Ek Made a Knife for WWII OSS?

[OldMarineVet]

I saw on the new KABAR Ek website under History, that Ek made knives for WWII OSS. Do you mind telling me which one? Thank you

 

[OFFICIAL_KA-BAR]

I didn't see that on the site. Ek did not make knives specifically for the OSS. OSS generally did not have specific items made for them (outside of Liberator Pistols and a few firearm and firearm accessories). The Operational Groups in particular favored regular issue gear as they feared having any type of special items would increase the odds they would be executed as spies. Ek Knives and probably even some KA-BAR's made their way into the hands of OSS agents and soldiers, but it was most likely through trades or that they just happened to be available.

-OKB

 

[OldMarineVet]

Thank you. I went to this link from KABAR email "The Rebirth of Ek Knives"

http://ekknives.com/the-history.html

Mr. Ek, who also employed disabled Americans, produced six models of knives beginning in 1941. He referred to these knives as “Ek Commando Knives” as they were purpose built for close quarter use that would become a hallmark of the US Marine Raiders, US Army Rangers, First Special Service Force, and Office of Strategic Services’ Operational Groups.

Thanks

 

[OFFICIAL_KA-BAR]

Thank you. I went to this link from KABAR email "The Rebirth of Ek Knives"

http://ekknives.com/the-history.html

Mr. Ek, who also employed disabled Americans, produced six models of knives beginning in 1941. He referred to these knives as “Ek Commando Knives” as they were purpose built for close quarter use that would become a hallmark of the US Marine Raiders, US Army Rangers, First Special Service Force, and Office of Strategic Services’ Operational Groups.

Thanks

Thanks for that. I can see how that is confusing. We were referring to the style of fighting of these groups and how close quarter combat is what John Ek had in mind when he made the knives. I have a feeling he would have been ecstatic if the OSS would have used his knives in quantities, but there were too many logistical obstacles. I think it may be more accurate to say that he was inspired by these groups, though the Marine Raiders did use his knives and favored them.

-OKB

 

[sac troop]

Yes OSS got their equipment from a variety of sources, and sometimes there's still a paper trail. A friend uncovered a Navy document from the National Archives in the spring of 1945 where the Navy approved a request for 75 Mark 1 knives to the OSS. Not the sexiest blade available, but cheer up some of those Mark 1's could have been KA-BAR's.

 

[Zemapeli]

Interesting