WWII Camillus Mark 2 Information?

[Hausman]

I have a WWII knife, marked on the blade "USN", "Mark 2" on one side, and "Camillus NY" marked on the other side.

It has a plastic green/gray sheath marked "USN" and "MK2".

Can anyone give me some information on this knife?

Is the Camillus MK2 the same as a Ka Bar? I've seen pictures of WWII KaBars with the same sheath. Did two different knife manufacturers use the same sheath?

Thanks for your help.

 

[CAMCO]

Camillus began manufacturing the Mark 2 knife in 1943. The first knives were blade stamped and featured a threaded tang and the butt cap was secured by a threaded nut. At the end of 1943 the Mark 2 was redesigned and the butt cap was fastened by a horizontal pin that bisected the butt cap. Around this time the stamping was moved to the guard. Camillus never made any of the leather sheathes or scabbards and these were obtained from outside suppliers. The Mark 2 was made by several different companies such as Union (KABAR), Robeson, and others. There were some differences in Mark 2 knives depending upon the manufacture. Camillus used the two designs mentioned above to secure the butt cap and KABAR used a peened tang. For more information on other Mark 2's consult one of the numerous knife reference books such as those written by M.H. Cole. If you would like information on the knives made by Camillus during WWII just e-mail me your postal mailing address.
Tom Williams
Camillus Cutlery Co.