NR-40 Soviet Knife Authenticity?

[spencerbaker]

Hey all, I bought this NR-40 Soviet fighting knife and I'm on the fence on whether it's a replica/repro - but there are some things that make me think otherwise. There's so little on these that it's difficult (for me at least) to verify the originality of them unless explicitly stated. The one thing that really stands out and makes me think it could be altered (or fake) is the belt-loop hanger seems odd-looking, and like it was replaced. The aging on the blade also looks a little funky, but this is my first time buying an edged weapon used in WWII (excluding an entrenching tool). Any help is seriously appreciated, thanks!

Front of the Knife -

Stamped w/ the Zlatoust "ZIK" with "1942" under it.

Back of the Knife -

Stamped w/ a "P" (proof mark? maybe?). The scabbard has a "2" on the metal parts on the left side of the rivets, with another "P" marking on the right side of the rivets.


Not shown, but on the guard of the knife near the blade, there is a "P" on one side, and a "2" on the other much like the riveted parts on the scabbard.

[Rescue190]

This should further a little research until the blades folks chime in.

Soviet fighting-knife of WWII "NR 40"

John

[MAP]

Larger format photos that can be expanded will help the guys here.

[spencerbaker]

More photos of the knife & scabbard. Hoping they're higher quality than the two I started the thread off with

[Marcel Banziger]

Still really bad pics. Try in daylight and in bigger size.

[spencerbaker]

Whoops, sorry about that fellas. Still learning the ropes.

[spencerbaker]

Hope these are much better this time.

[Asjemenou]

Hello Spencerbaker,

Your copy of the NR-40 scout knife is a replica in my opinion.
The shape of the hilt and blade, the ZIK factory logo on the blade and the belt loop do not give me a good feeling.
Compare your knife with this one; NR40 combat knife for scout and reconnaissance, ZIK, 1942!- Other fieldgear .