Tanto Moraha?

[Viking99]

First post. I have a tanto that I inherited after my father-in-law passed away. I know literally nothing about it. He never spoke about the piece. He served in the Aleutian Islands soon after WWII, so I assume that is where he acquired it.

The cutting surface length is 17cm and the total length is 30cm. There are two aspects that I find particularly curious:

First, the scarab exterior is leather with stitching and a metal button, which seems to make this a modern piece. I also find it interesting that the leather is quite polished and worn, which might indicate that this was used regularly. Second, there is an intricate design of a serpent chasing a bird engraved into the metal on one side of the blade and a symbol on the other side.

I literally know nothing about Japanese knives so I am hoping to learn about what I might have here. The leather on the handle covers the peg holding the blade to the handle, so I don’t think I can even try to disassemble it to examine the tang without expert advice.

I have no interest in selling this and no commercial gain will be made from advice of the forum.

Many thanks for your patience and for any insight that you might have on this.

[Brian]

WW2 soldier's knife. Usually the blades are utilitarian, but that horimono (carving) isn't terrible like many are. I'd say it's an above average example of a utilitarian Japanese tanto taken to war. Likely not 100% traditionally made, but it's a decent example and the militaria guys would like it a lot. Some will question whether it's the front end of a longer wakizashi that broke, but given the placement of the horimono and bonji on the other side, I suspect it was made this way. Get some oil on the blade, don't use anything abrasive.
It's a nice enough wartime militaria piece.

[John C]

Agree with Brian. A little nicer than most since it still has its leather cover (usually missing or never had one). Most of the time the nakago (tang) is rough and unsigned on these, however it may be worth a look to make sure. The leather cover should come off, though it may have to be worked a bit if it is stuck on.

 

John C.

 

[Viking99]

Many thanks for the information. It makes total sense given where and when my FIL was stationed (Adak Island). It has already been a conversation starter in our family and I now have some real information to provide.

Does this thread need to be moved to the Military Swords of Japan section?

Thanks again - it seems like a very nice community here.

Viking99

[ROKUJURO]

Mike,

you almost had the type of blade correct: It is MOROHA ZUKURI.