This type knife is referred to as an "Aikuchi" which is a dagger without a guard. Kwaiken is styled differently, and intended to be carried by women. These are often called "Kamikazi daggers", and are of the style carried by them. Your example is of better quality than most, and may be worthy of a polish. WWII era, or before. The leather cover denotes combat carry. As there was no regulation dagger for army officers, many of these were carried. Lots of these were given to departing soldiers by their mothers, grandmothers, etc. With a whispering in the ear of "Return victorious, or not at all" Nice piece.
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