Hattori

Description

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 is shown in the media (last photo).

The JKD team have been working with Master Hattori to reproduce 50 special limited Anniversary knife, and just came up in right time of the 50th Anniversary year and month. It features original 6-1/4" Hollow ground Gunblued SK-5 carbon steel Bowie blade etched with "Vietnam War 50th Anniversary 1955-1975" and "50 Limited Edition of MACV-SOG Knife" on blade, and "De Oppresso" Special Forces Crest on tang. Each serial number is engraved on the bolster. The stacked Leather handle has Red Fiber & Gold Brass spacers (Vietnam flag colors) and solid Brass bolster & butt end.

The knife comes with Black leather sheath with sharpening stone pocket, and Presentation Wooden Box with "De Oppresso Liber" SF emblem attached on the lid. You will also find Special Forces coin, MACV-SOG sticker and U.S. Army patches included in the box. The first Serial #01-10 also includes United State Army coin and more patches.  Please enjoy the historical treasure knife in a decorative display wooden box with "Certificate of Authenticity" signed by Ichiro Hattori, and "History of Hattori & MACV-SOG Knife" Your choice of the serial numbers 01/50 - 50/50, and the price varies by serial number.

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

Remarks about last two photos:

1) Original MACV-SOG Knife - This is one of original MACV-SOG knives with fat-guard made by Master Hattori in 1965, when he was working at his father's workshop, Masahiro Tanko at his age of 25. I recently found and bought it at the military shop in Nagoya. The shop owner said he bought it at Atlanta Blade show about 20 years ago at $3,000. It is a mint condition with no scratch (maybe carried to the war, but not used)

2) Vintage SOG Knives - Master Hattori opened his own workshop in 1971, and worked with Spencer Frazer of SOG Specialty Knives in Santa Monica, CA to re-produce the replica of the commemorative versions of the Original MACV-SOG. I also acquired his collection of the vintage knives made 30 years ago, some are prototypes and rare plum color blade.

* If you are interested in these original and re-produced vintage knives, please email me at jemmy@kencrest.us 

Specification
Knife Model: Hattori Limited Edition "Vietnam War 50th Anniversary" MACV-SOG Bowie Knife
Blade Material: Gun Blue Finished SK-5 Carbon Steel
Rockwell Hardness (HRc): 58 to 59 

Handle Material: Custom Combination Handle is made with selected materials of Leather Washers / Brass / Red Fibers and features a solid Brass Double Guards / Cross-guard and Butt Cap

Leather Sheath: Included.
Overall Length: 280mm
Blade Length: 160mm
Blade Thickness: 7mm
Weight: 350g