Salty Dagger

[JamesT]

Gentlemen

I picked this up yesterday from a vet's family. I'm told it is Japanese and probably pre war.

Can any of the experts be a bit more specific

Many thanks

James

[JamesT]

The handle is sharkskin with brass fittings. A lot of brass cleaning fluid has been used on it over the years. Any thoughts on how best to remove it?

The scabbard appears to be bamboo lined.

[GHP]

That's a Japanese Senior Petty Officer's Naval dirk.

<center>NAVAL NCO DIRKS</center> Dress dirks were also carried by Japanese Navy Senior Petty Officers. They have plain brass mountings and a dark brown or black leather scabbard. The blades were machine made, approximately 10 inches in length, and chrome plated with a fuller running one half the length of the blade. Naval bandsman also carried a similar dirk which had a curved, unfullered blade.





source

--Guy

[GHP]

Removing Brasso Residue

Found using a Google search:

Q: How can I remove excess BRASSO® from the item I am cleaning?

A: Be sure polish has dried thoroughly; this will make it easier to remove. We recommend buffing the item being cleaned firmly with a soft cloth several times until a shiny luster is evident. By firmly buffing the item, the excess BRASSO® will be removed.

BACK TO TOP>>

Q: How can BRASSO® be removed from crevices?

A: Use a soft toothbrush, brushing gently so as not to scratch the metal surface. Sometimes a cotton swab can be used and will fit nicely into the crevices to remove any dried product. Also, a very mild soapy detergent can be used to soften the residue. Follow by brushing gently with a toothbrush. Wipe dry with a soft clean cloth.
============

Another forum response:
"WD-40 will soften and remove Brasso residue. "



I've NOT tried any of the above techniques

--Guy

[gunto]

I say its a navy band dagger.
The scabbard are made of honoki (ho) wood and wrapped in leather.

[GHP]

I say its a navy band dagger.
The scabbard are made of honoki (ho) wood and wrapped in leather.

Hi Gunto,

I am totally unfamiliar with these types of daggers -- but the description I found and posted above would identify this as a Senior Petty Officer dagger because the blade has fullers.

But since I'm not knowledgeable .... is it possible that bandsman daggers sometimes had fullers?

--Guy the Curious

[JamesT]

Gentlemen

Many thanks for these answers. It was most generous of you to take the time to write such full answers.

I have managed to take the dagger to pieces and have been able to give it a clean. Interestingly all of the parts are stamped with what looks like a 7 including the wood base of the handle and the tang of the blade. I wonder if that indicates a maker or factory?

The scabbard certainly appears to be wood covered with leather and the brass fittings over that. The leather part has 2 darker parallel lines running down it.

Thanks again for your help

James

[Brian Robinson]

The random number is used for assembly purposes...so that all the parts are kept together. Seen on many Japanese Gunto.

Brian