I am uploading a few pictures of a weird old knife I'd forgotten I even owned.

I seem to remember from years ago that it wasn't particularly rare or valuable, but it's in need of some TLC and that would be easier if I knew what it is and who made it, etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Deexster

Looks German, i.e. Puma, Wiedmanshiel (Bad spelling probably), Hubertus, etc. Are there any stamps or etchings that you can see?
I'm sure some of our European members can shed some light on this one. Is it an auto? Looks like it should be.
Welcome, Capt. Chris

The area I've highlighted in this picture is stamped 'JAPAN' in all-capital letters.

It has a release lever that is similar to a switch blade, but if the spring ever had enough power to open it automatically it was long, long ago. Now it just releases the blade for extension and unlocks it from the extended position.

(And thanks for the welcome.)

Here is an interesting thread for you about a knife from Japan.

http://www.knifetalkforums.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=6873&Number=79040#Post79040

Thanks Mike, that is definitely an awesome story.

I think I might have found an example of the original German knife that mine is copied from:

http://www.antiquesnavigator.com/d-156992/antique-german-stag-folding-hunter-bowie-knife-knives.html

The style of knife is apparently 'folding bowie', and I've seen pictures of a few of them for sale. They're virtually all antiques, and this particular Stag looks like it sold for about $360.00.

Needless to say, it's MUCH nicer than mine in addition to being original.

And THIS one looks like it's essentially what I have.

It was apparently made in Japan by a company called 'Valor', and the one in this picture sold on ebay for about $23.

I still want to rebuild it, and now I can go forward without worrying about preserving its "collector value".