Help Identifying a Tanto

[Luckyd70]

Well...here goes...just acquired this Tanto and would like some help identifying the marking on the tang. Is it just a "tourist" piece? I have added pictures of the whole tanto if that is helpful. Thanks,  Steve W

[ROKUJURO]

Steve,

what you have there is not a TANTO and it is not even Japanese. The signature - if we want to call it so - says in Japanese reading OGAWA KAZU...., but I don't think it is related to a Japanese maker.

The NMB offers a great information base for you so you could study how a TANTO looks like. Next time you will be better informed and not waste money.

[Luckyd70]

You are confirming what I already suspected...probably middle eastern and made for the tourist trade. My knowledge of Japanese blades is slim...I've been involved in vintage firearms for over thirty years, had several WWII NCO swords over the years, but none of these. Quite a few Japanese medals, equipment and such. Fortunately I did NOT pay much for this "TREASURE". Thanks for your input!!  Steve W.

[Guido]

OGAWA KAZU....

 

大川一郎 = Ōgawa Ichirō (but that doesn’t make it less fake).

[Ken-Hawaii]

Stick around, Steve. You'll find this forum at least as interesting as vintage firearms.