Advice about naval dagger blade

[Mike Swan]

I may have the opportunity to buy this dagger but have been advised by a WAF friend that the blade damage is significant in dagger terms.

I'd greatly appreciate some more opinions before I commit or pass.

I don't know a price yet.

Many thanks, Mike.

[Jareth]

Yes machine made plated blade is damaged BUT it has extremely unusual inscribed/engraved kanji around band that should be translated. Likely owners name or perhaps presentation

[GHP]

???

Either
科一同...
Course, All Members....

or

同一科...
Same Course/Department ...


Nick-san or Taka-san might be able to provide better insight. I'm just spitting in the wind today.

--Guy

[Stu W]

Hello Mike,

I suggest you be clear in your mind what it is you wish to collect then proceed accordingly.

I am of the opinion that the value of any edged weapon is in the blade. The fact there are some kanji present would not in any way compensate for the condition of the blade in my view. As such I suggest you pass. Others may see it differently but if you have any thought of getting it cheaply and reselling it you had best think again. It will be a very tough sell.

Regards,
Stu

[Jareth]

If it's got a nice ray/shark skin scabbard I believe the loss of plating on the tip wouldn't affect it's value especially with unusual added kanji. Most of these did not have great blades to begin with. PM me if it does in fact have the scabbard I mentioned & if it's for sale.

[Mike Swan]

Jareth,

Here's a rather ordinary view of the scabbard.

Mike

[RussellM]

Hi Mike, I agree with Jareth, there are attributes that out-weigh a little plate loss to the blade. Let me know if you pass.

Regards

Russ

[Mike Swan]

Many thanks for the opinions.

Mike

[gunto]

Like the kanji on the fuchi

[Stu W]

Like the kanji on the fuchi

I do too and as I said above others may see things differently and they have.

Regards,
Stu

[Mike Swan]

I was pleased to take possession of my dagger yesterday.

Can anyone please tell me about any significance of the scratches on the habaki?

Thanks, Mike.

[J7W22007]

OMG !

This was once owned by a NLF personnel !

陸戦科一同 (Rikusenn-ka Ichi Dou) - NLF Group Members

Very nice piece, indeed !

Cheers!
Taka

[Mike Swan]

Taka, many thanks for your translation. I have a friend here also from Shanghai who offered a similar interpretation.

Regards, Mike.

[gunto]

Very nice dirk.
The scratches on the habaki is called cat claws.

[Mike Swan]

Gunto,

Can you please tell me what "cat claws" signify? Is it a Japanese tradition?

Thanks, Mike.