US Marines KA-BAR Knife:

 1219C Fighting Utility Knife

The KA-BAR Combat Knife was adopted by the US Marine Corps in November 1942 as the 1219C (later, the USMC Mark2). 'KA-BAR' is the Trade mark of KA-BAR KNIVES Inc. (formerly UNION CUTLERY Co.) of OLEAN, New York. (This is not the cheaper WW2 M3 Trench Knife).

The 1219C "fighting-utility knife" traditionally has a 7" (178mm) 1095carbon steel or chrome-vanadium steel clip-point blade and a stacked leather washer handle. Four different makers supplied
this pattern knife to US forces during WW2. but they were all generally known as the 'ka-bar'.

- Historically – the name 'KA-BAR' dates from 1923 and comes from a fur trappers partially legible testimonial letter saying that his rifle jammed - and when attacked by the wounded bear- he used his knife to "Kill A BeAR" !

                                                  WW1 Mk1 Trench Knife

During WW1 both Marines and Army soldiers had complained that the MK1 trench knife with its bronze or alloy 'knuckle-duster' finger guard was difficult to holster in its sheaf and had limited grip positions in use. - Among replacement options tried were copies of the Fairburne-Sykes stiletto style fighting knife that was excellent for silent killing but useless for other functions, and the M3, Collins-Machetes - and Bowie Knives.

-The USMC 1219C KA-BAR was designed to be both a Fighting and Utility knife in co-operation with the USMC, - having a small fuller, a peened pommel (later pinned), a straight steel crossguard (later slightly curved), - and a stacked leather washer handle for better grip. The blade, guard and pommel were coated with a dark matte phosphate (now epoxy) finish. It entered service 71 years ago - December 1942. - Blades are blanked-out on a 100 ton press, heat treated, then tempered for several hours before grinding and assembly with the compressed oval shaped stacked leather washers, and the pommel is now pinned in place. - Currently made in USA but the excellent leather sheath is Mexican built - a good solid collectors knife.

Marty K.
After researching & writing 1,036 blogs I've got something NEW to try .. I've signed-up to Patreon. - In over five years I've not made one cent from this .. NOW you can send me a wee support $ - starting from $1. to get all this stuff from New Zealand - over a year that's nearly the price of one Shooting magazine. - Am I worth it?

https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16618870