Description
Original WW2 era “home front” type American fighting knife expertly converted from a commercial chef’s knife; original hand-made leather scabbard is included. Unmarked blade was probably a large butcher/chef’s knife; a pre-fabricated simple guard was made for a piece of sheet metal and simply screwed to the top of the handle. Early in the war a lot of civilian knifemakers and small private enterprises were making fighting knives for the American servicemen from whatever materials they could find in order to satisfy the demand for the much-needed edged weapons. Since high-quality steel, bronze and brass were conserved for the war effort, most of the “home front knives” were made from whatever materials were still available. Some were even made from old WW1 era cavalry swords that were cut-up and re-worked into fighting daggers. This is scarce example of a “non-regulation” US WW-2 era fighting knife of this type – a great find. This type is illustrated on page 185 of KNIVES OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY WORLD WAR II book by Michael W Silvey – a well-established expert and the author of a number of books on the subject of the US military edged weapons (see book’s page scans attached).
These simple and inexpensive “private purchase” fighting knives were popular with the troops during the war and most of these were used as intended. Very few specimens survived the war in presentable condition. This is an unusually well-made example made from a high quality blade. The overall form is with well-defined; its a simple but very practical knife. This knife is in practically unused condition; the blade is very sharp still still; the tip is intact; no edge nicks or dings on the pommel. Simple hardwood handle scales with two iron screws and a steel guard; the handle is tight with no play. The knife is about 11-3/4″ / 30 cm overall; the blade is about 7-1/8″ / 18 cm. Original leather scabbard in excellent overall condition, considering the age; the leather is still soft and supple still; all stitching is intact. This scarce WW2 American home front fighting knife is in 100% serviceable condition still; you will not be disappointed.
This original WW2 American home front fighting knife has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way, it is in 100% original “as is” condition. These are the actual photos; spent brass is not included with the lot 😉 I have a few more American, German, British, Italian, and French fighting knives, as well as some scarce WW2 and WW1 daggers, trench knives and bayonets available for sale – please take a look in the Militaria section.
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