Hattori

Description

Master Hattori became 80 years old. In Japan, a person’s 80th birthday is commemorated with a special celebration called 傘寿 / Sanjyu. To celebrate his special anniversary year, and also his proud achievements as a Master craftsman, Hattori has decided to produce a Special Limited Edition Collection of knives called the 傘 San Series. Each item in this special limited edition collection will be marked with a Serial No.

The Hattori 傘 San Series knife collection will feature special, very limited production models, which Master Hattori can no longer produce in large quantities due to the rarity or limited availability of handle materials or blade materials.

As the end of year 2021 approaches, Hattori have just launched their new “GECKO” brand knife collection, which will grow over time to become an exiting series of distinctive, high-end knives.

Needless to say, Hattori is Japan’s top-ranked Knife Maker and Hattori’s new high-end GECKO brand knife collection will be handcrafted using all of Hattori’s experience, skill, spirit and passion. Just like the Hattori 傘 SAN Series knife collection, the Hattori GECKO brand knife collection will feature special, very limited production models, which Master Hattori can no longer produce in large quantities due to the rarity or limited availability of handle materials or blade materials.

In Japan, the “GECKO” is considered a special creature, which brings good luck and fortune, protecting and preserving your family and your house. This communicates Hattori’s sincere wish that all Hattori knife fans and serious knife collectors will have good luck and fortune in their lives — Especially during the difficult recent environment.

We are proud and excited to introduce the new, high-end Hattori GECKO brand knife collection to our customers.

GECKO-27 "Vietnam War 50th Anniversary" S.O.G. Bowie Knife 

This year marks 50th Anniversary since the Vietnam War ended on April 30th of 1975, started from November 1st of 1955. It was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia fought between North Vietnam and South Vietnam and their allies. North Vietnam was supported by the Soviet Union, while South Vietnam was supported by the United States and other anti-communist nations. Direct US military involvement escalated from 1965 until its withdrawal in 1973.

MACV-SOG, the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam "Studies and Observations Group" was officially established in January 1964. MACV-SOG personnel came from elements of Army Green Berets, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps Reconnaissance, Air Force Combat Controllers and other units.  Due to the covert and secretive nature of their operations, the personnel were channeled through Special Forces Group (Airborne), this was done to provide anonymity. The MACV-SOG personnel have received numerous citations, medals, and awards for their gallantry. 

During 1965-1967, the MACV-SOG knife was designed by Benjamin Baker, the Deputy Chief of the U.S. Counterinsurgency Support Office (CISO) in Okinawa, and produced here in Seki, Japan for several thousand pieces, and issued to covert Studies and Observations Group (SOG).

The Grand Master, Ichiro Hattori was involved with this production when he was working at his father's factory, Masahiro Tanko at the age of 25. I have been searching some Seki knifemakers to get the original knife, but unfortunately, there was no leftover in Seki. However, I was so lucky to find and get one at military shop. I showed it to Master Hattori, and confirmed it was exactly made by him 60 years ago. The photo below.

GECKO-26 "Vietnam War 50th Anniversary" S.O.G. Bowie Knife. It features original 6-1/4" Hollow ground, Black Finished SK-5 carbon steel Bowie blade. The stacked Leather handle has White Fiber Spacers and solid Brass bolster & butt end.

The knife comes with leather sheath with sharpening stone pocket, and Presentation Wooden Box.

SK-5 Carbon Steel Blade is 7.0mm (9/32") thick and 160mm long, 280mm (11") overall length, Weight 350g 

Specification
Knife Model: Hattori 傘 SAN-GECKO Limited Edition GECKO-27 "Vietnam War 50th Anniversary" S.O.G. Bowie Knife
Blade Material: Black Finished SK-5 Carbon Steel
Rockwell Hardness (HRc): 58 to 59 
Handle Material:  Leather washers handle with Brass hilt and Butt
Leather Sheath: Included.
Overall Length: 280mm
Blade Length: 160mm
Blade Thickness: 7mm
Weight: 356g