Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Ian · 12th July 2024, 07:43 AM

Hi Pitt,

Thanks for reposting this interesting piece. I agree that this could well have been made in the Philippines, possibly during WWII. Filipino craftsmen are good at assembling facsimiles of other cultures' knives, and I have seen many contemporary small "tantos" sold as souvenirs around the country. Some are actually quite good little knives. Also, there are many Japanese visitors to the Philippines.

This one might have been made for a GI, or it could have been made for a Japanese soldier. Not all Japanese soldiers inherited fine weapons or could afford a well made tanto. Your knife looks like it has seen some use.

I like these old warriors. Yours could probably tell a few tales.

12th July 2024, 07:43 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Hi Pitt, Thanks for reposting this interesting piece. I agree that this could well have been made in the Philippines, possibly during WWII. Filipino craftsmen are good at assembling facsimiles of other cultures' knives, and I have seen many contemporary small "tantos" sold as souvenirs around the country. Some are actually quite good little knives. Also, there are many Japanese visitors to the Philippines. This one might have been made for a GI, or it could have been made for a Japanese soldier. Not all Japanese soldiers inherited fine weapons or could afford a well made tanto. Your knife looks like it has seen some use. I like these old warriors. Yours could probably tell a few tales.