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#1
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WWII Japan knife
Ed
After you left the chat room last week, I told those present about a knife that a co worker brought for me to see. They asked me to post the story with some pictures so here it is. The story is from my co worker (Dave) as he remembers it being told by his father decades ago and I cannot verify the details. Daves father got on a ship destined for Okinawa during World War 2. By the time he reached his destination, the war was over and Daves Father was assigned to the troops that were overseeing the Japanese POWs. Dave's father became friends with one of the POWs. Before Dave's father and his POW friend (I have his name on a piece of paper that I left at work) parted ways, Daves father gave his new friend a US military knife (type unknown). This Japanese man took this knife and forged it into the blade shown in the pictures. He also made the handle and sheath and painted both the handle and sheath. He then returned it ti Dave's father. Dave remembers the paintings on the handle but they have worn off from being handled so much. Dave also had some letters that his father had recieved from his friend dated 1949. Again please see this for the story that it is as there is no way that the details can be verified. I am posting this for the interest of others. Brian Last edited by BrianT; 01-04-2008 at 07:56 PM. |
#2
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How awesome is that!!??
The World is a small place. __________________ Blade Show Table 8-Q What do you do when you see your ex in pain, limping and bleeding? Relax. Take a deep breath. Reload and then shoot again. http://www.andersenforge.com/ |
#3
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Very Nice!
That is pure craftsmanship,, after handling a genuine Japanese sword blade made by hand before electricity, I can really appreciate Japanese knife making quality!! Very Nice keep sake!! ---Jon
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#4
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That's a keeper! Nothing like history to make a blade special.
This is good for a laugh,I was a big fan of "Dr.Quinn Medicine Woman" the TV show.when it ended all the props from the show were auctioned off.My wife purchased the knife carried by the indian Chief,cloud Danceing for my birthday.Unlike yours mine is a piece of junk as knives go but it is one of my favorite pieces of my collection.Yours on the other hand has great personal history.I find that very special. |
#5
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How about a picture?
Hey Ranger 1,, I would still like to see that knife, how about posting a picture? --Jon
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#6
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Jon I'll post one on monday
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#7
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#8
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Wow! I wonder who the Japanese man was. The Knowledge and ability to forge knives or swords is not exactly widespread in Japan. It also has a good looking habaki (copper collar) from what I can see of the photo. Can you post another photo with a close up of the blade and habaki? Other than the paintings rubbing off, looks like you have taken fine care of it over the years.
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#9
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Fishguy
The makers name is Aoki Otogoro. He was 35 years old in 1948. This information I got from 1 of his letters. The knife is not mine, it belongs to a co worker and the pictures that I posted are all that I have. The fit on this piece is amazingly tight considering what tools I imagine he used to make it. Brian |
Tags |
blade, forge, knife, knife making, knives |
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