Missing knife part?

[Bilboleslie]

I picked up this knife to add to my collection. I bought for $125  from the son in law of a WWII Army officer who served in

Japan 1945-1947 as a translator.  It appears to be missing a trim ring (not sure of proper name). Looking for the

replacement piece.

 

FWIW, I pulled the knife from the grip. There are no markings of any kind on the metal.

 

Cost? Don't know. I'm assuming that the replacement trim piece would be $20 or so, but I don't really have a clue.

[ROKUJURO]

BIll,

not sure what you have there. It is possibly a 20th century tourist item, but could as well be a bit older. A tip-upwards picture of the tang (= NAKAGO) may reveal more of the provenience and production time.

Concerning the missing piece: this is traditionally made from water-buffalo horn and is never a standard-sized item. It would have to be made individually by a SAYASHI, a specialized craftsman for the wooden parts. Not a big thing for him, but certainly nothing that could be made by someone around the corner.

There are a few traditionally trained craftsmen in the U.S.A. who could complete your item, and I don't think it would cost you an arn and a kidney.... 

[Baba Yaga]

This is a quandary. Someone put some time and craftsmanship into the Shirasaya and Habaki for it to be a broken sword turned into a knife. On the other hand people put a lot into sentimental value. Like to see the nakago under the "handle".  The horn piece that's spoken of has to be custom fitted and going to cost more than $20, but you may get real lucky. 

[Conway S]

Bill, 

 

I just happened to find this piece on IMA USA. Thought I'd share. Don't pay too much attention to the price. They definitely ask for some lofty sums, but someone will buy it. 

 

https://www.ima-usa.com/collections/swords/products/original-Japanese-wwii-era-tanto-dagger-in-shirasaya-resting-scabbard-traditional-handmade-blade

 

Conway