Ww2 Tanto Needing Translated

[cahokianartifacts76]

I really needs some help, I picked up an neat ww2 era tanto from a vet's estate and was wondering if anyone could tell me what this says?  Also does anyone concur that this is a Japanese pilots sword or Kamikaze type suicide knife.  Thanks in advance!  KW

[NihontoSeeker]

Any object can be used to end ones life

[DGARBUTT]

This is most likely a post war souvenir piece made for sale to GI's and tourists. These are common and appear  at gun shows frequently. The daggers reported, but never confirmed, to be used by kamikaze pilots supposedly had a cord to hang around the neck so it could be used in the last seconds before impact - a very dubious proposition. Can't help with translation of the kanji.

[peterd]

Hi, Yoshi Kuni perhaps very poor mei. Not genuine I think ?

[Brian]

These are not pilots or kamikaze knives in 99% of the cases. Yet to see one documented to that use. Just fanciful Western wishing.

Typical general purpose soldier's knife, and then also post war souvenir. Genuine, but mass produced and non-traditionally made. Oil quenched. They sell as interesting items of militaria but are pretty far removed from Nihonto as such. At least it isn't Chinese

 

Brian

[Kai-Gunto]

Kamikaze dirks saya and tsuka are made of dark rosewood.

[lonely panet]

I guys,

 

I was under the thinking that they could have been given as gifts to soldiers, like a bit of a good bye gift.

 

also how can you tell the difference between ww2 production and post war production?

 

regards H