J and Jaguar

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TexasRed
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J and Jaguar

Post by TexasRed »

Are the blades marked with “J” the same brand/distributer as those marked “Jaguar”? I thought they were both Zoppis (I think that is the right name/spelling) but mow I am hearing they are completely different.
Fishtail Picklock
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Re: J and Jaguar

Post by Fishtail Picklock »

I believe Zoppis is manufactured/marketed in Milan, Italy. AFAIK, Jaguar is manufactured in China.
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TexasRed
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Re: J and Jaguar

Post by TexasRed »

I do not think the Jaguar I have is Chinese, but I could be wrong.
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natcherly
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Re: J and Jaguar

Post by natcherly »

Some indications of Chinese manufacture..
1. Elongated safety slot.
2. Said slot is on a slant.
3. Button is stainless not brass like the other metal furniture
4. Wood looks a bit on the rough side.
TexasRed
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Re: J and Jaguar

Post by TexasRed »

First off, I am not arguing, I am trying to learn.

1. The safety slot is long, but the safety travels the full distance. Also, I have a “J/INOX” that also has a long sagety slot/travel).
2. The slot is not slanted, just looks that way in the pic.
3. I have another knife (pictured) that is a “J/INOX” that no one has ever suggested was Chinese that has a stainless button but brass safety.
4. Wood is smooth, just seems like to got to dry once.

Do you still say Chinese? Again, not arguing, just trying to learn.
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Fishtail Picklock
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Re: J and Jaguar

Post by Fishtail Picklock »

The wood finish is a hint at Chinese manufacture. INOX (Inoxidable is French for Stainless) can be stamped anywhere, at any point. This is common for German, French, Italian, and Asian knives as well. Unless I'm mistaken, the stag looks a bit "created" rather than natural. (It looks as if it is "pocket worn" from the factory and the scale mounting is uneven to boot).

Unless someone else knows differently, they look Asian to me. (I could be wrong). :?
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: J and Jaguar

Post by Bill DeShivs »

Sorry guys- the brass bolstered knife is Italian, not Chinese.
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Re: J and Jaguar

Post by Fishtail Picklock »

Bill DeShivs wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 2:40 am Sorry guys- the brass bolstered knife is Italian, not Chinese.
Well I'll be dipped in dog spit! Please let me know how you can tell. I'm always open to knowledge. The Krois blade Balisong I bought in Tijuana over 20 years ago had Jaguar stamped on the tang. I think it is either Chinese or Taiwanese.
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: J and Jaguar

Post by Bill DeShivs »

The bolsters are correct. The steel button is correct. The blade is correct.
Nothing about it looks Chinese.
Markings mean very little. Anyone can order a quantity of knives stamped any way they wish.
Read the knife.
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rithvich
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Re: J and Jaguar

Post by rithvich »

Both those knives are 100% Italian. Looking at the work I would think it could be argued the J and Jaguar are the same company.

The era these were made was probably the low point for quality out of Italy over the past 130 years. Still cool knives and I like keeping some of these around just to show the transitions.
TexasRed
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Re: J and Jaguar

Post by TexasRed »

Thanks!
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HLangston
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Re: J and Jaguar

Post by HLangston »

I have a 16cm swivel bolster marked JAGUAR over INOX.

Nickel silver bolsters, 2.5mm backspring, D-brackets, dark horn scales.

It speaks Italian to me.
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: J and Jaguar

Post by Bill DeShivs »

There are knives made in China that are marked "Jaguar." I have not seen any Italian clones so marked, though.
Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler
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Factory authorized repairs for:
Latama, Mauro Mario, LePre, Colonial, Kabar, Flylock, Schrade Cut Co., Presto, Press Button, Hubertus, Grafrath, Kuno Ritter knives, Puma, Burrell Cutlery.
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JulesVane
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Re: J and Jaguar

Post by JulesVane »

Here's a couple of extremely similar builds, with those two stamps (etching/engraving?). I would think they came through the same place...

Image
Image
Image

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