Camillus Marine Combat Knife

B

burtzolotar

Joined
Oct 15, 2001
Messages
125
Can anyone tell me how the current Camillus Marine Combat Knife really compare to the Camillus Mark II knife made during World War II?

I've become interested in WWII knives and might like to start with some reproductions. EBay has frequent auctions of what are represented as being WWII Mark I and II knives that I might go after later. Are there others out there collection these knives in particular?
 
Mark 2 knives manufactured during WWII are very similar to the current model #5684 and #5685. The first Mark 2's made in 1943 featured a threaded tang to secure the leather handle. Early knives were stamped on the blade. In late 1943 the tang was redesigned and the butt cap was retained by a horizontal pin and the stamping was moved to the guard. All WWII era Mark 2's have the ends of the guard angled toward the handle and had a medium brown colored handle. A small number of chrome plated Mark 2's were made during WWII.
Later knives (post WWII) were usually stamped U.S. and Camillus on the blade. Most handles were dark brown or black with a matching sheath. A reproduction USMC model with a medium colored brown handle and sheath was introduced in the 1990's. These post WWII knives all have a straight guard.
Tom Williams
Camillus Cutlery Co.
 
Another question for ae friends at Camillus Cutlery:

Is it the Marine Corps Mk II or Navy Mk II? And what was the Mk I?

Thank you.
 
During WWII the Mark 2 was made for the U.S.N. and U.S.M.C. Same knife except for the stamping. The Mark 1 is a smaller knife with a 5" blade. If you e-mai me your postal mailing address, I will send you information on the Mark 1, Mark 2 and other knives made by Camillus during WWII.
Tom Williams
Camillus Cutlery Co.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top