Samurai Edge History is a booklet included with the "Samurai Edge" gun replica manufactured by Tokyo Marui. It is a document that explains how Joseph Kendo, older brother of gun shop owner, Robert Kendo, built each S.T.A.R.S. handgun.
Source: Tokyo Marui
Project Umbrella Translation
HISTORY TELLS THE ORIGIN STORY OF THE "SAMURAI EDGE" SERIES
April 1996
"Raccoon City". Situated in the American midwest. In recent years, this town has experienced unprecedented growth due to a corporation's intervention and as a result has been exposed to various previously unthinkable crimes and urban terrorism.
The Raccoon Police Department failed to address these crimes with the regular police and established S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics And Rescue Service) as a countermeasure, recruiting experts from various fields.
At this time, "Joseph Kendo" was invited as a trainer for his many years of SWAT experience with the San Francisco Police Department where he's now managing the custom gun shop "KENDO" in the suburbs.
December 1996
When the terms of Kendo's contract as a trainer expired, he returned to San Francisco to became a gunsmith again, but was requested by the Raccoon Police Department to build custom guns for S.T.A.R.S. He accepted the request for manufacturing the custom guns.
The manufacturing conditions were as follows:
(1) Use of ammunition...
Generally, in law enforcement agencies, 9mm parabellum (9mmx19mm) ammunition's used. Furthermore, one must consider storage and supply of ammunition; often the SMG (sub-machine gun) cartridge provides strength and durability.
(2) Number of rounds...
Must be able to load 13 or more rounds in the magazine.
(3) Sight...
Durability of fixed types must be considered for quick sighting in close range combat using 3 dot-types.
(4) Accuracy...
Accuracy must be 2 inches (5 cm) or less within 25 yards (23 m). Furthermore, 3,000 additional rounds fired must have equal accuracy.
(5) Function...
In consideration of gunfire from various situations, the trigger action used must be double-action. Furthermore, one must be able to operate left to right and an ambidextrous safety is required.
(6) Weight...
Weight must be considered for transport in a long-term combat mission and actual weight excluding ammunition must be 35 ounces (1,000 g) or less.
There are very few gunsmiths in the world who can do such work when only certain parts are available on the market, not every piece can be combined and work properly together and require step-by-step assembly while meeting the work conditions stated clearly on the contract.
One such person's Joe Kendo, who remembers the excitement of a challenge rather than confusion caused by strict conditions.
February 1998
Three gun cases are lined up on the desk of Brian Irons, the Raccoon Police Chief.
One's an aluminum "Kendo Gun Shop" custom case, ordered and built by Joe of course. The second's a plastic case with the Umbrella logo on it. And the third's the same aluminum Kendo Gun Shop custom case as Joe's.
Joe's younger brother Robert Kendo opened a gun shop in Raccoon City which supplies custom guns. Robert heard the story of his friend Barry's latest case and finished the newest custom gun, but it deviated from the original conditions completely, which became a substantial challenge for Joe Kendo and the Umbrella Corporation.
S.T.A.R.S. was selected for the trial test. Chris Redfield was chosen to boast his #1 marksmanship skills. He has many marksmen competition titles but lacks experience in actual combat, no other person was better suited for the trial.
First, the accuracy test was done using various types of ammunition, and the Kendo Custom achieved results of 3/4 inches (1.8 cm) every 25 yards. Followed by more than 40,000 rounds of actual gunfire, and in corrosion-resistance tests in seawater as well as fall tests, the Kendo Custom achieved high results in all.
Even though performance was sufficient in live field use, a request was issued for the addition of front serrations to the slide and to extend the slide stop.
March 1998
The results of the trial are received and a partially improved Kendo Custom is used for Phase 2 testing by four people, Alpha Team's Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Barry Burton and Albert Wesker.
June 1998
The members' personal tests are completed with satisfactory results and the decision's made to formally adopt it.
The finished product has the S.T.A.R.S. insignia inserted in the grip, the unit name and Kendo name on the slide, and a Japanese person with an oriental sword on the slide, which Joe Kendo named "SAMURAI EDGE."
This model's provided to the remaining eight people.
Recently, missing person cases and frequent dog-like monsters sightings in the Marble River district of Raccoon City flowing into the Arklay Mountains have been reported to the local paper Raccoon Times.
April 1996
"Raccoon City". Situated in the American midwest. In recent years, this town has experienced unprecedented growth due to a corporation's intervention and as a result has been exposed to various previously unthinkable crimes and urban terrorism.
The Raccoon Police Department failed to address these crimes with the regular police and established S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics And Rescue Service) as a countermeasure, recruiting experts from various fields.
At this time, "Joseph Kendo" was invited as a trainer for his many years of SWAT experience with the San Francisco Police Department where he's now managing the custom gun shop "KENDO" in the suburbs.
December 1996
When the terms of Kendo's contract as a trainer expired, he returned to San Francisco to became a gunsmith again, but was requested by the Raccoon Police Department to build custom guns for S.T.A.R.S. He accepted the request for manufacturing the custom guns.
The manufacturing conditions were as follows:
(1) Use of ammunition...
Generally, in law enforcement agencies, 9mm parabellum (9mmx19mm) ammunition's used. Furthermore, one must consider storage and supply of ammunition; often the SMG (sub-machine gun) cartridge provides strength and durability.
(2) Number of rounds...
Must be able to load 13 or more rounds in the magazine.
(3) Sight...
Durability of fixed types must be considered for quick sighting in close range combat using 3 dot-types.
(4) Accuracy...
Accuracy must be 2 inches (5 cm) or less within 25 yards (23 m). Furthermore, 3,000 additional rounds fired must have equal accuracy.
(5) Function...
In consideration of gunfire from various situations, the trigger action used must be double-action. Furthermore, one must be able to operate left to right and an ambidextrous safety is required.
(6) Weight...
Weight must be considered for transport in a long-term combat mission and actual weight excluding ammunition must be 35 ounces (1,000 g) or less.
There are very few gunsmiths in the world who can do such work when only certain parts are available on the market, not every piece can be combined and work properly together and require step-by-step assembly while meeting the work conditions stated clearly on the contract.
One such person's Joe Kendo, who remembers the excitement of a challenge rather than confusion caused by strict conditions.
February 1998
Three gun cases are lined up on the desk of Brian Irons, the Raccoon Police Chief.
One's an aluminum "Kendo Gun Shop" custom case, ordered and built by Joe of course. The second's a plastic case with the Umbrella logo on it. And the third's the same aluminum Kendo Gun Shop custom case as Joe's.
Joe's younger brother Robert Kendo opened a gun shop in Raccoon City which supplies custom guns. Robert heard the story of his friend Barry's latest case and finished the newest custom gun, but it deviated from the original conditions completely, which became a substantial challenge for Joe Kendo and the Umbrella Corporation.
S.T.A.R.S. was selected for the trial test. Chris Redfield was chosen to boast his #1 marksmanship skills. He has many marksmen competition titles but lacks experience in actual combat, no other person was better suited for the trial.
First, the accuracy test was done using various types of ammunition, and the Kendo Custom achieved results of 3/4 inches (1.8 cm) every 25 yards. Followed by more than 40,000 rounds of actual gunfire, and in corrosion-resistance tests in seawater as well as fall tests, the Kendo Custom achieved high results in all.
Even though performance was sufficient in live field use, a request was issued for the addition of front serrations to the slide and to extend the slide stop.
March 1998
The results of the trial are received and a partially improved Kendo Custom is used for Phase 2 testing by four people, Alpha Team's Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Barry Burton and Albert Wesker.
June 1998
The members' personal tests are completed with satisfactory results and the decision's made to formally adopt it.
The finished product has the S.T.A.R.S. insignia inserted in the grip, the unit name and Kendo name on the slide, and a Japanese person with an oriental sword on the slide, which Joe Kendo named "SAMURAI EDGE."
This model's provided to the remaining eight people.
Recently, missing person cases and frequent dog-like monsters sightings in the Marble River district of Raccoon City flowing into the Arklay Mountains have been reported to the local paper Raccoon Times.
SPECIFICATIONS
Samurai Edge Standard Model
Sliding is the origin of the Samurai Edge standard model, in order to strongly withstand use of the cartridge, the slide lock section's widened with the adoption of a "Brigadier slide". The serration on the side's carved in two places, front and back. The "S.T.A.R.S." and SAMURAI EDGE signature appear in between. As for the surface finish, the frame's made from aluminum alloy and the steel slide's a grey color tone, with a stencil bar barrel that combined creates a vivid dull tone.
The sharply uniform shape and barrel, which fires a bullet that holds the slide open, make it exactly like a "Samurai's blade." The right thumb's used to drop-release an empty magazine and reload with the left hand. When the thumb's moved, the slide stop's released. Tactical reloading can be done without altering grip, by extending back the slide stop lever. Quick sighting's made possible from the rear sight which lines up a 3-dot type, enabling accurate shots since the distance between front and back sights is further extended. Furthermore, a fusion of style/beauty and functionality's wonderfully executed by utilizing a "hybrid custom grip" which absorbs the shock of gunfire, causing only slight vibrations to the shooter.
As proof of ownership, a gold S.T.A.R.S. medallion is inserted into the center of the grip. The standard model of Samurai Edge is the newly adopted basic weapon of S.T.A.R.S. "M92F semi-auto handgun" expertly created by "Joe Kendo," and is an improved combat firearm, equivalent to an "F1" racer-type.
*M92F S.T.A.R.S. Special. The gun has a double safety lock to prevent use by criminals in case of theft. This semi-automatic handgun's also designed with a special sliding bridge, which prevents jamming.*
However, even after being adopted, four members (Jill, Chris, Barry, Wesker) requested additional customs on the basis of "style" and additional unique models were forged. The remaining eight people received the BASIC "standard model," which Rebecca Chambers of S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team uses.
The existence of the Samurai Edge is proven by use from these 8 people. Why then is the existence of the standard model a mystery? Immediately after being formally adopted the "Mansion Incident" occurred, so even verifying its existence is difficult. "Birth and hardships" occurred simultaneously, so the fate of the Samurai Edge Standard Model's uncertain. As S.T.A.R.S. members begin walking a difficult path, will the "deadly swing of the blade" be enough for taking down their foes?
Jill Valentine Model M92FC/S.E.01
Jill Valentine, a member of S.T.A.R.S. who investigated the incident was involved in intelligence tactics and espionage. She joined military special forces, similar to the Army's Delta Force, instead of police S.W.A.T.
Jill Valentine's an expert in bomb disposal and dislikes engaging in firefights on the frontlines, preferring espionage tactics, so specially constructing a miniature slide stop was required to avoid getting caught on clothes -- she's able to holster and upholster her handgun from the rear of her waist while running. In addition, the S.T.A.R.S. insignia color was changed to "light blue", Jill's favorite.
It's not easy having a combination of "palpable virility" and "masculinity" in a design. Perhaps this is the true identity of Alpha Team's only woman, Jill.
Chris Redfield Model M92FC/S.E.02
Chris Redfield's a member of S.T.A.R.S. Alpha Team and their ace #1 marksman.
A custom gun request for a marksmanship competition winner is difficult and requires utmost precision and function.
The final product's beautiful to behold, with a silver plated finish, and medium slide that makes for exquisite trigger operation for perfect accuracy regardless of any circumstances. In the pursuit of greater accuracy, the slide has been replaced by hard steel, and to avoid changes in dimensions caused by the thickness of the coating, a "blue finish"* is applied. Also, "lackluster" is used to deflect external light, allowing covert contact with the enemy.
*(The steel surface was coated with a liquid chemical used for rust prevention.)*
Barry Burton Model M92FC/S.E.03
Barry prefers high powered large-caliber guns, thus has chosen the more powerful .40 S&W bullet over the 9mmx19mm bullet. Furthermore, a custom request was made for withstanding use of tougher "+P" bullets.
In order to lighten the intense recoil shock of discharge, four port holes are opened up in the barrel point, and a "large-size compensator" is made possible using a "stabilizer."
The lower part of the stabilizer's rail-mounted, allowing for various adjustments such as a "laser sight" and "flashlight."
Adjustments were made to extend the size of the magazine for .40 S&W bullet use.
Albert Wesker Model M92FC/S.E.06
Albert Wesker's a man with two faces -- S.T.A.R.S. leader and secret agent of Umbrella. He's calculating and prefers skilled "covert action" rather than direct combat, and requested a custom gun from Joe Kendo.
The frame's made from duralumin super-steel with adjustments for a rail-mounted "laser sight and flashlight" integration in an all-in-one design, including luxurious unique modifications such as a checker ring, square-type trigger guard, beavertail and silver-color grip.
A large removable silencer that sufficiently mutes sound can be mounted directly onto the frame in a one-touch motion.
The silencer type installs directly into the barrel, but accuracy doesn't worsen because a brake isn't used on shorter recoil.
Samurai Edge Standard Model
Sliding is the origin of the Samurai Edge standard model, in order to strongly withstand use of the cartridge, the slide lock section's widened with the adoption of a "Brigadier slide". The serration on the side's carved in two places, front and back. The "S.T.A.R.S." and SAMURAI EDGE signature appear in between. As for the surface finish, the frame's made from aluminum alloy and the steel slide's a grey color tone, with a stencil bar barrel that combined creates a vivid dull tone.
The sharply uniform shape and barrel, which fires a bullet that holds the slide open, make it exactly like a "Samurai's blade." The right thumb's used to drop-release an empty magazine and reload with the left hand. When the thumb's moved, the slide stop's released. Tactical reloading can be done without altering grip, by extending back the slide stop lever. Quick sighting's made possible from the rear sight which lines up a 3-dot type, enabling accurate shots since the distance between front and back sights is further extended. Furthermore, a fusion of style/beauty and functionality's wonderfully executed by utilizing a "hybrid custom grip" which absorbs the shock of gunfire, causing only slight vibrations to the shooter.
As proof of ownership, a gold S.T.A.R.S. medallion is inserted into the center of the grip. The standard model of Samurai Edge is the newly adopted basic weapon of S.T.A.R.S. "M92F semi-auto handgun" expertly created by "Joe Kendo," and is an improved combat firearm, equivalent to an "F1" racer-type.
*M92F S.T.A.R.S. Special. The gun has a double safety lock to prevent use by criminals in case of theft. This semi-automatic handgun's also designed with a special sliding bridge, which prevents jamming.*
However, even after being adopted, four members (Jill, Chris, Barry, Wesker) requested additional customs on the basis of "style" and additional unique models were forged. The remaining eight people received the BASIC "standard model," which Rebecca Chambers of S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team uses.
The existence of the Samurai Edge is proven by use from these 8 people. Why then is the existence of the standard model a mystery? Immediately after being formally adopted the "Mansion Incident" occurred, so even verifying its existence is difficult. "Birth and hardships" occurred simultaneously, so the fate of the Samurai Edge Standard Model's uncertain. As S.T.A.R.S. members begin walking a difficult path, will the "deadly swing of the blade" be enough for taking down their foes?
Jill Valentine Model M92FC/S.E.01
Jill Valentine, a member of S.T.A.R.S. who investigated the incident was involved in intelligence tactics and espionage. She joined military special forces, similar to the Army's Delta Force, instead of police S.W.A.T.
Jill Valentine's an expert in bomb disposal and dislikes engaging in firefights on the frontlines, preferring espionage tactics, so specially constructing a miniature slide stop was required to avoid getting caught on clothes -- she's able to holster and upholster her handgun from the rear of her waist while running. In addition, the S.T.A.R.S. insignia color was changed to "light blue", Jill's favorite.
It's not easy having a combination of "palpable virility" and "masculinity" in a design. Perhaps this is the true identity of Alpha Team's only woman, Jill.
Chris Redfield Model M92FC/S.E.02
Chris Redfield's a member of S.T.A.R.S. Alpha Team and their ace #1 marksman.
A custom gun request for a marksmanship competition winner is difficult and requires utmost precision and function.
The final product's beautiful to behold, with a silver plated finish, and medium slide that makes for exquisite trigger operation for perfect accuracy regardless of any circumstances. In the pursuit of greater accuracy, the slide has been replaced by hard steel, and to avoid changes in dimensions caused by the thickness of the coating, a "blue finish"* is applied. Also, "lackluster" is used to deflect external light, allowing covert contact with the enemy.
*(The steel surface was coated with a liquid chemical used for rust prevention.)*
Barry Burton Model M92FC/S.E.03
Barry prefers high powered large-caliber guns, thus has chosen the more powerful .40 S&W bullet over the 9mmx19mm bullet. Furthermore, a custom request was made for withstanding use of tougher "+P" bullets.
In order to lighten the intense recoil shock of discharge, four port holes are opened up in the barrel point, and a "large-size compensator" is made possible using a "stabilizer."
The lower part of the stabilizer's rail-mounted, allowing for various adjustments such as a "laser sight" and "flashlight."
Adjustments were made to extend the size of the magazine for .40 S&W bullet use.
Albert Wesker Model M92FC/S.E.06
Albert Wesker's a man with two faces -- S.T.A.R.S. leader and secret agent of Umbrella. He's calculating and prefers skilled "covert action" rather than direct combat, and requested a custom gun from Joe Kendo.
The frame's made from duralumin super-steel with adjustments for a rail-mounted "laser sight and flashlight" integration in an all-in-one design, including luxurious unique modifications such as a checker ring, square-type trigger guard, beavertail and silver-color grip.
A large removable silencer that sufficiently mutes sound can be mounted directly onto the frame in a one-touch motion.
The silencer type installs directly into the barrel, but accuracy doesn't worsen because a brake isn't used on shorter recoil.