Kaiken or Tantō?? Any info?

[ozymay]

I recently acquired this and still am learning about Japanese weapons myself. To me it looks like a Kaiken or Tanto with a brass casing on it and possibly the Tokugawa family crest. Any ideas on how to remove the handle casing to see a signature? Or even an idea on how old it could be?

 

Thanks

-ozymay

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Ozymay (if that isn't your name please let us know what is),

Best guess is this was put together sometime no earlier than Meiji (late 19th century) and maybe as late as 1950, to sell to western tourist or the occupation force as a souvenir.  The mounts are way too low end for a real samurai sword.  If I'm correct, there won't be much to gain from removing the handle; what's underneath isn't very exciting.  The blade is either glued in or a friction fit and attempts at removal risk damage.

Where abouts in Minnesota?  NMB is overrun with us lately.

Cheers,  Grey

[ozymay]

16 minutes ago, Grey Doffin said:

Hi Ozymay (if that isn't your name please let us know what is),

Best guess is this was put together sometime no earlier than Meiji (late 19th century) and maybe as late as 1950, to sell to western tourist or the occupation force as a souvenir.  The mounts are way too low end for a real samurai sword.  If I'm correct, there won't be much to gain from removing the handle; what's underneath isn't very exciting.  The blade is either glued in or a friction fit and attempts at removal risk damage.

Where abouts in Minnesota?  NMB is overrun with us lately.

Cheers,  Grey

Hi Grey, name is Jeff but ozymay is my online user name. Thanks for the information. I was given it recently as a gift, so I was curious about it Oh Nice, I am in central Minnesota near the Brainerd Lakes area. -Jeff (ozymay)