vintage knives

PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED AND USED KNIFE, FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Acquired from a private individual, previously purchased and used
* Condition: Good overall condition, with evident signs of age and use
* Commercial availability: Discontinued
* Sharpening: Resharpened
* Marks on blade: Present, with scratches, abrasions and surface dulling consistent with age and use
* Marks on handle: Present, with natural patina and signs of use on the stacked leather washers
* Box: -
* Sheath: Present, original leather sheath, heavily used and showing signs of age
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: -
* Inspected and Certified by our in-house laboratory

The SOG S1 Bowie Vietnam 5th Special Forces Group is one of the most representative knives in the history of SOG Specialty Knives and the model with which the American brand began its production during the second half of the 1980s. Made in Seki, Japan, the S1 was created as a tribute to the famous knives used by members of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) during the Vietnam War.

It is important to distinguish the S1 from the original “sterile” military knives actually used operationally during the conflict: the commercial SOG model instead reproduces the commemorative configuration of the famous MACV-SOG Bowie, featuring the U.S. Army Special Forces crest on the blade together with the marking “VIETNAM 5th SPECIAL FORCES GROUP”. This strong historical identity, combined with the quality of Japanese manufacturing, has made it one of the most recognizable and sought-after vintage SOG knives among collectors.

Production was entrusted to Ichiro Hattori in Seki, one of the most important names in Japanese knifemaking. The substantial Bowie blade is made from SK-5 carbon steel, hardened to approximately 57-58 HRC, with the characteristic dark gun-blue finish combined with polished surfaces. The handle uses traditional stacked leather washers stabilized with epoxy resin, completed by a sturdy metal guard and pommel.

This example features the classic SOG Specialty Knives logo on one side of the ricasso and, on the opposite side, the markings “SEKI-JAPAN”, the Special Forces crest and the inscription “VIETNAM 5th SPECIAL FORCES GROUP”. It is also accompanied by its original black leather sheath, complete with sharpening stone pocket and a large Special Forces crest embossed on the lower section. The original period identification label is still present on the back of the sheath.

The example offered here comes from a private collection and has actually been used. The blade shows scratches, abrasions and surface marks, both on the blued and polished areas; the leather handle has developed a noticeable patina and shows wear consistent with its age. The original sheath is also heavily used, with leather wear, marks and widespread abrasions. Its condition should therefore be considered good in relation to its age and nature, but it should not be compared with a display-grade or NOS example.

These very characteristics tell the story of an authentic SOG S1 made in Seki: a knife that, regardless of its cosmetic condition, retains all the appeal of one of the founding models of the brand and today represents a particularly significant piece for a collection dedicated to American military knives and Japanese SOG production from the 1980s and 1990s.

Intended use: Military / Collection
Production type: Industrial
Model: S1 Bowie - Vietnam 5th Special Forces Group
Country of manufacture: Seki - Japan
Model production period: 1986 - 2005
Blade: SK-5 carbon steel
Hardness: 57-58 HRC
Blade finish: Gun-blue / polished
Blade profile: Bowie
Edge: Plain
Handle: Stacked leather washers stabilized with epoxy resin
Guard and pommel: Metal
Blade length: Approx. 159mm
Blade thickness: Approx. 7.1mm
Overall length: Approx. 273mm
Weight: Approx. 349g
Sheath: Original black leather sheath with sharpening stone pocket and Special Forces crest
Notes: Previously purchased and used knife, from a private collection

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased
* Condition: Like new, NOS (new old stock), never used or removed from its original box
* Available on the market: Out of production
* Sharpness: Factory sharp
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: Present
* Sheath: Present and perfect
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

Created in 1986 as the second official model of the newly formed SOG Specialty Knives, the S2 Trident is not just a knife, but a bridge between the past and the present. Designed in honor of the Navy SEALs and special units that operated in Vietnam, it draws direct inspiration from the legendary MACV-SOG knives of the 1960s, “sterilized” and lethal tools used in the most secret missions of the conflict.

Produced during the company's golden age in Seki, Japan, the Trident combines elegant lines and combat functionality: a thick, balanced AUS-8 steel Bowie blade with impeccable satin finish; ergonomic and durable black micarta stacked washer handle; and the engraved Navy SEAL symbol, a seal of belonging to an elite group. The leather sheath with sharpening stone completes a package designed for operators and collectors.

The S2 Trident is the most refined tribute to SOG's operational past: a homage to the military tradition of Vietnam reinterpreted with Japanese craftsmanship. Today, with a very high rarity index, it is considered one of the most sought-after pieces by military knife collectors, not only for its build quality, but for the history embodied in its blade.

Intended use: Military / Collection

Type of production: industrial
Country of production: Seki - Japan
Blade: AUS-8 stainless steel
Blade finish: Satin
Handle: Stacked micarta rings
Blade length: 160mm.
Blade thickness: 6 mm.
Total length: 278 mm.
Balance: rearward, 1 cm from the guard
Weight: 312 g.
Sheath: leather with pocket for sharpening stone (included)
Notes: previously purchased knife from a private collection

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Iconic knife from 1981, withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased
* Condition: Overall in good condition, mechanically perfect, shows some signs of wear on the nickel silver handle and micarta inserts; the blade shows signs of mechanical friction on the back due to opening and closing in the handle
* Available on the market: Not available, craftsman no longer in business
* Sharpness: Factory sharp
* Marks on blade: Small marks due to age and friction when opening and closing the blade
* Marks on handle: Several signs of wear visible on the nickel silver handle and micarta inserts
* Box: -
* Sheath: -
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: 1981 warranty certificate from Coltelleria G. Lorenzi in Via Montenapoleone, Milan
* Checked and certified by our in-house laboratory

In the 1980s, Jimmy Lile developed an elegant folding knife with a button lock mechanism, known as the “Lile Lock.” This patented system consists of a front button on the handle that unlocks the blade when opening and locks it in the cutting position, ensuring safety and ease of use. The monolithic nickel-silver guides support the D2 steel blade, while the micarta inserts on the scales give the knife a refined look.

This is a generously sized knife, produced in limited quantities between the 1970s and 1980s. The numbered examples bearing engravings such as the patent number 4148140 are now highly sought-after collector's items of great economic value.

This folding model represents a perfect balance between functionality and collectible design: compact and easy to handle, with a reliable lock, high-quality materials, and meticulous details, embodying Lile's attention to craftsmanship even in a context other than the famous survival knife.

Intended use: Collectible / Sports

Type of production: Entirely handmade
Country of production: Arkansas / USA
Blade: D2 steel
Blade treatment: Satin finish
Handle: Nickel Silver handle with Red Micarta inserts and stainless steel rear spacer
Blade length: 90mm.
Blade thickness: 4.5 mm.
Closed length: 124 mm
Total length: 212 mm.
Weight: 198 g.
Closure: Lile Lock (Button Lock)
Packaging: supplied with a 1981 warranty certificate from the historic “Coltelleria G. Lorenzi” in Via Montenapoleone, Milan
Notes: extremely rare knife from 1981, previously purchased, withdrawn from a private collection, serial number 447 engraved on the blade and patent number “U.S. Patent No. 4148140” engraved on the back of the button lock.

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously purchased, from a private collection.
* Condition: in very good condition, never actually used, with slight signs of time
* Commercially available rare bowie from the 70s/80s discontinued and no longer available
* Sharpening: Factory.
* Marks on blade: A few small marks due to time.
* Marks on handle: A few small marks due to time
* Box: Present, but lacking the green foam inner liners, which have deteriorated over time
* Scabbard: Present, in very good condition, marked “Western Germany”
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

Puma 6356 Original Bowie - A Unique Collector's Knife

The Puma 12 6356 is a remarkable vintage hunting knife known for its sturdiness, quality workmanship and excellent durability. Made in Germany from Pumaster steel, a high-performance alloy steel, this knife offers an ideal combination of hardness, wear resistance, and reliability. Pumaster approaches the performance of modern steels such as D2, with a similar composition that includes good carbon and chromium content. Although it does not reach the hardness of modern ultra-high performance steels, Pumaster is still able to maintain an exceptional edge over the long term, showing superior corrosion resistance compared to pure carbon steels such as 1095 or C75.

With a blade measuring nearly 10 inches long and an overall length of more than 15 inches, the Puma 12 6356 is an imposing knife that does not go unnoticed. Its nickel silver through-guard and rosewood handle give the knife a sophisticated look, while the quality of its craftsmanship ensures durable performance. 

This specimen, which appears to have never been used, is in excellent condition and is complete with its original box and leather sheath - special feature of the latter is that it is still marked “Western Germany,” which dates it pre-1986.

It is an ideal choice for any collector. Not only a high-quality hunting knife, but a true collector's item for fans of vintage Puma items.

Intended Use: Collectible / Vintage / Hunting

Type of production: Handcrafted
Country of manufacture: West Germany (pre-1986)
Blade: integral, Pumaster steel (a tool steel very simle to today's D2)
Blade finish: mirror polish
Handle: nickel silver through-guard and Rosewood riveted handle
Blade length: 255m.
Blade thickness: 5.5mm.
Total length: 386mm.
Balance: advanced
Weight: 555g.
Sheath: leather
Packaging: wooden case, lacking interior linings (deteriorated with time)
Notes: rare Vintage knife late 1970s, early 1980s - previously purchased, from a private collection

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously purchased from Lorenzi's cutlery shop in Milan, via Monte Napoleone, presumably in the 1980s.
* Condition: In good condition
* Commercially available: the craftsman long ago stopped making knives.
* Sharpening: Factory original, can be improved, with some cosmetic abrasion
* Marks on blade: Small marks and slight hairlines also on the through-guard.
* Marks on handle: A few small marks.
* Packaging: absent
* Scabbard: Leather, handcrafted, original, stamped "Coltelleria Lorenzi," with marks given by use and time
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: absent.
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended use: collection/tactical

Type of production: handcrafted
Country of manufacture: USA
Blade: full tang stainless steel, steel composition not stated (presumably RWL34 or 440C)
Blade finish: mirror polish
Handle: nickel silver through-guard and brown micarta grips, with red spacers
Blade length: 97mm.
Blade thickness: 4mm.
Total length: 202mm.
Weight: 97g.
Sheath: handcrafted, leather, with stainless steel back clip
Packaging: -
Notes: Specimen presumably from the 1980s, previously purchased knife, from a private collection

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously purchased, presumably from the late 1970s/early 1980s.
* Condition: In very good condition
* Commercially available: Rudy Ruana passed away in 1986, Ruana knives are still in production and orderable on their site with waiting lists, but in different configurations from this one.
* Sharpening: Factory original, improvable, with some cosmetic abrasion.
* Marks on blade: Small horizontal marks due to insertion and removal from scabbard.
* Marks on handle: A few small marks on the aluminum handle.
* Packaging: -
* Scabbard: Leather, handcrafted, original, with a few small marks given by age.
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: - -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory



Intended use: hunting / light hiking

Type of production: handcrafted
Country of production: USA
Blade: made of undeclared high carbon steel (presumably 1095 or 5160), hammer-forged, ground, individually oil-hardened and heat-treated using a zone tempering method that makes the back and tang of the blade softer than the cutting edge
Blade finish: satin-finished
Handle: cast aluminum directly on tang with beveled and riveted elk horn inserts. The tang runs inside the full length of the handle, and the cast aluminum produces a strong handle that is impossible to break.
Blade length: 125mm.
Blade thickness: 4.5mm.
Total length: 235mm.
Weight: 190g.
Sheath: handcrafted, leather, for vertical carrying on the belt
Packaging: -
Notes: Specimen presumably late 1970s/early 1980s in excellent condition - previously purchased knife from a private collection

Company History.
In 1938, Rudy Ruana began making knives in a small store in Montana. Members of his family continue to this day to handcraft Ruana knives in the same store. In 1964 Ruana's son-in-law, Vic Hangas, left a job with a telephone company and put his artistic talents to good use, joining Ruana in the business. Hangas' son Mark began working in the business in 1976. In 1983, Ruana retired at the age of 80 and sold the business to the Hangas family. In 1984 Mike Hangas joined his brother and father and the company was incorporated. Rudy Ruana died in April 1986. He was honored with posthumous induction into the American Bladesmith Society's Hall of Fame in 1997 and Blade magazine's Cutlery Hall of Fame in 2002.

Ruana knives are still handmade in the small Montana store where Rudy Ruana began forging blades more than 80 years ago. In an era of outsourcing and diminishing Made in America products, Ruana knives are still handmade in the United States, with a focus on quality rather than quantity. Although some things have changed over the years, still using the same methods and much of the same equipment used by Rudy Ruana.

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously purchased, presumably from the late 1970s/early 1980s.
* Condition: In very good condition
* Commercially available On order, with waiting list.
* Sharpening: Factory original, can be improved.
* Marks on blade: Small horizontal marks due to insertion and removal from scabbard.
* Marks on handle: A few small marks on aluminum tang.
* Packaging: -
* Scabbard: Leather, handcrafted, original.
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: - -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory



Intended use: hunting / fishing / light hiking

Type of production: handcrafted
Country of production: USA
Blade: O1 steel
Blade finish: satin finish
Handle: leather rings, brass guard, duralumin pommel
Blade length: 115mm.
Blade thickness: 3.8mm.
Total length: 230mm.
Weight: 130g.
Scabbard: handmade, leather, for vertical carrying on belt
Packaging: -
Notes: Specimen presumably late 1970s/early 1980s in excellent condition - previously purchased knife from a private collection

History of the Model
The Model 7 was designed as a scaled-down version of the Model 3 Hunter.

Almost immediately, the idea of a scaled-down version of the new Hunter dawned on Bo Randall as an ideal knife for his fellow anglers. An avid fisherman since his youth, Bo regarded this new knife as a labor of love and immediately set to work on the project. At first he tried 4- and 4.5-inch blades, but then opted for the 4 1/2-inch one. Bo wanted the right handle for cleaning brook trout and similar sized fish, so he reduced the size of the handle of the new Hunter and changed its shape. Naturally, he called this model the "Fisherman," and some early prototypes with 4-inch blades were delivered to some dealers during the latter part of September 1945.

Knife withdrawn from private collection, like new, with original case - Model "made in Switzerland" made in collaboration with Klotzli in 1994 in about 1,000 numbered examples on the blade (about 500 plain edge and about 500 partially serrated) based on a design by famous American designer Michael Walker. Knife that combines two qualities difficult to match, especially in those years; lightness and sturdiness. Elegant gentlemen, easy to open and close with one hand thanks to the Liner-Lock system, invented by Walker himself. Peculiarities of this very rare production are also the engravings on blade and clip made by excision and not by laser.
 

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously Purchased.
* Condition: Like new
* Commercially available Discontinued.
* Sharpening: Factory sharpened, perfect
* Marks on blade: no
* Marks on handle: no
* Box: Original leather pouch with zipper and spyderco logos.
* Scabbard: -
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory


Intended use: sporting / collection

Type of production: industrial
Country of production: Switzerland
Blade: stainless steel ATS-34
Blade finish: Satin finish
Handle: carbon fiber with blue anodized titanium hardware
Blade length: 64mm.
Blade thickness: 2.4mm.
Length closed: 84mm.
Total length: 149mm.
Weight: 42g.
Closure: LinerLock in blue anodized titanium
Clip: blue anodized titanium
Notes: 1994 production, discontinued, numbered on blade (#625) - Design by Michael Walker

Iconic knife produced by Puma and dating back to the late 1980s, characterized by a then very modern line and a very advanced steel for the time (154CM).  Knife withdrawn from private collection - Overall in very good condition - Never used, never sharpened, still with factory sharpening - A few small marks on the right side handle, in concomitance with the sheath that goes to hook the knife through a pin that tends to irreparably rub the handle itself - Supplied with original wooden case and leather sheath - Checked and certified by our internal laboratory Coltelleria Collini

Intended use: Collection / Vintage / Tactical

Type of production: handcrafted
Country of manufacture: Germany
Blade: stainless steel 154CM
Blade finish: satin-finished
Handle: Integral, stainless steel and Micarta
Blade length: 160mm.
Blade thickness: 5.5mm.
Total length: 290mm.
Balance: backward
Weight: 285g.
Sheath: leather
Packaging: wooden case
Notes: 1980s Vintage knife - Limited edition of only 500 pieces, numbered on the blade, specimen 170 of 550 - Knife withdrawn from private collection globally in excellent condition

Collected from a private collection, this Custom model of the American Buck made prior to 1986 is numbered on the blade with serial number 0023 - Never used and never resharpened, overall in excellent condition - Devoid of packaging and certificates, supplied with its own brown leather sheath - Distinguished by its full tang construction, prominent brass guard and beautiful stag handle with finger grooves - Checked and certified by our in-house laboratory Coltelleria Collini.

Intended Use: Collection / Hunting

Type of production: handcrafted
Country of production: USA
Blade: full tang in 420HC stainless steel with concave rounding
Blade finish: mirror polish
Handle: brass guard and deer handle with finger grooves
Blade length: 134mm.
Blade thickness: 5mm.
Total length: 258mm.
Weight: 325g.
Sheath: leather
Packaging: -
Notes: Pre-1986 specimen withdrawn from private collection - Custom series, numbered version on blade, specimen number 0023 - Never used, never resharpened, in excellent condition