Need Help identifying WWII Ka-Bar

[tequilajoe]

New Member here..

I was given my Grandfathers Ka-Bar from when he served in the Navy during WWII.

I am trying to find any information about it.

The blade is marked USN on one side and KA-BAR on the other.
The blade itself its not stamped MK2. There are no other marking on the crossguard or on the ricasso.

I haven't come across any pictures online that are the same as this, so is this a rare variation of the ka-bar?

I am also thinking about getting the knife cleaned up and the grip replaced. (If possible)
Who would I contact to get this done?
Maybe even having the blade re-parkerized.
Thoughts? opinions ?

High Res Photos

Flickr not showing images... but here is a link to the photo stream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49339275@N07/sets/72157630831453634/

 

[Toooj]

tequilajoe,

You have a mid-to-late WWII KA-BAR Navy MkII. (Best Guess; 1944)
It is characterized by: Thick pommel, rectangular, peened tang end and the hard fiberglass sheath.
Looks to be in pretty good shape. I wouldn't say it's a rare variation but like most WWII knives they are becoming collectable. Even more so because it's from your grand dad.
I wouldn't do anything but clean it with a toothbrush and wipe it down with mineral oil and a soft cotton rag.
But, hey, it's your knife; you can do what you want with it.
Can't give a value... it's against the Forum rules.
Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives

 

[Moosez45]

Nice WWII era blade, looks like its a gem of a knife, and a great find.

Alot of history caught up in that knife....


Thanks Toooj, as always, what a wealth of knowledge.

Moose

 

[orca8589]

tequilajoe - welcome to the forum.

Kabar still sells a USN version of the model 1217, so I'd say follow Toooj's instructions on cleaning, and buy a new USN version for use. That way you have some connection with your granddad's experiences, and years from now your kids or grandkids can see what a true relic of the war really looks like. The patina on your granddad's knife shows a lot of history in it. I'd put it in a shadow box and put it up on display.

~Chris