This is the Japanese version of the Solingen "Black Mamba". From the same vintage time period, this knife was made circa 1970s in Seki, Japan by Tak Fukuta. It is nicely balanced at 9" overall, has a blued finished 5" blade, and comes with a leather sheath. Marked Japan on sheath and on tang behind lanyard hole. Unused by the consumer, but with shop wear/aging. Tak 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, Frost, and Browning among others. After his passing, several vintage old stock models were found at his warehouse. This knife is one of these rare finds.