Japanese Knife Question
I was given this knife to put on the auction side. The owner says his father brought it back from Japan after WW2, there is no bring back paper work. Does anyone have know what it is, and maybe put a value on it. Is this a Hari Kari knife??
Thank you,
W.D.
Thank you,
W.D.
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Possibly made by a japanese sword maker(samurai swords). Last person that I knew that owned one of these referred to it as a "harry karry" dagger. Maybe someone will be along shortly who knows more about these knives. 0 -
Hello CapnMidnight,
I am not an expert on traditional Japanese blades. The ones that I have seen that were the intended purpose of hari kari by their pilots during WWII, to me apeared much more commercial, or factory sort of production. Also every one of those that I have seen, had a lanyard or two to have looped around the neck so as to have quick, easy access to it when needed and to have it secure before use.
Many of the blades carried by Japanese military personnel were of factory production. Some were made by family members or friends for their boys in the military. Some were privately requested or commisioned.
Depending on the time period of the War and individually and family means ... some blades were very basic, some were more fancy or extravagant. This one appears rather understated and utilitarian in nature.
It seems to be composed of the traditional parts of the Japanese blades. It appears to be the "short-sword" size (or dagger / knife) wherein the blade is approximately 13" or less in length, referred to as the tanto. I'd think that it apprears to be basic utiltarian design and purpose without an inordinate amount of attention expended.
What I see to have the basic components of the traditional parts for the tanto. I would suggest, that if it was not for the pilots ... it could have been used for hand to hand defense or offense regarding enemies OR if the need arose to then take self out, as a last resort.
I would discourage and warn against any cleaning or sanding or any sort of "improving" or "reconditioning" at thid point. It can destroy or diminish actual or intrinsic value and/or desirability for it dramatically. Anything done to the wood (bamboo?) or metal could diminish or eliminate edentifying who made the blade for who and when, etc. ( I would suggest not doing anything to the blade, I'd personally not handle the blade by hand. )
I have limited knowledge, and no expertise per sae. However you are welcome to contact me if you choose. I may still be able to answer some questions or make some suggestions.
If you list it, I'd bid it, as with the firearms, multiple good resolution photos tell a lot of the story.
best, Alan
PS: It appears that there was some sort of wrappings on the outside of the handle and case. Those could be quite imortant, regardless of condition or staining or age. Also, were there any metal parts other than the blade?0 -
quote:The owner says his father brought it back from Japan after WW2 Was his father part of the occupation force if so than it could have been just any knife he picked up while he was there but, I'm no expert.
The best advice i can give is to find someone who can read what's written on it.0 -
Fishing knife, not a Seppuku knife. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by He Dog
Fishing knife, not a Seppuku knife.
Yep, just a working tanto. The wood habaki is a givaway.0 -
The term "Hara Kiri" not Harry Karry (wasn't that one of the presona Will Ferral played on SNL?) [:D] funny by the way.
See if you can push the ped out with a punch to see if there is a signature. Now it could be a blade made by cutting the tip off the katana sword. My dad told me he had done this (must've been tripping all over the country side to be doing this [:D]).
Most "everyday" folks carried a small blade like that as a pocket knife.
As for the wooden Habaki the owner sold the metal one (silver/gold) 'cos he needed the cash but kept the blade.0 -
There is no signature on the blade, I took the pin out and removed the handle. There are what look like file marks on the part inside the handle, it is one peace of steel, not lamanated or folded like a damascus blade.
I need a value on this, so I can put it on the auction side for sale.
The owner wants an idea of value befor I put it up for sale.
Thanks again,
W.D.0 -
This is a Tanto knife. Tan is "short", To is "knife/sword". I make a modern version of these. General use, even women carried them in their wast band.
Nothing special here...can not read the characters...too faded, but is a signature. I do like the way this tanto has the extra raised wood section to interloc into the blade cover. I do not think this blade is real old...I guess about $75 to $100 value...my own opinion.0
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