I have a question since many of the Spyderco knives, notably the ones with VG-10 stainless steel blades, are made in Japan, are there actual physical knife stores in Japan or do they have to purchase them from either Spyderco direct, or, American knife stores? I would like to know, since I heard that ironically even though Japan makes some of the best steel and knives and swords, their anti-knife and anti-blade laws are strict.
Do the Japanese buy direct from the factories that make Spyderco knives there?
Japanese Spyderco Purchasing?
- SpyderEdgeForever
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Re: Japanese Spyderco Purchasing?
Here is an interesting fact, there are some Japanese exclusive knives. Such as, the Titanium (Non Damascus) Delica.
I'm not super sure how they are purchased if you live in Japan. I will watch the thread to see what kind of answers there are.
I'm not super sure how they are purchased if you live in Japan. I will watch the thread to see what kind of answers there are.
-Brian
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Re: Japanese Spyderco Purchasing?
I think they can buy and own the knives, but carrying is what is outlawed. So, if you buy the knife in the store, you have to keep it in the box until you get home.
This is just a guess-timation going by other information I've seen regarding their laws. I'm sure some more knowledgeable folks will chime in eventually.
This is just a guess-timation going by other information I've seen regarding their laws. I'm sure some more knowledgeable folks will chime in eventually.
Chris
Haves: Lava, Delica 4 Sante Fe Stoneworks, Spy-DK x2,
Just say NO to lined FRN
Haves: Lava, Delica 4 Sante Fe Stoneworks, Spy-DK x2,
Just say NO to lined FRN
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Re: Japanese Spyderco Purchasing?
You can carry up to a 5.5 or 6cm folder in urban Japan with no specific reason for doing so. I'm not sure if that's edge length or total blade length and I'm not sure which number is current, but that's what was conveyed to people I know who have visited.
If you're obviously going out fishing/camping/hiking/hunting or are doing a job which might require cutting, there really aren't any restrictions(carried inconspicuously by a native) as long as the knife isn't obviously a weapon first, utility blade second(think Szabo or Civilian). If you're clearly not Japanese and have a 5" fixed blade hanging from your belt while walking around town, prepare to get arrested regardless.
If you're obviously going out fishing/camping/hiking/hunting or are doing a job which might require cutting, there really aren't any restrictions(carried inconspicuously by a native) as long as the knife isn't obviously a weapon first, utility blade second(think Szabo or Civilian). If you're clearly not Japanese and have a 5" fixed blade hanging from your belt while walking around town, prepare to get arrested regardless.
I carry a serrated Robin2 at work, a Cara Cara Rescue 2 in the glove box, and a ZDP Dragonfly or Junior everywhere else. My PM2 sits on a shelf with a small assortment of Kershaws.
Waiting patiently for the Native 5 lightweight and the Lil' Temperance 2.
Waiting patiently for the Native 5 lightweight and the Lil' Temperance 2.
Re: Japanese Spyderco Purchasing?
you can buy them in stores
i picked up some rare spydies here in 2001
http://www.ohyasuya.co.jp/aigo/indexeng.html" target="_blank
(snagged all the 'Q's they had)
i picked up some rare spydies here in 2001
http://www.ohyasuya.co.jp/aigo/indexeng.html" target="_blank
(snagged all the 'Q's they had)
- SpyderEdgeForever
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Re: Japanese Spyderco Purchasing?
Thank you for posting the link, Ted. That is a very nice assortment of knives they have.
Re: Japanese Spyderco Purchasing?
There are Japanese knife stores, online as well as brick and mortar. You'll have no problem buying knives in Japan. Finding specific Spydercos is a bit trickier, but not impossible. The prices for Japanese produced Spydercos are often quite good.
Carrying knives in Japan is another matter, entirely, as was pointed out above. The Japanese law on weapons (short 銃刀法; I have written extensively about the topic in a British knife forum -> google) states that you need a legal reason for carrying a fixed blade knife over 6cm blade length or a folder over 8cm blade length.
However, there are other things to be considered, such as the question of correctly measuring the blade lenght according to the law or the fact that there are other regulations as to the specifics of how a folding knife qualifies for carry w/o legal reason (eg. non-locking, limitations on blade thickness and width, etc).
Also, you are not allowed to carry any bladed object readily accessible, i.e. clipped to your pocket or in a belt sheath unless you have a legal reason to do so (e.g. as a forest worker) so you need to have any knife stowed away safely in your backpack etc.
What's more, there has been talk of police arbitraily applying the 5.5cm blade length restriction pertaining to double edged knives to any knife they find on a person.
Failure to obey the rules will most likely end in a few days at the police office (there is a different system of habeas corpus in Japan) and possibly felony or misdemeanor charges.
So here's how not to get in trouble:
* if you have to carry an EDC, carry something like a non-locking mid-sized Swiss army knife (e.g. Spartan) or similar non-threatening slipjoint - avoid carrying beefy/locking/one-handed folders
* keep any knife you might be carrying packed away in your bag/pack and out of sight until you need it - be discreet when using it
* do your knife-shopping on the way back to your hotel - do not take the long way home and keep the receipts as they are proof that you have recently purchased the knives and thus a legal reason to carry them (ASAP back to the hotel)
* keep your freshly bought knives in your hotel room or baggage until you leave the country
* I am not a (Japanese) lawyer - don't take things for granted, do your own research
Ookami
Carrying knives in Japan is another matter, entirely, as was pointed out above. The Japanese law on weapons (short 銃刀法; I have written extensively about the topic in a British knife forum -> google) states that you need a legal reason for carrying a fixed blade knife over 6cm blade length or a folder over 8cm blade length.
However, there are other things to be considered, such as the question of correctly measuring the blade lenght according to the law or the fact that there are other regulations as to the specifics of how a folding knife qualifies for carry w/o legal reason (eg. non-locking, limitations on blade thickness and width, etc).
Also, you are not allowed to carry any bladed object readily accessible, i.e. clipped to your pocket or in a belt sheath unless you have a legal reason to do so (e.g. as a forest worker) so you need to have any knife stowed away safely in your backpack etc.
What's more, there has been talk of police arbitraily applying the 5.5cm blade length restriction pertaining to double edged knives to any knife they find on a person.
Failure to obey the rules will most likely end in a few days at the police office (there is a different system of habeas corpus in Japan) and possibly felony or misdemeanor charges.
So here's how not to get in trouble:
* if you have to carry an EDC, carry something like a non-locking mid-sized Swiss army knife (e.g. Spartan) or similar non-threatening slipjoint - avoid carrying beefy/locking/one-handed folders
* keep any knife you might be carrying packed away in your bag/pack and out of sight until you need it - be discreet when using it
* do your knife-shopping on the way back to your hotel - do not take the long way home and keep the receipts as they are proof that you have recently purchased the knives and thus a legal reason to carry them (ASAP back to the hotel)
* keep your freshly bought knives in your hotel room or baggage until you leave the country
* I am not a (Japanese) lawyer - don't take things for granted, do your own research
Ookami