Al Mar Eagle?

[rick73]

Hello,
I have this early Al Mar Eagle. It is marked Al Mar with the logo on one side and 081/200 on the other side.
Wondering if it could be fake. There is no Seki Japan mark anywhere.
Any hints?
Thanks a lot

 

[KenHash]

I would be surprised if it is fake. There are a number of stamp variations out there, in the early years.

 

[gentleman_edc]

I'm not an expert, but I agree there is a lot of variation. Especially on the numbered models. It also could be an early transition away from the seki stamp.

Btw, that's a good looking knife.

 

[brancron]

That looks to be a very old one, well before the Ultralight versions (that came with clips). Very cool! I found a listing for yours on Nordic Knives:

Vintage 1005TB Eagle - Nordic Knives

3 15/16" blade of AM-6 stainless steel, 8 7/8" opened length Titanwood scales with brass liners Stainless steel back spring/back...

nordicknives.com

If you Google that model number (1005TB) you’ll find more info.

 

[gentleman_edc]

Wasn't there an ultralight without a clip?I like the bolsterless look, but for some reason, I thought they didn't come out until the late 80's

 

[Ourorboros]

The early Al Mars weren't made by Moki, but by G Sakai.
The "G" stands for Gerber, Al Mar's previous employer. Back then Gerber made quality knives. So Al Mar went to the company he knew for his manufacturing.

 

[KenHash]

The early Al Mars weren't made by Moki, but by G Sakai.
The "G" stands for Gerber, Al Mar's previous employer. Back then Gerber made quality knives. So Al Mar went to the company he knew for his manufacturing.

The "G" in G.Sakai does stand for Gerber. But Gerber has nothing to do with it. Sakai Hamono (Cutlery) had been making knives since 1947 but it was their first overseas OEM contract that put them in the big league. Al Mar was head of Design for Pete Gerber and visited Sakai Hamono in 1976 to contract the Gerber Silver Knight folder. The Sakai family were so grateful for the business that they asked Pete Gerber if they could change their name to Gerber Sakai, despite Gerber Portland having no equity or direct affiliation in the company. When Al Mar was frequently visiting the factory, he became friends with a young Yuuhei Sakai who was working in his father's factory at the time. When Al Mar went into business in 1979 he turned to G.Sakai to manufacture his knives. Yuuhei Sakai is now the Chairman of the company. The relationship lasted until Al Mar passed away in 1992 and Gary Fadden subsequently terminated the G.Sakai contract.

Yuuhei Sakai and Al Mar - G.Sakai Factory Seki Japan mid 1980s。

New G.Sakai factory.

 

[rick73]

thanks for all the info, so I learned the model is 1005TB. Very good to know

 

[LittleAugieMo]

thanks for all the info, so I learned the model is 1005TB. Very good to know

IIRC the "1st gen" Al Mar knives were made in groups? Of 200 thus the 87/200.

 

[Ourorboros]

The "G" in G.Sakai does stand for Gerber. But Gerber has nothing to do with it

I didn't consider how that sentence read. Yes, I know they are separate companies. In fact they make a beautiful bird and trout knife I just won't pull the trigger on.