Description
WW2 KA-BAR Parkerized Commando fighting knife with original leather scabbard included. Scarce “private purchase” type in excellent overall condition.
Original WW-2 era American fighting knife by the famous KA-BAR (Union Cutlery) company known as the “Parkerized Commando” with the non-reflective dark-gray finish on the blade. Privately manufactured during the war, these handy knives were sold to the American servicemen in need of an all-purpose fighting/survival knife. Ka-Bar was selling this type in the “polished finish” with chrome-plated blades, as well as the less common “dark finish” type with a non-reflective parkerized blade. This exact type is illustrated on page 161 of the KNIVES OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY WORLD WAR II book by Michael W. Silvey – a well-established expert an author of many books on the subject of US military edged weapons (see the book’s page scan attached).
A scarce type as it seems that most servicemen went for its fancier and more common “polished Commando” brethren. This specimen is only gently used, original edge, blade finish is intact – this knife is in better-than-average condition for the type. The distinctive brown Bakelite spacers at the ends of the handle and the pommel are in excellent shape. Stacked leather washers handle with thick round hammer-like iron pommel; all parts are tight. The guard’s top side is stamped KA-BAR / OLEAN, N.Y. The knife is about 10-1/2″ / 26.7 cm overall; the blade is about 6″ / 15.2 cm. The blade has not been re-sharpened; the edge is razor-sharp; the tip is intact. No dings or nicks on the spine or the pommel – this type is rare this nice. Original lather scabbard is in great shape as well, considering the age. The leather is soft and supple; all rivets and stitching are intact. Original keeper is a bit dry but is intact still. This scabbard is in 100% serviceable condition still; with proper care it will last you another 80 years 😉
Most of these KA-BAR Commandos were used in the field as intended; this type is hard-to-find in good grades – brittle Bakelite handle spacers were prone to cracking under stress. Overall, this WW2 KA-BAR Parkerized Commando fighting knife is in excellent shape – don’t miss your chance to add this scarce WW2 era fighter to your collection! These are the actual photos. I have a few more American WW2 era combat knives and bayonets, as well as several scarce WW1 and WW2 fighting daggers and trench knives from other countries available for sale – please take a look in our Militaria section.
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FREE EXPEDITED USPS PRIORITY MAIL SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. FOR THIS ITEM
International shipping for this item will be $45 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.
