Original Item. Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Model 1918 Mark I trench knife grip assembly manufactured by Landers, Frary & Clark, retaining the distinctive brass knuckle-style guard and handle but missing the blade, pommel nut, and scabbard. The grip remains clearly marked U.S. 1918 / L.F&C-1918 and measures approximately 4 ¼ inches long.

The U.S. Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife was the second major "Knuckle Knife" to be officially adopted and issued to the US military. It was developed for use in the horrific trench warfare that typified the stalemate on the Western Front during the latter part of World War One and saw use not only there, but during World War Two as well. The knife was manufactured in the United States by Henry Disston & Sons (H.D. & S.) as well as Landers, Frary & Clark (L.F. & C.) and Oneida Community Ltd (O.C.L.).

The knives were also produced in France and are marked with the usual 1918 and US marks, as well as Au Lion on the blade. In order to save time in getting the new knife to troops in the field, the first Mark I trench knives were procured from a French manufacturer, Au Lion (Au Lion/Société Générale, France). Whether this mark was a maker's mark or simply a motto is not known.

The U.S. M-1918 Mark I Trench Knife is easily identifiable due to its large "brass knuckle" style guard and grip. The knives were 11 ¾" in overall length, with a 6 ¾" dagger style blade. The brass grips were marked U.S. 1918 and with the makers name or initials, in this case L.F&C-1918.

This is just the grip piece, which includes the crossguard, knuckles, and handle. It is missing the blade and pommel nut, a great piece for someone who has both pieces. The grip measures roughly 4 1/4” long. It is still well-marked U.S. 1918 over L.F&C-1918.

This example is especially useful for its clear U.S. 1918 / L.F&C-1918 markings, intact knuckle guard, crossguard, and original 4 ¼-inch grip assembly. The missing blade, pommel, and scabbard are significant losses, but the surviving handle remains an original and desirable component from one of the most recognizable U.S. military fighting knives of WWI.