This is stunning C. Jul. Herbertz presentation dagger, custom made in Seki, Japan by Tak Fukuta. It features a hardwood handle with decorative nickel silver guard and horse head rear bolster. Mirror polished 440 stainless; tang marked "C. JUL. HERBERTZ, ROSTFREI 440, 103616"; original razor factory edge. Fukuta was the first Japanese member of the American Knife Maker's Guild, and apprentice to Bob Loveless. He hand crafted fine quality knives that impressed his mentor. Over the years, his factory in Seki, Japan also produced knives for Parker, Valor, Gutmann, Explorer, and Browning among others. After his passing, several vintage models were found at his warehouse.
This knife is not marked Japan, as it was meant to be marketed in Germany as Herbertz brand. The pattern is based on an antique 18th century decorative dagger.