A ranking of vintage military knives?

otis24 · Dec 26, 2023

Does anyone know of a source (video, etc) that compares and ranks various vintage military utility and survival knives? I obtained a couple of Ka-Bars. One, an early model with red spacer, which I gave to my son who is an all-things-military/WW2 nut. I didn’t care for the Ka-Bars due to the thin hand guard. My personal favorite is the Cattaraugus 225Q.

30-30remchester · Dec 26, 2023

I have collected antique US military knives for 5 decades now and have several tubs full. The question was which was BEST? like asking who is the prettiest girl in school. Many opinions and no correct answer.
The Quartermasters 225's is probably my least favorite. But that is my opinion. However as much as I don't like them, I will admit it is one of the toughest. Which is best is different for every person. As much as I like my Cole 9 knuckle dagger, one of only 13 known to still exist, it is still not my favorite. I know this will make some puke, but a favorite of mine is a Mark 1 made by Colonial with a rubber handle. Just feels right to me.

444 Magnum · Dec 26, 2023

My favorites are the Krag Bowie's. An early attempt at a fighting knife/bayonet combo. They've got a great look and feel. I imagine manufacturing cost was a main consideration in discontinuing them.

I've been able to acquire a few along the way. Here's one of my four.

30-30remchester · Dec 26, 2023

444 Magnum said:
Probably wasn't the best or they would have made more, but my favorites are the Krag Bowie's. An early attempt at a fighting knife/bayonet combo. They've got a great look and feel.

I've been able to acquire a few along the way. Here's one of four.

I would drown a litter of kittens in ice water to have one of these beauties.

walnutred · Dec 26, 2023

I like the Krag Bowie but I can see why few were made. Neither a good bayonet or good knife. I think the best US issued knife is a variation of the MIL-K-818. Although the Mk1 is a close second.

30-30remchester · Dec 26, 2023

I sold a lot of my MIL-K's over the years but still have a double handful. Far from beautiful hand crafted but darn near Marine proof.

80sgyrene · Dec 26, 2023

The Marine Raider Bowie (Collins 18) is actually a great knife for the theater that they were in. Mini machete that could be used for many tasks, including combat.

I made a copy out of a Case blade, used G10 instead of horn.
Don’t have to feel guilty beating on it, as I would with an original.

THE PILGRIM · Dec 26, 2023

I also like the 225Q.
And there is that pre-production KaBar with a Brass Guard that Marine Raider Gordon Warner showed me.
But I’ll go with the one I carried.
It’s the one on the bottom.

jpage · Dec 26, 2023

WW2 Schrade M2

My Fav, used by Army Airborne Troopers.

Hawg Rider · Dec 27, 2023

My Dad served 4 years oversees with the USAAF in WWII. He had this Case XX Bowie, and brought it home with him. He called it a Pilot's Survival Knife, but I'm not sure if that was a real name or not. The original sheath was modified back in the day with a strap and snap. He passed it down to me many years ago, and I will eventually pass it along to one of my sons. Enjoy!

old tanker · Dec 27, 2023

My favorite is the M3 fighting knife and its progeny, the M4 thru M7 bayonets. I think it is rugged, and that the spear point blade is favorably skewed more towards fighting than a repurposed hunting knife like the Ka-Bar or the Camillus Pilots Survival Knife

80sgyrene · Dec 27, 2023

Hawg Rider said:
My Dad served 4 years oversees with the USAAF in WWII. He had this Case XX Bowie, and brought it home with him. He called it a Pilot's Survival Knife, but I'm not sure if that was a real name or not. The original sheath was modified back in the day with a strap and snap. He passed it down to me many years ago, and I will eventually pass it along to one of my sons. Enjoy!

Known as the v-44 survival knife. Made by different companies, they were carried in jungle bail out kits.
The Collins version was later carried by the 2nd Raider battalion.
They were called the #18 machete.
Some had horn handles, most were composite.

Greyman50 · Dec 27, 2023

Try and find and buy Cole’s books on military knives.

A ranking of vintage military knives?

otis24

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