Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Navy MK1 knife was used as both a utility knife and a fighting weapon. While some undoubtedly saw combat, particularly with Naval Aviators, these blades were mostly used for everyday functions aboard ship and ashore. The Mark I knives were Navy issue throughout WW2 and remained in inventory through the Vietnam war. They were purchased in huge quantities so replacements were not needed for many years.
From a collecting standpoint the beauty of the Mark I knives is in the wide variety of makers and blades that can be found. As for values, like most things USGI blades are evaluated based on scarcity and condition.
This knife is an excellent UNISSUED example, and we have only seen a few in similar condition. All leather grip washers are intact and present, and it was made by the Camillus Cutlery Co. of Camillus, N.Y.. The plastic butt cap is in great shape and is tight on the grip, so the leather has not shrunk while in storage. The knife measures 9 5/8" overall, with a 5" clip point blade. The blade is nicely marked U.S.N. / MARK 1 on the ricasso and CAMILLUS / N.Y. on the reverse. The original factory black finish is retained completely, with just the factory sharpening removing the finish on the very edge.
Please note that this knife is VERY SHARP, so handle with care.
The scabbard is the early MK 1 version, very similar in construction to the M8 scabbard for the M3 fighting knife, with a thermoplastic impregnated cotton fabric body, metal throat, and canvas frog and securing strap. The front of the throat is marked U.S.N / MK 1, and the rear is marked NORD - 6804 / B.M. Co. with a stylized V P logo. The NORD number is for the US Navy contract it was produced under, which was delivered between March 1945 and May 1945. It was manufactured by Beckwith Mfg Co. a division of Victory Plastics. Scabbard is in excellent unissued condition, with just a bit of storage wear and oxidation to the fittings.
Overall a fantastic unissued example of an iconic knife used in WWII. No collection of World War II US military knives is complete without a Mark 1, and this is the perfect opportunity to acquire one that looks like it was only made a few years ago.
Dimensions:
Blade length: 5”
Blade Style: Clip-point "Bowie"
Overall length: 9 5/8”
Crossguard: 1 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 6" + Belt Frog
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