EK Knife unmarked blade

[Papaw]

I recently received this unmarked EK Bowie. The blade is all black with no markings however the sheath does have an EK tag. I put the extra cord wrap on the handle to make it fit my hand better. There is not a lot of info about EK's out there but it appears the Effingham IL knives are the least desirable to collectors. I"m thinking of putting a better grip on it but if it is collectible I don't want to mess it up. If anyone knows about EK's please comment, thanks.

 

[redwood0_7]

I used to collect Ek knives. According to the web the company was started in Hamden,Conn. in 1941, moved to Miami, Fl in 1949 and then later to Effingham,Ill. I always considered Ill. knives to be very collectable. This is just a short version of their history.

 

[Diamondtreo]

I have a similar blade pattern but wood slab grips & steel guard. Mine is from Richmond Va. & I've probably had it for 15 - 20 yrs. Looks like the logo is acid-etched onto the base of the blade next to the guard. Mine looks like this one: ek bowie knife - Bing Images I believe it cost me around $39 back then.

 

[mic214]

My EK Bowie has black Micarta handles and a polished blade. It is marked "1941 Commando" as well as "World War II, Korea and Vietnam" listed on it. The hilt and handle screws are brass. The sheath is marked "Richmond, Virginia":



I also have an EK "Diver's" knife. The blade is subdued stainless steel with black Micarta handles and black screws. It has the same markings as my Bowie. This one has "Made in U.S.A Effingham, IL." marked on the right side of the blade:

 

[Rangerpat]

FWIW - I recently read on the "internet" that Ka-Bar Knives has bought EK Knives and will start making them at their plant in Olean, N.Y.

 

[Photog]

I am by no means an expert, but having owned a dozen or so EK knives I would bet that this is a refinished knife. I have a similar knife and the guard is a stamped rectangle of steel, and mine has wood handles. At the time I bought mine from, I think, The Cutlery Shoppe, they had a version with paracord handle and brass guard. All were either a dull parkerized type finish or a semi polished finish. Either way, they are hell for stout knives.

 

[00 buck]

30 dollar knife
If it had ek on it 130 dollar or more
Hilt too thin to be a real ek knife IMO