Code: J0, J1
From Japan, the “Aikuchi" is a dagger mounted without a tsuba (guard). They were an extreme back-up weapon if it came down to grappling on the battlefield. It is worth remembering that as serious weapons, after the Tachi, Katana, and Wakizashi, there were few deadly options left to the samurai warrior.
Aikuchi were also given to women to protect themselves. Without the tsuba (a guard found on the katana and other swords of Japan), these knives were much easier to conceal.
Aikuchi were sometimes having been made from longer blades that were broken, or from blades that didn't come through the yaki-iri (hardening process) in good shape. The reshaping was done by cutting off the end and reshaping the lines of the blade with polishing stones rather than running it through the forge a second time.
The quality of the carving is one of the principle measures of value for a Aikuchi. It is difficult to tell whether the scabbard and hilt of these knives are made from bone, stag antler (better) or elephant ivory (best).
Most of the Aikuchi found today are bone or antler, and date from the time of the Meiji Restoration (c. 1867). The fine relief carving on these show the Emperor and samurai engaged in various scenes.
Partly because of the inferior quality of the blade in comparison with the blades on weapons such as the Katana, Tachi, and others, Nihonto collectors sometimes refer to Aikuchi as “hocho tetsu”, or “kitchen steel”, a most derogatory term in sword circles. Nevertheless, the Aikuchi served its purpose as a “last line of defense” as well as capturing the artistic vision of its time with its unique carving.