I bought this knife at an estate sale. I am not sure if it is a military knife. If not, I apologize and the admins can delete this thread.

 

This was not too expensive so I figured "what the heck". The edge of the blade has a wavy shadow on it. I am not sure what type of pictures to take so if I need to zoom in on something specific, please let me know.

 

First pic is knife with sheath

 

Another pic

 

More

 

More

 

You can see the wavy lines in this picture

 

Last one..

 

Thanks so much for any help....Kat

 

Nice knife Kat.

Sure looks like a hand made handle

The wavy line is similiar to a temper line on a japanese sword.

Nice knife Kat.

Sure looks like a hand made handle

The wavy line is similiar to a temper line on a japanese sword.

 

RD,

 

Thanks so much. So this may have been cut down from a Japanese sword? Is there anything specific that I need to look for?

 

Also, I forgot to mention that the sheath has B-9055 on the reverse. Not sure if this is a modern sheath.

 

....Kat

 

Sheath looks like it is a peiod piece.Appears tobe pig skin.THe grainy leather is typical of the pig skin made items.The front leather may be of something else.

 

Not sure if it would have been a sword or the other type weapon we spoke of.Swords tented to have a different shape and not double sided.

 

Is it really sharp on one side or are both equally sharp??

Looks like his initial and last four of his serial number.Usually an army practice of marking items.

Kat,

 

That appears to be a very high quality knife that you have.

 

I would say that the blade is hand-forged judging by the fuller (blood-groove) detail. I agree with Ron that the wavy lines are the result of same differential hardening technique used on Japanese blades.

 

I find the detail in the handle most interesting. Is it possible that those elongated 'beads' could be jade? The rest ivory?

If there is a 'grain' (like wood) to it, then it is most likely ivory. Appears like another exotic (stone?) sandwiched in the guard? An off-set guard is unusual on a dagger. The oblong ring (on guard) closest to blade is also reminiscent of Samurai styling.

 

Based on those ASN's ID'ed by Ron and it's construction details, otherwise, I would suggest that this knife may have been obtained by/made for a U.S. Serviceman, while stationed in Occupied Japan; possibly Korea. It seems to fit in that time period, though it may be older.

 

That dagger looks as though it considerable skill to make. Thanks for sharing it. Some more detailed photos would be great.

 

Regards,

Don.

whatever it is, it certainly is colorful! It makes a very distinctive display piece whatever its origins.

Seems like a nifty knife to add to your collection. :thumbsup:

Terry

Sweet knife! And you said you got it for a good price! It is beautiful!

 

Haydn

That wavy edge does indeed appear to the be the "hamon" of Japanese blades and the narrow groove is what the Japanese blade makers call a " bo-hi" - as with the so called "blood groove" ("fuller" being the actual name) on US fighting knives, the groove has nothing to do with blood but is a structural element.

 

You do see custom made daggers produced in the US with hamons, but the apparent jade and ivory handle along with the apparent Army "laundry mark" does make this look like a Japanese-made knife that belonged to a US GI. Non-US items used by US servicemen are acceptable for discussion on the forum.

Beautiful theater knife. The pig skin sheath also points to Japan. I have a WWII Type 94 Japanese pistol with a pig skin holster. Could B-9055 be the abbreviated Army Serial Number of the owner?

Everyone,

 

Thank you so much for your help. I never thought about the back of the sheath being his laundry number. I will try to find the name from the estate sale to see if I can find a match. That would definitely prove it. I will be happy to take more pictures if anyone needs some. Is there anything specific that I need to zoom in on?

 

Thanks again, Kat

GREAT EYE, Kat!!

I didn't know you are into knives........is it safe to trust you with sharp objects??

(I know she can't reach cross-country)

Kat, Thats a really nice looking Knife you have added to your collection

there and thanks for sharing it with us very intresting knife indeed :thumbsup:

 

Tomás.

...I will try to find the name from the estate sale to see if I can find a match. That would definitely prove it. I will be happy to take more pictures if anyone needs some. Is there anything specific that I need to zoom in on?

 

Thanks again, Kat

Kat,

 

It would be very cool to link the knife to the Veteran who owned it!

 

I would appreciate viewing further detailed photos of all elements of the hilt assembly.

 

Thanks,

Don.

Very nice knife you got there! :thumbsup: Great colors too.

It would be very cool to link the knife to the Veteran who owned it!

 

I would appreciate viewing further detailed photos of all elements of the hilt assembly.

 

I found out the man's last name at the estate sale started with a B so that fits with the laundry tag number on the knife. However, I have not found his records yet to find his serial number.

 

Here are some close-ups of the hilt. Thanks again for your help!

 

More of the hilt

 

More

 

More of the hilt.......WHOOPS :pinch: I mean pummel.

 

I thought the entire handle was called the hilt. Goes to show that I don't know a lot about knives! :pinch:

 

Is the part where the blade fits into the knife the hilt? Then the handle? Then the end is the pummel?

I thought the entire handle was called the hilt. Goes to show that I don't know a lot about knives! :pinch:

Kat,

In my simple world....those descriptions fit!

NOW, if you really want to get confused......go here.

 

http://www.jayfisher.com/Knife_Anatomy_Par...Knife_Anatomy_1