Malco Duct knife DK1 ???

[Doc1500]

This particular knife I got from an elderly uncle.
I have read that some people shipped these overseas in World War II to soldiers to be used as a fighting knife.
I'm having a hard time with that statement since the company says they started in 1950 and World War II ended in 1945.
Can somebody please shed some history on this nice double-edged blade.

 

[s&wchad]

I’ve got one of those. They vaguely resemble a stiletto , but they’re designed for HVAC installers to cut flexible insulated duct or score duct board. The old DK1 versions like ours have a machine forged carbon steel blade, a full tang and are well made. I don’t know about Malco, but many of the new duct knives are made in China.

You’re correct about Malco being founded in 1950 and the timing of WWII. People regularly use knives for unintended purposes (just watch my wife in the kitchen) and some may have been shipped overseas to Korea or Vietnam, but these were never intended as a combat knife or pig sticker.

 

[Marshwheeling]

It may not be intended as a pig sticker, but a lot of folks make stickers that resemble it, like the Dexter 1076 pig sticker on the right. I do not have much use for the double sharpened edge. No pigs here, and the dogs are off limits.

If you go out looking for a duct knife, you might end up with something like the Milwaukee on the left. Not a whole lot different from a sticker, with two cutting edges. One of these is serrated. I had a purpose in mind for this one, which has not yet come to fruition.

 

[dave1918a2]

I’ve got one of those. They vaguely resemble a stiletto , but they’re designed for HVAC installers to cut flexible insulated duct or score duct board. The old DK1 versions like ours have a machine forged carbon steel blade, a full tang and are well made. I don’t know about Malco, but many of the new duct knives are made in China.

You’re correct about Malco being founded in 1950 and the timing of WWII. People regularly use knives for unintended purposes (just watch my wife in the kitchen) and some may have been shipped overseas to Korea or Vietnam, but these were never intended as a combat knife or pig sticker.

That's a sharp assembly You have.

 

[Doc1500]

I would love to know when this particular design started and ended. It would give me a better idea as to when it was made. I know they're not worth much just curious as to the history.

 

[6518John]

I would call/write Malco tomorrow. I bet they would be glad to help. They are still in business.

Duct Knife | Malco Products

 

[StrawHat]

Used to find them all the time on jobsites. I use them in the garden on weeds.

Kevin