with this USMC fighting knife please.

**erica** · 03-28-2013, 04:59 PM

Hi

I am looking for help with this knife, which has a 6 inch long black blade with a leather handle.

All information gratefully received, thank you

**Gunny Hartmann** · 03-28-2013, 05:10 PM

I think these were designated M3 fighting knife.
the last photo is a bayonet though

**rbminis** · 03-28-2013, 05:12 PM

Hello Erica,
The top photo you have posted is, I believe an American M-8 knife. The second photo you have posted is a bayonet, if I am correct.
Ralph.

**erica** · 03-28-2013, 05:13 PM

Hi, My blue, sorry. The last photo is now in the post where it should be !

**Walkwolf** · 03-28-2013, 06:14 PM

It is an earlier version of the US M3 fighting/utility knife made by Case.
The first of this type had the date '1943' on the blade - this was
removed during the first two months of production.

These knives were in production for only a year and a half. The blade
is 'Parkerised' which helps prevent rust. The scabbard is an M8
made by 'Victory Plastics'. It's the first model - without the
wire belt attachment sewn into the webbing.

Case is a high quality maker who are still in business, and this knife
was made in fewer numbers than some of the other 8 makers
so is much sought after. These were not used by the USMC,
who had their own USN MK 2 knives.

Below are two examples made by Camillus (Blade dated)
and Imperial (Guard marked):