Tools
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| 4x4 Tool Mate | QuickClip | Valade 4x4 |
Background
Al Mar was working for an industrial design firm in Los Angeles in 1967, then joined Gerber Legendary Blades in 1967 or 1968 (after Pete Gerber gave Al the task of coming up with an aluminum handle for a kitchen knife). Pete Gerber thought the project was very successful and offered Al the position of design chief, as Gerber's first designer had retired about this time. During Al's stint with Gerber, he was credited with designing the famous Gerber Mark I.Al left Gerber in 1979 to start Al Mar Knives, and quickly developed a loyal following and a solid reputation for quality. He had Seki in Japan manufacture most of his knives. Tragically, Al Mar passed away in October of 1992. He was 54 years old. The new owners have now discontinued most of the original models and moved to other makers on the remaining models. This leaves the knives made while Al was in control of the company very desirable and collectible.
Regarding serial numbered Al Mar's: From the day that Al started producing knives (1979) he ordered 200 from the factory on the first run. When those 200 came in they were sent out to the dealers. If the dealers response was good then Al ordered some more. If the dealers response was bad then that was the end of the knife in production. Either way good or bad that means that there are only 200 serial numbered Al Mar's of every knife that he produced. This of course makes each one of these pre-production knives very desirable.
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