C.I. Stainless Steel 535 Boot Knife ~ Vintage

C.I. Stainless Steel 535 Boot Knife ~ Vintage

$139.00

Current stock: 1

C.I. Stainless Steel 535 Boot Knife ~ Vintage

The C.I. Stainless Steel 535 is a vintage Japanese-made knife typically associated with Compass Industries (C.I.), a major importer of Japanese cutlery during the 1970s and 1980s. While some variants of the "535" model are identified as throwing knives, the series is part of a larger line of boot knives and daggers manufactured in Seki, Japan.

Product Specifications & Design

Blade Material: Typically 440 Stainless Steel, a hallmark of the C.I. brand during this era, known for its corrosion resistance and ability to hold a sharp edge.
Blade Style: Most C.I. boot knives of this period feature a double-edged dagger or spear-point design, though specific "535" listings often refer to a throwing knife configuration.
Handle Construction: Stainless steel
Measures 6 " OAL , 2 5/8" blade
Sheath: Originally paired with a leather boot clip sheath designed for discreet carry inside a boot or on a belt.

Manufacturing Heritage

These knives carry significant historical value for collectors of Japanese cutlery.

Seki, Japan: The "Japan" marking indicates the knife was produced in Seki City, the historical center of Japanese sword and knife making.
Compass Industries (C.I.): C.I. was a prominent New York-based importer. Many of their high-end Japanese knives were produced by master smiths, including Tak Fukuta, who was the first Japanese member of the American Knife Maker's Guild.