US Military Edged Weapons Reference

[Greg Robinson]

It will be the scope of this forum to provide reference data and pics on the as many US military edged weapons and tools as possible. Since nobody can know it all about everything input from others will not only be allowed but appreciated. I hope this forum will enable newbie collectors to make informed buying decisions.

 

Look for the following topics, plus others as I think of them, to be posted ASAP

 

1. US Model of 1905 Bayonet

A. 1st Production Period US Arsenals

B. 2nd Production Period Commercial Production WW2

 

2. USMC 1219c2 patern Fighting Utility Knife AKA "k-bar"

 

3. USN Mark 2 Fighting Utility Knife.

 

4. US M3 "Trench Knife"

[OldmanWilson]

I'll start, with what I believe this thread is purposed toward.

My choice, Topic B second production or civilian purchase. In this case the Western Shark. I have owned several models and have found what I believe inconsistencies in terminology. Many of the "Shark" labeled knives I see are simply prewar model L46. As the war year models would have full, steel crosguard or bakelite with either alloy or bakelite pommel. The brass guard, as well the half guard would be pre and post war civilian hunting models. Brass was in to hi demand for civilian use.  Keep in mind that many knife companies cleared the inventories at the onset of the war to provide for the huge influx of soldiers. Also consider that these knives are gonna (for the most part) be the most worn, as they were the first to serve and saw little rear echelon desktop service. Western of Boulder knives tended to wind up in the pacific theater, which proved very hard on the materials.  Thankfully the Navy had plenty of skilled machinists and foundries aboard ship, thus providing quality theater knives. Many Marine aviation units private purchased entire production lots of the G46, the "Shark" and the L77 to provide to units. Pilots did tend to like that sexy L77 while a cash flush pilot might even spend the extra for an L76. If you have that fellas knife let me know. Anyhoo,  that's my two cents worth. I spent lots of time researching and suffering losses for my errors,  I hope this little tidbit may help someone, even a little, in a future purchase.