Vintage Bowie knife Germany Ruko Custom MK VI unused

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Bought in 1980. Probably made in 1973 (see below). Never used, carried or sharpened. Made in Solingen, Germany to Ruko specifications. (Ruko is a large Canadian distributor, operating since 1956.) Size : overall: 10"; blade: 5-1/2" Description : per back of box - quoted: RUKO CUSTOM DESIGN SERIESOne of Ruko's specialties is hunting knives. The Ruko Custom Design series is the result of 17 years of experience as Canada's foremost supplier of outdoor knives.* It was the aim of Mr. Rudolf Koppe, President of Ruko of Canada Limited, to create not only a knife of exceptional style and beauty, but to provide for the North American Outdoorsman a tough, strong and functional tool with a razor-sharp cutting edge.THE STEELWe selected from hundreds of knife steels an extra high carbon steel that has the exact balance of silicium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulphate and chromium to achieve maximum toughness and above average hardness. The blades are hardened and tempered to an ideal RC 60 (Rockwell Hardness Test) All knives are hand honed to a "Razor's edge". THE TANG:The most critical point in a knife is the link between the blade and the handle called the tang. We created a blade with a special tang that is nearly twice as wide as the tang on an ordinary hunting knife; tby completely eliminating the possibility of breaks. The tang is precision fitted through the slot of the handle frame and riveted by an extra heavy steel rivet.HANDLE-FRAME-SCALEThe handle is probably the most eye-catching part of these RUKO Custom Design Series knives. It has an anatomically contoured, non-slip handle which fits securely into a man's hand.The precision-made frame, a zinc aluminum alloy, is heavily copper plated, nickel plated and chrome plated to make it completely waterproof and anti-corrosive. The countoured handle scales are made of Bayer Novodur, a material with outstanding qualities. The material feels as warm in your hand as wood, it is non-slippery, absolutely shock-proof and resistant to extreme temperatures. The handle scales are riveted to the frame by extra heavy duty nickel silver rivets.THE SHEATHThe quick draw knife sheath is made of heavy duty top grain cowhide leather with double stitching for extra strength and ruggedness. The knife is secured into the sheath by a very strong snap fastener." per observation: T are grooves at the top of the blade that run 3/4" from the handguard (see picture). This allows for greater forefinger control while cutting. The pattern in the handle gives it a stag feel. The knife seems to be perfectly balanced. (I held it on a straight finger inside the finger groove.) Notes : * The back of the box at bottom right says, "Ruko of Canada Limited Rd. 1973. (I presume, Rd. means "registered".) 1973 is 17 years from Ruko's start date. Tfore, it seems the knife was originally made in or shortly after 1973. A copy of the cover of Ruko's 1981 catalog will be sent with knife: it shows the start date of operations (i.e., 1956). This knife is not in the 1981 catalog. The front of the box at bottom says, " Lifetime Guaranteed ". (T were no papers with the knife.) The Rockwell test hole is evident on the blade. Condition: T is some roughness in the metal along the spine. The sheath has some small dents on the front top, w the handle would sit. The top of the box is crushed. Markings : tang stamp: "RUKO Solingen Germany"; reverse side: "Mark VI"; side of blade: "Ruko Custom Design Bowie"; sheath front: upper part: "Made in Germany"; lower part: "Ruko Custom Design". Shipping: Worldwide - from Canada. To U.S. : $13 air mail or $11 ground mail, both with insurance. To Canada : $11 including insurance. Other countries : $30 air mail or $13 surface mail, both with insurance. Please check with Customs office to ensure item can be imported and what the duty is, if any. Shipping date : First... read more

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