Approved - knives withdrawn from private collections, checked, overhauled and certified by Coltelleria Collini

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 PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED, FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Acquired from a private individual, previously purchased
* Condition: Like new
* Commercial availability: Discontinued
* Sharpness: Factory-sharpened, could be improved
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: Included
* Sheath: Included
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: Included
* Inspected and Certified by our in-house laboratory

The SOG Forge FG01-L is a knife of extraordinary beauty and build quality, combining Japanese craftsmanship with modern production techniques.

The blade, forged using a hammering technique, features a unique texture that is one-of-a-kind for each piece. It is made of San Mai steel, with a VG-10 cutting edge and 420J2 outer layers, a combination that ensures an excellent balance between sharpness, edge retention, and durability.

The glass-reinforced nylon (GRN) handle is designed with perfectly contoured inserts to provide optimal balance and a secure, comfortable grip. The knife is complemented by an elegant premium leather sheath, enhanced with a colored fabric insert and a button closure.

Manufactured in Japan, the SOG Forge FG01-L evokes an era when honor and master craftsmanship were fundamental values. An object that is not merely a tool, but a true collector’s item destined to stand the test of time and be passed down from generation to generation.

Intended Use: Collectible / Sport

Production Type: Industrial
Country of Origin: Seki - Japan
Blade: SanMai laminated stainless steel with a VG-10 cutting edge and 420J2 outer layers, featuring a concave grind
Blade Finish: Hammered and Brut de Forge with a satin-finished portion of the cutting edge
Handle: Three-dimensionally shaped GRN (Glass Reinforced Nylon)
Blade Length: 160mm.
Blade thickness: 5 mm.
Overall length: 275 mm.
Weight: 290 g.
Sheath: Leather, with an insert of fine Japanese fabric, which varies from sheath to sheath
Packaging: Cardboard box with SOG logos
Notes: Knife from a private collection, previously purchased

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION

• Origin: Withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased, WITHOUT BOX

• Condition: good overall condition, never used

• Available on the market: still in production

• Sharpness: factory sharp

• Marks on blade: signs of slight surface oxidation on part of the blade as shown in the photos

• Marks on handle: none

• Box: -

• Sheath: in good overall condition

• Manuals, certificates and warranties: -

• Checked and certified by our in-house laboratory

The Cold Steel 1917 echoes the style of early 20th century military knives, particularly the Bowie and navy models used during the First World War. The design combines classic lines and modern materials, offering a wide, balanced blade ideal for powerful cuts and heavy-duty work. The hardwood handle and steel guard evoke the aesthetics of 1917 service weapons, reinterpreted with Cold Steel's usual robustness.

Use: Sporting / Collectible

Type of production: semi-handcrafted
Blade production: India
Blade: 1085 High Carbon steel
Blade treatment: burnishing
Handle: rosewood
Blade length: 305mm.
Blade thickness: 6.2mm.
Overall length: 440mm.
Balance: rear
Weight: 658g.
Sheath: leather and metal
Packaging: -
Notes:

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 NOS FULL SET, NEW FROM STOCK
* Type: NOS Knife - New Old Stock - New from Stock
* Condition: Like new
* Commercially available Out of production
* Sharpening: Factory
* Marks on blade: Minimal, given by time.
* Marks on handle: -
* Box: Present, original, like new
* Scabbard: Present, original, like new
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: - -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory.

The “Recon Tanto” is an iconic knife produced by Cold Steel, known for its reliability and sturdiness. First introduced in 1988, the model was designed to be a combat and survival knife with a design that combines functionality and durability.

Over the years, the “Recon Tanto” has been improved and updated, but has retained its distinctive character and functionality. It has become one of Cold Steel's most recognizable models, thanks to its ability to combine traditional design with modern innovation.

Intended use: collection/tactical/sporting

Type of production: industrial
Country of manufacture: Japan
Blade: stainless steel VG-1
Blade treatment: painting
Handle: Kraton
Blade length: 179mm.
Blade thickness: 5mm.
Total length: 298mm.
Balance: advanced
Weight: 265g.
Sheath: Secur-Ex Thermoplastic
Packaging: cardboard box with Cold Steel logos
Notes: knife NOS - New Old Stock - New from stock

KNIFE NOS FULL SET, NEW FROM STOCK
* Type: 1995 NOS knife - New Old Stock - New from stock
* Condition: Like new
* Commercially available Out of production
* Sharpening: Factory.
* Marks on blade: Given by time
* Marks on handle: Given by time.
* Box: Present, original, in very good condition
* Scabbard: Present, original, in very good condition, with small marks given by time
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: - -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended use: collection / tactical / sporting

Type of production: Industrial
Country of Production: USA
Blade: Carbon V steel
Blade treatment: varnishing
Handle: Kraton
Blade length: 179mm.
Blade thickness: 5mm.
Total length: 298mm.
Balance: advanced
Weight: 265g.
Sheath: Cordura
Packaging: cardboard box with Cold Steel logos and "Made in USA" logos.
Notes: knife from 1995 NOS - New Old Stock - New from stock

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION

The first and original Tanto "Made in Japan", here in a 1980's version with a San Mai steel blade, progenitor of the modern generation continued with the Master Tanto, Magnum Tanto and Recon Tanto.

* Type: Previously Purchased
* Condition: very good, never used, some light surface marks (visible against the light)
* Commercially available Out of production
* Sharpening: Original wire
* Marks on blade: yes, superficial
* Marks on handle: no
* Box: no
* Scabbard: Present - Original, in good general condition, some marks present
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: no
* Checked and certified by our internal laboratory

Intended use: Collection

Type of production: Industrial
Country of manufacture: Japan
Blade: San Mai steel - Made in Japan
Blade treatment: satin finish
Handle: Kraton with brass guard and pommel
Blade length: 145m
Blade thickness: 4.7mm.
Total length: 285mm.
Balance: recessed
Weight: 268g.
Sheath: Black leather, branded "Japan".
Packaging: without original box
Notes: Knife from a private collection, first series, produced in the 1980s and out of production since the 1990s, overall in very good condition.

Knife from a private collection - The first and original Tanto "Made in Japan", here in the second series from 1986, progenitor of the modern generation continued with the Master Tanto, Magnum Tanto and Recon Tanto - Overall in very good condition, with no particular scratches, marks or abrasions on blade and handle; a few small marks of time on scabbard - Product still has original factory sharpening, although it would need a brightening-no signs of wear anyway - Supplied with its own original leather scabbard marked "Japan", but lacking box and manuals - Checked and certified by our in-house laboratory.

Intended use: collection

Type of manufacture: Industrial
Country of manufacture: Japan
Blade: made of "Cold Steel's 400 Series Stainless" steel (presumably 420 stainless)
Blade treatment: satin finish
Handle: made of Kraton with brass guard and pommel
Blade length: 145m.
Blade thickness: 5mm.
Total length: 285mm.
Balance: backward
Weight: 259g.
Sheath: black leather, marked "Japan"
Packaging: without original box
Notes: knife from private collection, first series, produced in 1988 and discontinued in 1990, overall in very good condition.

Knife from a private collection - First series, first generation, the first and original "Made in USA" Trailmaster from 1988 - Overall in good condition, shows small signs of oxidation on the blade and some minor signs of time on the leather sheath - Product does not appear to have the original factory sharpening, but still has no signs of wear - Supplied with its own original leather sheath, but lacking box and manuals - Checked and certified by our in-house lab.

Intended use: collection

Type of manufacture: Industrial
Country of manufacture: USA
Blade: Carbon V steel
Blade treatment: satin finish
Handle: kraton and brass
Blade length: 240mm.
Blade thickness: 8mm.
Total length: 370mm.
Balance: advanced
Weight: 515g.
Sheath: black leather
Packaging: without original box
Notes: knife from private collection, first series, produced in 1988, overall in good condition.

Knife from a private collection - The first and original Magnum Tanto "Made in Japan" from 1988, progenitor of the modern generation continued with the Magnum Tanto II in 1990 - Overall in very good condition, with no particular scratches, marks or abrasions on blade, handle and sheath - Product does not appear to have the original factory sharpening, but still has no signs of wear - Supplied with its own original leather sheath marked "Japan", but lacking box and manuals - Checked and certified by our in-house laboratory.

Intended use: collection

Type of manufacture: Industrial
Country of manufacture: Japan
Blade: stainless steel AUS-8A
Blade treatment: satin finish
Handle: kraton
Blade length: 230mm.
Blade thickness: 5mm.
Total length: 370mm.
Balance: advanced
Weight: 330g.
Sheath: black leather, marked "Japan"
Packaging: without original box
Notes: knife from private collection, first series, produced in 1988 and discontinued in 1990, overall in very good condition.

Knife from a private collection - The original Recon Tanto "Made in USA" of the '90s, progenitor of the current generation - Absolutely like new, never taken out of the box, still with the original factory grease on the blade, sheath without signs of use and knife insertion - Complete, with original box and Cold Steel warranty - Checked and certified by our internal laboratory.

Intended use: collection / tactical / sporting

Production type: Industrial
Country of Production: USA
Blade: Carbon V steel
Blade treatment: varnishing
Handle: Kraton
Blade length: 179mm.
Blade thickness: 5mm.
Total length: 298mm.
Balancing: advanced
Weight: 265g.
Scabbard: Simil-leather
Package: Cardboard box with Cold Steel and "Made in USA" logos
Notes: Knife from a private collection - Made in the late 90's (presumably 1997/1998) - Absolutely like new