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inexpensive, bought in Japan in 1953

My Dad picked these up in Japan during the Korean war(1953). I've searched and searched, but can't find any info. I did find what a person called a dragon knife that had a similar construction. My Dad never had much money so they were likely inexpensive. I think the blade is stainless and the pieces on the top and bottom of the handle appear to be aluminum. A brass(brass color) nut is set into the top piece. No markings. Any ideas. One other thing. What gives the blade the different color near the edge. I've heard of folding metal, but Stainless?. Well, I'm here to learn.

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Permalink Reply by Lars Ray on July 6, 2023 at 19:42

Hi Bill - welcome to iKC! That's a nice pair of daggers you have there....but then I am a real sucker for Boots, Daggers, and Dirks. Yours here have a similar design to one I used to own, which is why I am commenting.

No markings what-so-ever, eh? Hmmm...Well I can't say for certain, but these look very much like those by Gutman Cutlery. Gutman, along with some other "Brand" name companies like F.A Bower and Edge imported decent but inexpensive knives like these from Japan and West Gernmany throughout the 50's, 60's, and 70's. My dagger was from the mid 50's as well, and had G.C.C.C. (Gutman Cutlery Co, NY).

That different color along the edge you ask about appears to be an acid etched hamon...replicating the edging you see on Japanese swords (Google hamon katana - lots of great images for you). Since these were made for import, this feature added a little exoticness (if that can be a word) and blade value. Today, such features are common place - much in the same way as acid-etched Damascus. But at the time, you knew by looking at the piece it was from Japan!

I sold mine back in 2015 for $125.00...namely because it was stamped G.C.C.C. and it was vintage. Quality notwithstanding, these are very collectible - particularly if we (meaning you) can confirm the manufacturer.

Along with that, you would do well to brush up on your post-war Japanese history for the years 1945-1970. Up until 1967, Japan was baned from selling and exporting "edged weaponry", although they could produce dull-edged replica's and souveniers. However, they were allowed to manufacture under licence for export....enter Gutman, F.A. Bower and others.

So with all that, we may not have identified [yet] who the specific manufacturer is of your delicious daggers, but I think we're on the right path. As this posting gains traction, I think others within the community might be able to shed additional light onto the subject.

I hope this helps. Thanks for sharing these - I enjoyed oggling....err...respectfully reviewing these! :-)