Trying To Identify A Kaiken/non-Regulation Officer's Dirk

[DrBill]

I'm trying to track down more information on a knife I acquired years ago, that has been variously identified to me as a WW2-era kaiken, kwaiken, non-regulation officer's dirk, or kamikaze dirk.  The blade appears to be machined mill steel, but does have a real hamon.  The nakago is short, less than half the length of the tsuka, with no mei.  There is an inscription on the tsuka, for which I'm seeking a translation in another forum.  Kojiri and kashira are horn.  Fuchi, koiguchi, and mekugi appear to be bone.  Habaki appears to be multiple pieces soldered.  Any information is appreciated.

 

[Brian]

Need to post a pic of the nakago. Generally these are utilitarian soldier's daggers, oil quenched. Nakago usually tells the tale. Short and unrefined is typical of these.

[Baka Gaijin]

The blade looks like a variant form of Unokubi zukuri, which was popular at the time of the Bakumatsu, but it seems rather thick for that period....

[DrBill]

Brian, here it is.  Pic was supposed to be with the first batch; just missed it.  Nakago is short and unmarked, and the mekugi ana appears to have been drilled.

 

[DrBill]

A responder in the translation forum said the inscription reads "Even after death, flowers bloom."