Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is an unusual period custom made knuckle knife constructed with a machined aluminum grip modeled after the U.S. M1918 Mark I trench knife and fitted with a broad double edged blade. The knife retains its long “skullcrusher” pommel and is accompanied by a substantial custom leather scabbard with an interior brass sleeve, multiple brass rivets, a belt loop, and a small hook for attaching a lanyard.

The exact maker and circumstances of manufacture are unknown. Its individually fabricated construction is consistent with the type of knife commonly described by collectors as theater made, but no named provenance or accompanying history is present to identify who made or carried it.

The grip is machine made aluminum, and is made to mimic the same general pattern as the WWI M-1918 Mark I Trench Knife by LF&C. The knife itself measures 11⅝” overall with a 6¾” blade and a 4⅞" grip. The blade has a single fuller through the middle of the blade on one side, and is roughly 1½” wide.

The cast aluminum handle has several manufacturing flaws, particularly on one side near the crossguard. These irregularities appear to be part of its original custom construction rather than later damage.

The long pointed “skullcrusher” pommel gives the knife a particularly aggressive profile and closely recalls the form of the M1918 Mark I trench knife, although this example differs considerably in both construction and blade design.

The custom-made leather sheath is quite intricate, with a very thick brass sleeve inserted to make for easier sheathing and removal. There are several brass rivets keeping the scabbard together, with one at the bottom which attaches a small hook for a lanyard. The thick top piece has a securing strap with a now-broken snap, and a riveted belt loop to the back which is quite crudely attached. There was much work put into this scabbard, and it is in overall good condition despite its issues. The length of the scabbard including the belt loop and hook is 14 ⅜”.

The U.S. M1918 Mark I trench knife was designed during WWI as a purpose built close combat weapon. Its cast metal knuckle grip, projecting finger points, double edged blade, and pointed pommel made it one of the most distinctive American fighting knives of the period. Individually made knives inspired by its form continued to appear during later years, particularly where servicemen or civilian machinists adapted available materials into personal fighting knives.

The machined aluminum M1918 style grip, broad double edged blade, extended pommel, brass lined leather scabbard, and unusual lanyard hook distinguish this knife from standard military issue examples. It would be appropriate for a collection focused on custom military knives, 1918 Mark I-inspired fighting knives, or American edged weapons from World War II.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 6 3/4"
Blade Width: 1 ½”
Overall length: 11 ⅝“
Scabbard Length: 14 3/8” overall