I found this while metal detecting around where an old barn had once been. it is now my metal detecting dig knife. no one in the neighborhood could remember anyone with the initials on the handle. it is a Camillus. still a good sharp knife despite the appearance. lee

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Nice find……you might try a google search for thr initials……it would be a long shot, but it might also be a start…….

Semper Fi!

Now that's what I call patina.

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Not in jail.

You have an unusual, not rare just unusual, knife with the "USN MARK 2" markings. Only one company used the mark 2 stamping on the blades and then not that many compared to the total number they produced.

I remember as a kid, going to the local army surplus stores and seeing buckets full of Mark 2's with a sign "$5 your choice".

I have two that were issued to my Dad, both Camillus Mk 2's.

Bill

Actually for something buried in the dirt it does not look as bad as one would think. Way to go. Frank

Hi:
IIRC (?) these issue knifes came with a hard sheath that had a type locking device at the sheath mouth that was thought to sharpen the blade as it was drawned out and re-seated.

And the plastic sheaths were not only protective to the user, they didn't rot at sea on in jungles. And didn't need to be polished.

THAT'S A GREAT FIND. ITS AMAZING THAT ITS IN SUCH GOOD CONDITION. IT DOESN'T APPEAR THAT YOU CLEANED IT VERY AGGRESSIVELY, WHICH IS NICE. IT RETAINS ITS CHARACTER…...

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I'd probably clean, polish the handle, hone, and use the bugger. You can likely buy a new sheath from Ka-Bar. Camillus is gone. New knives of that brand come from China.

I like the WWII knives of this sort better, as they have slimmer handles and often, better workmanship.

I suspect that even collectors would admire that knife if it was cleaned off and oiled. Even a wet toothbrush should remove most of the dirt, etc. Mind you, I'm not a finicky collector. I like to see such things restored, if they merit the work.

I've cleaned all I am going to. it had a lot of caked on stuff that came off fairly easy but the one spot on the blade was very pitted and rusted. I knocked off the big chunks and it didn't take much sharpening. I just stick it in my belt while metal detecting. the rest of the time it lays in the closet. lee