Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the legendary WWII Production USN Mark 2 "Ka-Bar" fighting knife with a MK2 Scabbard. Overall length of this Mk2 is 12 inches, with a 7 inch clip-point blade. As this is a 2nd model knife, the markings are stamped into the blade ricasso as follows:

U.S.N.
MARK 2

The other side is marked:

CAMILLUS N.Y.

The 1st pattern of these knives by Camillus were not marked 'MARK 2' and also had a split washer attached to the pommel. This was quickly replaced with a pinned pommel.

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 correct straight crossguard, though it has been bent back a little. It features original leather washer grip, which does show wear and rounding from use. It does not have any major damage or cracks and both the guard and pommel are still tight without any movement.

The blade shows some use, and has not been sharpened too much. Most of the original finish has been retained with only wear on the edge. A great "service worn" example here, with loads of patina.

The scabbard is the Navy Mk2 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 2, and the rear is marked NORD - 4723 / 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 November 1943 and July 1944. It was manufactured by Beckwith Mfg. Co. a division of Victory Plastics. Scabbard is in very good condition, with just a bit of staining on the canvas from corrosion to the brass and steel rivets.

An exceptional example of the hard to find Blade Marked USN-marked "KA-BAR" knife, with a great personalized scabbard. No knife collection is complete without an example of a "Ka-bar".

Specifications:
Blade Length: 7"
Blade Style: Clip-point "Bowie" Style
Overall length: 12“
Crossguard: 2 3/8”
Scabbard Length: 8" with Belt Loop