The story of the San Soo weapons designed by Gerald Okamura was that he worked as a machinist in aircraft and created his swords on break or lunch, the details I don’t know but they were very nice looking. We discussed making them for San Soo, he was interested but he was busy with his movie career and did not seem to have time to spend making weapons. I waited for some time and I said I wanted to pursue how they could be made. It took a long time, many trips to Mexico, much time and money, a couple street fights, etc. but I got it done. I ended having to make, varnish and attach the handles. People liked the butterflies because they better fit larger American hands and the ripping swords were nasty if you learned how to use them, I chose that name because there was already a hooking sword. There were some sold but it turned out to be a lot of work and little money was made.
Gerald is a really nice guy who will always talk to you, meet him if you get a chance.
Ron Gatewood
