Preliminary identification

Modern Boutique Fixed-Blade Knife in M390 'Super Steel'

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a high-performance 'Gentleman’s Carry' knife featuring a blade made from M390 Microclean steel and a traditional wood-scaled handle.

Story

The mark on this blade is the character 侍 (Samurai), a symbol that connects this modern tool to a thousand-year-old tradition of Japanese blade-smithing.

Maker / Origin

The 侍 (Samurai) mark is used by specialized boutique workshops that focus on small-batch production using premium materials like M390.

Condition & Value

The blade shows some light surface scratching and minor staining near the bolster, which is typical for a tool that has been carried. The wood scales appear healthy, though they would benefit from a light application of mineral oil to prevent future shrinkage. Visible wear is consistent with light utility use.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD