Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic service used example of the legendary WWII Production U.S.M.C marked Mark 2 "Ka-Bar" fighting knife with leather belt sheath. Marine Corps issue knives are much harder to find on the market than the U.S.N. marked variety. Overall length of this Mark 2 knife is 12 inches, with a 7 inch clip-point blade. Of particular note is an original paper Camillus Cutlery Kabar “Care Card”, which is no longer attached to the scabbard, but makes for a great display nonetheless.

The markings on the crossguard are as follows:

CAMILLUS, N.Y.

The opposite is marked:

U.S.M.C.

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 WWII. 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 "swept back" cross guard. Knife features original leather washer grip, which is in excellent condition, with no cracks or splitting, and it has a 1/4" steel pommel with cross pinned tang. The grip is no longer as shiny, as it still has some of the original factory "buffed" finish.

The blade shows some of the original black finish. There is a heavy amount of wear and discoloration from the leather sheath, which it has been for decades. The blade has a great worn look to it.

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. This example retains the very rare Camillus “Care card”, and although the large section has been torn off it is still present. It is not currently attached to the scabbard. We will leave it as is but if the label were taped it would work fine for display.

An excellent example of an exceptionally hard to find USMC-marked "KA-BAR" knife! No collection is complete without one! Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 7"
Blade Style: Clip-point "Bowie" Style
Overall length: 12“
Crossguard: 2 7/16”
Scabbard Length: 8" with Belt Loop