on such well made knives, and has kindly designed his logo on memo pad with his signature and words of "Vigilant", "Diligent" & "Capable". Upon returning to Japan, he has started engraving this logo. It was an unforgettable moment in his life to be able to meet with Bob Loveless so called "A God of Knife" at his young age. 

TW-40 Bill Moran Mountain Knife is a bit shorter blade replica of the Original Mountain knife designed by Bill Moran with Carbon steel blade. 7-1/4" Satin brushed SK-5 Carbon steel Hamaguri-ba Convex ground wide belly Skinning blade with false edge on back, 4-3/4" French Walnut handle with Brass hilt & pins and Pure Silver shield inlay for name engraving, Hidden tang, Comes with custom fitted Brown leather sheath

SK-5 Carbon blade in 4.9mm thick, 185mm blade, 307mm overall, Weight 260g

Specification
Knife Model: Takayuki Watanabe TW-40 Bill Moran Mountain Knife
Blade Material: SK-5 Japanese Carbon Steel
Rockwell Hardness (HRc): 58 to 59
Handle Material: French Walnut handle with Brass hilt & pins and Pure Silver shield inlay
Leather Sheath: Included.
Overall Length: 307mm
Blade Length: 185mm
Blade Thickness: 4.9mm
Weight: 260g