Iwo Jima Theatre Made Knife

[WWIIDADS]

My brother in laws' dad was Army Anti Aircraft Maintenance but was handed a flame thrower and sent in with Marines to Iwo Jima. He was never the same. This 6 1/2" blade knife, which also has a thin leather covered bamboo sheath was just sent to him by his cousin yesterday, who my brother in law's father gave to the cousin's dad after the War. So it's back home. Anyone who could shed some light as to origin, it would be much appreciated? 

[aznation]

More pics of the entire knife and sheath would be helpful if you have them.  Thanks.

[WWIIDADS]

Here ya go AZNATION. Best photo

43 minutes ago, aznation said:

More pics of the entire knife and sheath would be helpful if you have them.  Thanks.

I can get

[aznation]

Others can chime in but to me it looks like a Pacific islander native-made knife.  Which specific native islander I don't know.

[WWIIDADS]

AZNATION, my thought as well, but I can't find that character stamped in the blade in any native island, Japanese, or Chinese dialect/language as of yet to more closely identify.

[aznation]

Yes, I think it's going to take more of an expert in that field to determine the exact origin but who knows, I could be wrong.

[Wake1941]

Looks like it could be Philippine made

[WWIIDADS]

Wake1941, that is possible as his dad, as well as Iwo Jima, participated in Battles of Okinawa and Philippines. I still have been unsuccessful in finding that double stamped character in any tribal alphabet or numeral, even pre Spanish Filipino dialects. The wrapped wire is copper, and the sheath leather wrapped bamboo

[manayunkman]

I thought Philippines as well.

 

Excellent family heirloom.

[Len S]

Looks more like a tribal knife from North Africa.