Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original U.S. WWII Navy Mark 2 Fighting Utility Knife manufactured by PAL Blade Company, retaining the desirable RH-37 blade marking, distinctive red handle spacers, and an original BOYT / 43 U.S.N. leather scabbard. The knife measures approximately 12” overall with a 6 3/4” clip point blade and retains roughly 70% of its original blade finish, making this a particularly attractive service used example of one of the classic American fighting knives of WWII.

The markings on the ricasso are as follows:

U.S. NAVY

The opposite is marked:

RH (PAL) 37
MADE IN U.S.A.

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 before that change. It also has the slightly swept back cross guard.

One of the most attractive features is the stacked leather handle with its contrasting red spacers. Red and dark spacer combinations are a recognized characteristic of PAL RH-37 Mark 2 knives and are highly sought after by collectors. The leather washers remain in good overall condition, with no significant cracking or splitting, although the grip has darkened from age and use.

About 70% of the original blade finish is still present, with wear along the edge from sharpening. It has a heavy steel pommel with cross pinned tang. The blade is in good overall condition, and is still sharp.

The leather sheath is the standard type used with the Mark 2, and is in good service-used condition. It is marked U.S.N. on the throat, and on the belt loop with BOYT / 43 for 1943 manufacture by Boyt. The leather is crazing heavily and there is verdigris on the snap fittings. The leg tie down is retained and in great shape.

With its PAL RH-37 blade markings, U.S. NAVY designation, desirable red spacers, approximately 70% surviving blade finish, intact stacked leather grip, tight pinned pommel, and original BOYT 43 U.S.N. scabbard with leg tie, this is a strong and visually complete example of the wartime Navy Mark 2. It would be an excellent addition to a collection focused on U.S. Navy edged weapons, WWII fighting knives, or the development of the American Mark 2 Fighting Utility Knife.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 6 3/4"
Blade Style: Clip-point "Bowie" Style
Overall length: 12“
Crossguard: 2 7/16”
Scabbard Length: 7" with Belt Loop