All I know about this dagger or boot knife was that it was picked up in the Philippians during the war. What did I get? I know nothing about Japanese militaria and took the vet on his word. I am assuming that it is Japanese since he just told me that it came from the Philippians. The sheath has much to be desire but the knife itself is in great condition. Thanks for any help.

It's not Japanese. It a Sykes-Fairbain british knife or at least a copy of one.

This was picked up in Hawaii by the serviceman I bought it from in 1943. He won it in a poker game and it has sat in various tool rooms of his, since his return home from the war. Its authenticity is not in doubt the only question of mine was just which country it originated from since he only knew it was made pre-1943 and was picked up in the Philippians. Thanks for your reply I now know that country.

I think it's American. The sheath definately is. Possibly a USMC stiletto. They had a lightly etched panel on the blade with "USMC". Because of the condition of this one, it probably no longer shows. As mentioned, they were patterned after the Fairbairn-Sykes design. They were never popular with the Marines and are consequently hard to find. Most are found in rough shape. Check this one on Simpson's site.
http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_info.p...8c4ab49ab92d580
I haven't kept up with prices on these, but suspect Simpson's price would be more in line with a nicer one than he shows. At least one which still had the etching on the blade. Any maker markings? If I remember correctly, Camillus made these.

Looks like a USMC Raider Stiletto, rather rare knife. It should have a white pot metal grip , generally cracked and crazed. Too bad about condition.

Perhaps Dave can move this thread to the "United States Militaria" forum where it will get more comments.

This sure looks like a USMC "Raider" stilletto. As mentioned it should have a scroll with USMC lightly engraved on the blade. In nice shape these run about 800-1200. Even in this shape it is still a desirable knife ( I don't have one in my collection yet...)

Wow, thanks for all the responses fellas. I didn't realize they were quite so rare and valuable. Still not sure what I am gonna do with it since its not really in the realm of stuff I collect.

Was the vet that had it a marine or was he army and did he pick it up long the way? What unit was he with?

Hey Jerry how it going? From what the vet told me he picked it up in Hawaii winning a hand of poker, this was in 1943. The serviceman who lost the bet just returned from the Philippians with it. After comparing it with the Marine Raiders Stiletto on various sites I can tell with out a doubt that is what I have. It is to bad the etching is gone but the Stiletto is in otherwise great condition. It appears they were know for the grips and crossguard cracking because of the cheap aluminum pot medal mix they were made from. Mine is not cracked and appears very sound. From what I have been reading even in this shape it is a very desirable knife because they produced under 50k of this the entire war. So it isn't very common find. Alas why can I never find the chained SS, something I collect. Then I again I won't ever complain about this fine.

Adam, yep thats a raider knife and in the proper sheath too. Nice find!! Jerry is spot on with values also FYI. Congrats!

Fritziii