Was Mark II CS "weird"?

mr_wilson

mr_wilson

Joined
Jan 18, 2002
Messages
136
Received my Winter 2002 A. G. Russell knife catalog yesterday and in it was this ad:
www.agrknives.com/gerber/ge5710.html

I have 3 questions for ya:

1. Other than the knife being smaller than the original, how many of you 'Nam vets thought the original "Gerber Mark II CS" was weird because of the canted blade?

2. In your opinion, (I believe I know) why was the blade canted?

3. Do you think the "154CM at 59-61 Rc" is better than the original L6 or M2 tooled steel used for the Mark II?

While I don't have an original and am not interested in a copy that isn't accurate, I do own a Guardian II the later version in tooled steel which I consider to be one of the best steels ever use for a knife of this type and was offended by Mr. Russells' assertion that the "CS" model was weird.

Looking for feedback,
Mike
 
I too was a little surprised by Russell's description of the original Mark II. I carried and used an original many years ago (still have it) and didn't find any problems with it whatsoever. It is what it is, and served it's intended purpose well. The canted blade tends to hold the handle closer to the body when strapped in place for carry. As for the type of steel used, I can't imagine it makes much difference. The knife is a dagger and not meant for prolonged and exacting cuts. If you need a slicer that takes a razor edge, I'd recommend another knife entirely. You can find a used non-canted Mark II for $50 to $80 depending on condition, so if you don't want an original canted blade, there's no reason to buy an expensive "modernized" catalog knife. I like the style and bought a 20th anniversary canted version in 1986, and also have two early 1980's vintage straight bladed Mark IIs, one with serrations, one without.
 
I had asked about these a while ago and Melvin-Purvis (sp- sorry!) sent me to this link for more info.
... [url]http://www.gerberknives.com[/URL]

I don't think the cant is weird, just different. As Buds points out it seemed to stay tucked in a "litle" better. That said mine is a bit strange as the handle is not canted as radically as some I have seen (but it has the Cats-Tongue handle). I had spoken to a guy in Oregon many years ago who told me the handles were epoxied on during production and some may have gotten random tilts to them. Dunno...

I have no complaints about the blade steel it works just fine and has taken a lot of abuse. I have heard a lot of "bar room" speculation about why they tilted the blade but nothing definitive, and in point of fact I don't care...it worked for me.

Stay safe - GOrdon
 
i have a mk 11 i bought in '68, and still have, grey handle, but the blade doesnt tilt but to a very small degree, i have seen some really tilted in, but mine almost looks straight, in the old days i always wondered what they were talking about, canted blade, cuz i had never seen another mk 11 at that time - paid $38.99 in '68, found the bill a while back, really a lot of $$ for a knife in that day

sifu
 
I believe the canted blade was meant for a certain fighting method rather than keeping it closer to the body. That's what I had heard anyhoo.
 
Whilst holding the coveted position at the ceramic throne recently, I read those same words. Appropriate locale considering my thought on AG's comment, i.e., I thought the canted blade was a sweet design BECAUSE; It hugs the hip while sheathed on belt. Also heard that the blade was canted to facilitate "termination methods". I don't know much re this, but I can see how the slant might add to a certain efficiency....
 
I heard, and I cannot remember where, that the canted blade was used to make the blade easier to insert between the ribs of the enemy.

-Stan
 
i promise ya in an old issue of SOF mag mike echanis said the cant was to make it easier to carry the knife, blade would hug your side.......nothing to do w/stabbing,etc

sifu
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top