[masraum]

Originally Posted by sketchers356

Looks like Japanese characters to me, but mostly guessing based on the shape.

The Japanese use Chinese characters unless they are using katakana or hiragana.

It looks like the symbol at the bottom is two lions standing with their front paws on a flower. I'd say cherry blossom, but they have 5 petals where the symbol has 6. I'd also expect a Japanese knife to have wooden handles, but I don't know why. That just seems more Japanese to me.

I'm going to guess Chinese, but it's just a guess. I don't have enough experience with Asian cutlery to really give an informed decision.

We've got at least 2 folks maybe 3 that I suspect should be more than expert enough to give you a pretty clear idea. Alf, if he's still around, has a website where he sells Japanese swords. I think one is Vash (worked in a Chinese kitchen, I think). Overpaid Slacker is another kitchen cutlery nut who's got an impressive collection of Asian knives.

The only thing that I can say for certain is that it's no Cold Steel Katana!! (that one's for Snipe)