DrBill

A responder in the translation forum said the inscription reads "Even after death, flowers bloom."

Mywei, you've answered a thirty year old question for me. Thank you for your help.

Brian, here it is. Pic was supposed to be with the first batch; just missed it. Nakago is short and unmarked, and the mekugi ana appears to have been drilled.

I'm trying to track down more information on a knife I acquired years ago, that has been variously identified to me as a WW2-era kaiken, kwaiken, non-regulation officer's dirk, or kamikaze dirk. The blade appears to be machined mill steel, but does have a real hamon. The nakago is short, less than half the length of the tsuka, with no mei. There is an inscription on the tsuka, for which I'm seeking a translation in another forum. Kojiri and kashira are horn. Fuchi, koiguchi, and mekugi appear to be bone. Habaki appears to be multiple pieces soldered. Any information is appreciated.

I'm hoping to find a translation of the inscription on the tsuka of a knife that has been variously identified to me as a kaiken, kwaiken, non-regulation officer's dirk, and kamikaze dirk.