Sometime around 1999 I purchased a knife on eBay. It was a multi tool "Hobo knife", that had a stainless fork and spoon, a stag handle, and nine other tools, including a serious pair of scissors. I put it away and hadn't thought about it till last week.

Upon examining it closely with a magnifying glass, I saw the name "Sakurai" on the main blade. After some internet searching, I realized it was made by Moki Sakurai, the much revered knife maker from Seki City, Japan. His name was so well known in Japan, that his original company is now called "Moki Knife Company", and operated by his grandsons in Seki City, along with the fifth generation of the Sakurai family. "Moki" knives build for people like Al Mar and Spyderco.

When I wrote Moki to find out when Moki-San might have put the knife together, I got this response:

"Dear Sir,

It is very curious for us too. We have the same knife only one piece as our history sample. It was made by our grand father almost 60 years ago I think. But it is difficult to get the firm time when he made it. If it would be hold by you as one of your good collection, we are glad.

Thank you for your kind information.

Sincerely yours,"

MOKI KNIFE CO., LTD.
Satoru Sakurai.
Third generation.
Executive Director.

I then wrote back and asked if the could be sent back to one of the grandchildren out of respect to Moki-San. I received this reply tonight:

" Dear Estes-san,

I would like to thank you very much for your very kind information. I am really glad to hear about the knife condition from you. I am not sure who has been taking care of it for long time since it was made by my grand father, but if the knife condition is still good, it is miracle I think. I would greatly appreciate for your kind advice that you would be able to send it back to us, but it should be held by you as one of your good collection. The reason why it has been in your hands, because it is in the nature streaming. I believe that the knife has chosen you as his life. Please loves him. He has long story in his history, but no-one can hear it, and only he knows about all story. This is wonderful for you and me as good memory of my grand father. I have the same knife in our hands. It is very amazing, because I have never thought that some-one is still having the same one. If it would be kept by your hands, I believe my grand father and himself would be very happy.

I appreciate again for your kindness.

Sincerely yours,"

MOKI KNIFE CO., LTD.
Satoru Sakurai.
----- Original Message -----
From: estes baxter
To: mokiweb
Sent: Friday, January 22nd, 2010



Domo Arigoto Satoru-San,

Dubie Baxter

Great story Dubie.
I would do as Satoru-San says and cherish the knife.
It would be nice if you could make sure the knife goes back to Moki if it should survive you.

I will make sure that happens. Thanks Tom.

By the way, here's Moki's website

http://www.moki.co.jp/

And some of their products: http://www.moki.co.jp/usa/usa2.htm

Dubie Baxter

Dubie,
Wonderful story!!!!
Tony

Really cool story, Dubie. Any pics of the knife in question?

Pap

Here you go Pappy.

The main blade is almost 4 inches, and the handle is almost 5". The spoon is tablespoon size. It's a big, heavy knife.

The handle scales are bone, not stag.

Dubie

I've got an old Sabre knife that looks just like that back home. Definately not the quality of yours, but a copy, I'd guess.

Pap

Moki-San put half stops on all the tools. They still have lots of snap when you return them. He knew what he was doing.

Dubie

Great story, and good eye. I never would have looked twice at that knife..... had a few that looked like that when I was a kid, Bart RKS#132

Here is a follow up to Dubie's earlier post. A very beautiful story. Well done Dubie.

Kevin

Dear Mr. Baxster,

I hope you are very well with your family.

I have become grand father on July 3rd. I visited to see my grand son a few days ago and we opened your wonderful gift together with my daughter and her husband in front of grand son and took a picture as attached. Please look at him. His name is Ichiro Moriyasu. The knife is great and I gave it to him as good memory for his birthday. I can believe that this knife will become very important history for my grand son and it will be brought to next generation again in the future as our history. It is made by great great grand father for him. It is amazing!!

I would appreciate for your kindness.

I hope you have great and wonderful days with your family.

Sincerely yours,

MOKI KNIFE CO., LTD.
Satoru Sakurai.