This traditionally forged Japanese tantō is signed "Kanefusa Saku" (兼房作) and measures 29.7 cm in blade length with a shallow 0.3 cm sori, exhibiting the practical proportions characteristic of late Muromachi-period daggers. It is mounted in a custom-made oversized Imperial Japanese Navy dirk mounting, indicating that the blade was privately selected by its owner rather than being a standard-issue weapon.
The blade displays a lively gunome-midare hamon, executed primarily in nioi, together with a well-forged itame-hada, reflecting the distinctive workmanship traditionally associated with the Mino school. The elegant yet functional construction is representative of the swords produced during Japan's Sengoku era.
Based on its sugata, hamon, and signature, the blade is likely attributable to the Kanefusa lineage of Mino Province, dating to the late Muromachi period (16th century).
The Kanefusa smiths were among the most respected sword makers of Seki, renowned for producing durable and highly effective blades that were widely favored by samurai during the Warring States period. This example represents an attractive opportunity to acquire a signed Mino-school tantō with classic Sengoku-period character.
Combined with its bespoke naval officer's mounts, this piece represents an attractive combination of an earlier traditionally forged Japanese blade and a unique military presentation, making it appealing to both collectors of Japanese swords and Imperial Japanese Navy militaria.