The wooden handle is oval in cross-section, tapering toward the pommel, covered in white stingray leather. The handle has a spiral groove, wrapped with twisted brass wire.
The pommel is rounded, decorated with a relief image of a cherry blossom flower and leaves. The bottom of the handle has a bushing decorated with a dotted engraved background. The handle is attached to the tang with a wooden pin, the ends of which are covered with menuki (decorative overlays).
The crossguard is flat, oval, with ends bent in different directions. Both sides of the crossguard have flat oval spacers (seppa), decorated with an ornament along the perimeter. All brass parts of the hilt are gilded. The blade is straight, flat, single-edged, polished, with a single narrow fuller running along the spine for the entire length. The apex of the blade is rounded, with a sharp point at the end of the spine. The hilt of the blade has a brass habaki.
During World War II, when copper/brass was in short supply, habaki were discontinued. By the end of World War II, the blade was made without fullers and was unpolished.
Daggers with blades from old tantō or hand-forged blades are also found, but very rare. This particular example is this model, as evidenced by the smith's signature on the spine.
Very rare nice dagger, hard to find !