Advice about naval dagger blade

[Stu W]

Hello Mike,

Cat claws or cat scratch as it is also sometimes called is one of several decorative patterns often found on habaki.

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

... If you Google "Habaki pattern images" you will find other examples.

Regards,
Stu

[nickn]

decoration
originally to add a bit of grip to the blade in the scabbard

[gunto]

decoration
originally to add a bit of grip to the blade in the scabbard

On the dirks its decoration.
Originally to add a bit of grip to the habaki in the scabbard

[nickn]

And thus the blade!