Description
WW2 Ka-Bar USN UDT fighting knife, original “night camouflaged” NORD BM Co. composition scabbard. Scarce type in great overall condition, considering the age.
Scarce US Navy Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) knife with the classic bright finish “bright finish” 7″ blade, smooth stacked leather washers handle, and original NORD composition scabbard. The WW2 era Underwater Demolition Teams became the cornerstone of the modern-day Navy SEALs, by the way. This UDT knife type was manufactured by KA-BAR (Union Cutlery) in Olean, NY. Most of these UDT knives had their original manufacturer’s logos defaced; on this specimen Ka-Bar’s trademark is still partially visible on the guard. This exact UDT type is illustrated on pages 25-27 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 scans attached).
The knife is about 12″ / 30.5 cm overall; the blade is about 6-7/8″ / 17.5 cm. The edge has been sharpened to a razor-like edge; the tip is intact; no edge nicks or dings on the spine. Ricasso is unmarked as intended; the guard is stamped on the underside USN MK2 on one side and (partially defaced) KA-BAR on the other. Stacked smooth leather washers; steel guard and hammer-like round pommel; all parts are tight with no play. Original Navy-gray NORD composition scabbard was manufactured during the war by Beckwith Manufacturing division of Victory Plastics; it has been darkened on the front for lower visibility at night. Production numbers on the back of the throat indicate March 1945 delivery to the US Navy. No dents or chips; the webbing is in great shape; no cuts or holes; the keeper is intact; one thin crack on the rib near the tip is noted for accuracy. This scarce WW2 Ka-Bar USN UDT 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; Garand clips are not included with the lot 😉
For collectible knives and edged weapons Argo CC accepts payments via credit cards, personal checks drawn from US-based accounts, certified US-based bank checks, and money orders. Please email me at [email protected] if you would like to make a credit card purchase over the phone. Old-fashioned checks and money orders will work just as well; please take a look at the Payments section within our Terms and Conditions for mailing instructions and additional details. Follow me on Facebook @argoman400BC to keep an eye on the latest additions and promotions.
FREE USPS PRIORITY MAIL SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. FOR THIS ITEM!
International shipping for this item will be $55 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.
