Original Item: Only One Available. The grip for the Ka-Bar fighting knife could have been made by E.W. Stone Sr. but it more likely a World War Two period (not post war) produced clone of the ones produced by E.W. Stone Sr. during WWII. This variant is known among collectors as the "pig nose" variant due to the shape of the skull nasal passages.

Stone was the Chief Molder aboard the USS Holland in the Pacific Theater. These knives were designed for Marines, Naval, and Army personnel who requested a handle on their knife that would not slip, twist, mildew, or rot and had knuckles and an efficient skull crusher. Made for the island hopping seaborne invasions utilizing Japanese aluminum from Mitsubishi seaplane props that was alloyed and cast onto US issue blades and others to make edged weapons.

The blade from this example is from a fine Camillus manufactured Ka-Bar U.S. fighting knife. The blade is in very good condition and free of nicks. It still has the original CAMILLUS, NY marking on the right side right next to the cast aluminum. The cast handle is in very good to excellent condition with much detail and minor wear. The original leather scabbard is supple and strong.

The Mk2 Knife was developed as an improvement over the Mk1 design, which had issues with blade snapping due to the thinner design. Working with Union Cutlery, USMC Colonel John M. Davis and Major Howard E. America contributed several important changes, including a longer, stronger blade, the introduction of a small fuller to lighten the blade, a peened pommel (later replaced by a pinned pommel), a straight (later, slightly curved) steel crossguard, and a stacked leather handle for better grip. The knife was officially known as the 1219C2, but it was commonly called the "Ka-Bar" after the trademark of Union Cutlery that was on the blades of early examples. The first production order went out to Camillus Cutlery Company, who produced the largest number of knives during WW2. The design was subsequently adopted by the Navy as the US Navy Utility Knife, Mark 2, and the USMC adopted it as the USMC Mark 2 Combat Knife, or simply the Knife, Fighting Utility.

In 1944, the US Navy put through a change order to have the markings moved from the blade to the cross guard, so this knife was produced after that change. It also has the later war slightly swept back cross guard. It features original leather washer grip, which is in good shape with no cracks or splitting. It definitely does show wear however, with a slightly darkened color. The cross guard and pommel are slightly loose, as the leather has shrunk.

About 40% of the original blade finish is still present, with the usual wear from the scabbard and use. It has been sharpened at least once, and the false clip point edge was sharpened as well. The blade is in good condition, and is still sharp, with with a few small edge dents from use. The edge profile is also slightly curved due to sharpening.

The leather sheath is the standard type used with the Mark 2, and is in just lovely worn condition. These were originally issued in natural leather, and this has faded to a darkened brown from use. The stitching, rivets and securing strap is present without any extensive damage.

A wonderful example ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 6 ⅞”
Blade Style: Clip-point "Bowie" Style
Overall length: 12“
Crossguard: 2 ½”
Scabbard Length: 7 3/4" with Belt Loop