Original Japanese Late Edo Period Women's Kaiken Dagger with Lacquered Handle & Scabbard - Handmade Blade Military Books & Documents Check the photos to see

Check the photos to see what the loop looks like

This typical design has a cruciform hilt/guard with huge broad blades

while the belts are undated or show post war dates

and is maker marked on the blade with HARVEY

Original Japanese Late Edo Period Women's Kaiken Dagger with Lacquered Handle & Scabbard - Handmade Blade Military Books & Documents Check the photos to seeOriginal Item: Only One Available. Purchased at a recent military show, this is a very nice Japanese Kaiken (), which translates to "pocket sword". Very similar to the Tanto ( short sword), these were often worn by women, and were used strictly for combat and self defense purposes. Typically measuring 2025 cm (810 in) long with a single edged blade, these were usually housed in a plain mount with minimal ornamental fittings. These were once carried by