In 1978 I was on bivouac with MWCS 28 at Bogue Field when I decided to sharpen my fellow Marines' cutlery as a pass time. Most Marines in those days objected to "charity" so I charged a nominal fee of $1.00 USD. I sharpened at least one of each of the knives on that table except the silly spike contraption. One 1st Lt. brought me a pristine Gerber Mk II in stainless steel that he had just bought from the PX. It took me an hour of steady work to make that blade shave my arm because stainless resists abrasion. But the look on that Lt.'s face was priceless when I gave him my price.
Great story… DAD was a Marine, 58-67( wounded in nam ended his career) but I inherited his collection of bayonets , knives… Bogue field isn’t far from home… thank you for your time, Semper Fi
In 1975 I started out with a Gerber MKII. Mine had a brown leather scabbard. Shortly I went to a model 14 Randell. Still have it and a later gerber that I carried in my ruck as a backup. I ran ops for the company. Started out in 101st at 17 then went to the company.
@@danieloshea3326 I don't know what happened to the original scabbard but I got it like that. There's was a dried leather tab that had the brass wire hanger but it broke off so I sewn on a nylon one with the same hanger. Works well lol
I have a bolo that looks a lot like the early 1900’s bolo. It’s not that old though. I was told that it’s a British paratrooper survival knife. Maybe from the 1960’s or so. One of the wooden handle scales has cracked over the years, but it’s still tough as hell on down trees. 😎
I'm a US Marine Vietnam vet 0311 (1965-66). As an M14 AR man I was issued a KaBar with standard leather sheath. It managed to make it home to me in my seabag that was sent after I was medevaced in May 1966 thanks to some buddy in my squad when he packed my gear. It later served me well for over 40 years (25 in the Reserves). I pretty much wore it out. The guard was a bit loose and the point rounded somewhat. The sheath was definitely a "veteran" after all the years service. Three years ago a gent wanted to buy it for his grandson due to its provenance and that it served a combat vet from PFC to Lt. Col. He offered $200 and I let it go since he wanted it so bad. I've since become a knife maker and have had a lot of success with my shop. I've built, so far, 4 KaBar style knives. My improvements are used 3/16th" 1095 blade steel instead of the KaBar standard 1/8". My blades are stronger, and instead of powder coating like they use now I acid etch them until they are dark black. I hand make the stacked leather handles and if requested do a polished brass guard. I really enjoy making the leather sheaths, which are thicker and more finished than what is issued now. I've done two Randall II style knives with sheaths (and sharpening stone pockets) that turned out quite well too. All blades are forged and tempered to Rockwell Hardness of at least 50. They really hold an edge but do take time to sharpen! I do wish KaBar would make a version that was 3/16" blade thickness for all around use.
I always heard that Green Berets all had a Rolex watch, a blue star sapphire ring, and a Randall knife. My best friend at Fort Bragg in the mid-late 80s had been SF for 9 years, got out for 9 years, and came back in during the 80s on the conventional side. (Was back in Special Ops by 1989.) He had an original Bo Randall-made Model 14 and the ring. After I came back from a year in the Sinai where I'd been permanent party MFO I had a fake Rolex I'd bought in El Arish. We went trap shooting one weekend and there on his wrist is a freaking Rolex Presidential. LOL. When he became a Jump Master instructor I managed to trade him out of his Model 14 Randall, but he missed it so much I traded it back to him. Took me several decades I finally got a mint Randall Model 14 in a trade. When I went to Basic in 1981 I was 24 years old. I bought a Gerber MK1 in the PX when we got to go for a little bit. I went to my assistant DI to turn it in until Basic was over. He looked at me and told to just keep it stashed and don't be showing it around. Still remember SFC "Mudhole" Brown and SSG Scott Deaver. Great DIs. Wish I had that knife back.
Very nice collection. My father as a Marine aviator also had the Western Knife Shark aviator knife, which I carried as a Boy Scout and still have today. Heavy blued blade and leather handle. In addition, another blade that always interested me was the WW2 USMC M1910 Medic Corpsman Bolo Knife, in order to comply with limited offensive weapons, this was a hunk of rounded steel with one sharp edge. It was better suited as a club than a knife. Thanks for sharing, there are so many stories regarding these blades.
Just wanted to let you know what a fantastic and informative video you made! I’m more of a small arms guy, but am branching out to blades. After watching this, I definitely have a knowledge baseline to work with! My first piece was a 1904 hospital corps bolo!
My late father made his own Fairbairn Sykes/V-42 from a file and leather washers in WW2 - which I still have. He was an Ordnance officer and actually knew Major (that was his rank then) Rex Applegate. I have my eye on the Fox Fairbairn Sykes (690 steel w/actual edges). For regular use I'm partial to Cold Steel and K-Bar. Not had good luck with Gerber. I had the first or second edition Boker Applegate Fairbairn that was only single edged. It grew legs... I wish Boker still made that exact version because it was, to me anyway, the closest thing to a "one knife" concept - self defense, utility, bushcraft. Enjoyed your video !
i was just the opposite. my k-bar's broke often ( the tang was too narrow ), and the steel was of poorer quality. my viet-nam era gerber mark II was a delight.
@@grayman7208 I think gerbers quality might have dropped in more modern times. Their products seem to be chinese made junk these days i have had experience with so i have not bought their knives either, but this just my opinion, and peoples milage may wary
@@lalli8152 perhaps. i can only speak about the ones i have owned and used. the ones i owned and used in the 1980'swere high quality, and much better than a k-bar.
Damn well said I myself have not had the best luck with Gerber they are nice just not "robust" enough for my use lol I also favor cold steel and will always have a special place in my heart for the k-bar lol
Thx for the informative video. Beautiful collection. USMC KABAR still my favorite for its balance/ ergonomics. Kydex sheath, your done! ✌ Col. Rex Applegate and Will Faibirn had a nice fighting collaboration and John Ek's commando knife is deluxe!
Good display, I have some of those in my collection, I remember the when all the Gerber knives came out in the 80’s, I got a Tac 2 , still have that knife, very good survival/ combat knife. The market really exploded with new knife technology in the 80’s.
Amazing collection of badassery! Those last blades were back when Gerber made quality stuff...now they're throw-away crap, but I think they're starting to see the light & have recently came out with batter materials and qc..so that's good! Thanks for sharing💪😎👍
There was also the early"Collin's"1/8 inch thick bolo it was Sharpened on one side ( much like a lawn mower blade) & Also pre Ka Bar was the Cattaraugus 2250.
Fantastic content! Knowing how to properly use a knife is an art and can be very lethal in close quarter combat. I always respected the knife way more than a fire arm.
At the 9:10 minute mark I have that Airforce pilot knife , same leather handle and sheath dated 1985 , I bought it brand new in 1985 and had it ever since .
During 32-months In-Country duty as a combat cameraman - I carried a folding Buck 110 knife. I never expected to fight with this knife and it was lighter and more efficient than either the Kabar or Aircrew Survival Knife. The Navy did issue a switch blade red handled knife for aircrews. I didn't carry this either.
I have a USMC Hospital Corps knife in its Boyt 1944 sheath. Didn’t see one in this display. I understand these massive choppers gained a following in WWII, though the knife has a very rounded “point.” We just used it as a trail machete in forested western Washington.
The front pocket 13:12 on the M9 was for a spare Berretta magazine. The problem with that is when the magazine was in the pocket it was next to impossible to undo the retaining snap holding the M9 in the scabbard. Usually the pocket was left empty or used for small items.
...thank you for the post, absolutely appreciated. ...that 1918 one caught my attention absolutely, my grandparents on my mother's side were both born in 1918. Both of my grandfathers served in WWII and I wish I could have been old enough to ask them more about their service. There's one photo I have of my father's father fresh "home" from the war and that's one of those photos that holds more than a thousand words. Depending on the words anyways. ...thanks for the post again, absolutely appreciated.,...
Subbed💯✌🏾 great video.. The knife at 12:45 the M9 i believe. Is the exact same knife Lincoln Clay uses in the game Mafia 3. Highly recommend if you haven't played it aha.
I have an M9 bayonet and like it very much. I can hone it razor sharp. Heavy enough to chop small trees and I tested the wire cutter by cutting a nail. It will cut any wire you encounter very easily. My gripe is the glass filled plastic sheath. When I withdraw the blade I have to make sure to keep the back edge of the knife against the sheath because if the sharpened edge touches the fiberglass in the sheath the sharp edge will be gone. Not good if you need it to defend your life, although I would not want to be hit by even the dull edge.
1988, Camp Casey, R.o.K. I bought both of those Gerbers. a Ka-Bar, and a SWAK. Also bought a pair of Danner Mattahorn boots and some Gore-Tex gloves. Man, they all served me well for 5 more years, in Korea, Japan, Panama and Kuwait-Iraq. 6 years, 3 wars......and the knives I ended up carrying were the Ka-Bar, the SWAK, and a $5 machete made in Brazil.
Recently I’ve become interested in the different knives/ edged weapons that where packed in USAAC/USAF survival kits. The folding machetes and different knives that have been used in individual personnel all the way up to modern ejection seat survival kits. I know they used a lot of BenchMade knives in some of the kits a decade ago. It’s one of the reasons I fell in love with the brand.
@@joethebourbonman one of these days I want to start a collection of survival kit knives and make a nice wall display, but for now I have a few that I got while serving.
I believe you missed the Model 1904 Hospital Bolo. An interesting tool. I used one for years removing suckers from trees in our orchard not really knowing what it was. After all that is what it had been used for for decades.
Show me a dam randle please ...love the four things an operater has...did u ever run into Paul vunak in knife culture.. I throw m7 Vietnam bayonet... beleive it or not the fly vary well for military half spin throwing... Also check bayonet is excellent for throwing...cheers
Excellent start-up on US combat cutlery! I'm a collector myself, and personally couldnt do a video, so kudos for that! Thanks for sharing your collection. One suggestion tho- try refilming this in a quiet, non-distracting environment.. it would be a much better presentation, easier to follow... Just sayin... thanks again, I really like your selection of bolos and the ww1 combat knuckle-dusters... I carried a Western-49 from 71-73 and also a KaBar USMC style- had a chromed blade, never saw another one like it, it came from a friend and cost around 20 bucks in '72.. That was a lot then too.
Left out the US Navy pre-WW II general purpose knife, which looks a lot like a K-Bar's shorter, older brother. Clip point with false edge, blued steel, no fuller, leather handle, bakelite (?) pommel is asymmetric, attached with a split nut, made by Cammilus. My wife's uncle gave me his from before WW II.
Ok that mark 1 trench knife is awesome I just ordered a KA-BAR single mark but I think im going to order one of the mark 1 trench knife reproductions from ima-usa next month they seem to be made just like the old ones!
Thanks for a fascinating history. I was wondering about the Smatchet Fighting Knife that seems so closely related to the US Bolo design. A relative had one from his time in the Pacific theater during WW II. Like the Fairbain Sykes dagger it was developed by Colonel William Fairbairn for the OSS. Supposedly on a design carried by the Royal Welsh Fusilliers in the WW I. However, since Fairbairn spent many of his formative years in Shanghai it seems more influenced by the Bolo design to me. Were these ever issued to regular US troops or airmen besides the OSS?
If I recall correctly, the outer pocket on the M9 scabbard housed a fire starter that could be struck against the knife to create sparks and start a fire for survival.
You’re missing a very special knife. Collin’s Gung Ho raiders blade. Bird style handle like the machete you showed. I know it’s very rare. My uncle was a CB in the pacific. He gave me both. Thanks for sharing
I bought a Gerber mark 2 used decades ago and when I was messing with it, The blade flopped out from the handle (No wonder it was 20 bucks). I had a bolo and everyone who looked at it said it's the real deal, Until I looked at a fine stamp, Made in Japan. About the early sixties.
@@lumpyzx2645 SO! Your sating the Chinese made ones are the junks or they are all junk for decades, Even the American made ones? Mine is an old American made one that the blade flipped out of the handle!
@@dragdragon23 Gerber had some good knives in the past but not for a long time, the new tan rubber handled fixed blade everyone seems to like apparently has been a step in the right direction, but it's still just made with 420c which is pretty garbage, but better than the mystery steel they were using. I have multiple Gerber knives, regret buying all of em except the skinning knife, only reason I don't regret that is because it was cheap and I specifically bought it because of the blade and handle shape, thankfully it will take a sharp edge but it's still a low quality knife like the rest. Basically what I'm saying is you won't ever catch me buying a new Gerber unless they decide to make something with quality materials and that appeals to me, then I might, but I don't see them doing that.
Wow no mention of the mk1 knife and the "kabar" is the mk2 fighting/utility knife kabar just had the largest markings/ branding Camillus actually made more in WWII.
I really enjoyed this video. Some of it was like a trip down memory lane. 👍🏼 I had the Gerber Mark II in 1987… broke it in 1989. I guess I’m hard on my cutlery, because I’ve broken three KaBar Fighting Utility knives including the one issued to me by the Marine Corps in 1977. I have one now, and the Big Brother, but I don’t use it. It’s just for looking at. I’ve been carrying TOPS knives for the last eight or nine years, and have yet to break one. 🇺🇸
One of the members of my platoon bought a KABAR and threw it into a tree at Fort Drum NY. It broke. I am not sure the ones made after WWII were the same quality as the war versions.
I'm a US Marine Vietnam vet 0311 (1965-66). As an M14 AR man I was issued a KaBar with standard leather sheath. It managed to make it home to me in my seabag that was sent after I was medevaced in May 1966 thanks to some buddy in my squad when he packed my gear. It later served me well for over 40 years (25 in the Reserves). I pretty much wore it out. The guard was a bit loose and the point rounded somewhat. The sheath was definitely a "veteran" after all the years service. Three years ago a gent wanted to buy it for his grandson due to its provenance and that it served a combat vet from PFC to Lt. Col. He offered $200 and I let it go since he wanted it so bad. I've since become a knife maker and have had a lot of success with my shop. I've built, so far, 4 KaBar style knives. My improvements are used 3/16th" 1095 blade steel instead of the KaBar standard 1/8". My blades are stronger, and instead of powder coating like they use now I acid etch them until they are dark black. I hand make the stacked leather handles and if requested do a polished brass guard. I really enjoy making the leather sheaths, which are thicker and more finished than what is issued now. I've done two Randall II style knives with sheaths (and sharpening stone pockets) that turned out quite well too. All blades are forged and tempered to Rockwell Hardness of at least 50. They really hold an edge but do take time to sharpen! I do wish KaBar would make a version that was 3/16" blade thickness for all around use.
My favorite combat knife was and still is the Gerber Silver Trident. It was robust, big, very sharp, double edged and well balanced and not too heavy. Prefers it to the No II, the M-9, Airforce Survival knife and the Army version of the La Bar.
In times of combat any edged tool can be a weapon like the shovels carried in WWI. Cold Steel special forces shovel is a great copy of them. I own several modern versions of knives/bayonets you talked about and feel very confident about the purchases. Thank you for the information you shared.
It's interesting that you mentioned the machete not being meant to be a combat weapon. One thing about the US military is the ability to adapt. The entrenching tool was also not intended for combat but personnel learned early that it could be used effectively in that role.
Lot of discussion on the Gerber MarkI & II. However , I was surprised that the narrator did not discuss the variation, Vietnam era, that had an off-set (i.e. not centered on the middle) to enhance a front stab into the pressure point behind the collarbone.
USN Mark 1 and the Quartermasters cartugas 225Q would be cool additions. the Mark 1 was basically the M3 of the Navy and the 225Q was utility for none frontline army troops.
Many thanks for this. I learned a lot. I wonder if you have any thoughts on the Cattaraugus 225Q, sometimes called the Quartermaster Knife. It seems like a really strongly-made knife, and although perhaps not considered a combat knife, would be a useful tool in the military or in civilian use if it were made today.
very nice, I have a Machete marked Ontario Knife Co. U.S. 1943. the blade is true and appears to still have the factory apple seed edge, (not ground down flat).
Lol price tag said $37 on the Gerber. Their like $200-$300 now. P.X. is cheaper but not that much cheaper. Cool collection. Loved the SA bolo's nice looking tool. Now days everything is cheaply made even if it is expensive unless it's a Randell 👍
I have both the Army M9 and USMC OKC. Both are neat. The USMC is a better fighting knife and 1/2" longer with a thinner blade. The Army is a thicker blade and a better overall survival knife. Historically, the Army wanted knives to be general-purpose tools for various tasks such as opening ammunition crates .
In 1978 I was on bivouac with MWCS 28 at Bogue Field when I decided to sharpen my fellow Marines' cutlery as a pass time. Most Marines in those days objected to "charity" so I charged a nominal fee of $1.00 USD. I sharpened at least one of each of the knives on that table except the silly spike contraption. One 1st Lt. brought me a pristine Gerber Mk II in stainless steel that he had just bought from the PX. It took me an hour of steady work to make that blade shave my arm because stainless resists abrasion. But the look on that Lt.'s face was priceless when I gave him my price.
Great story… DAD was a Marine, 58-67( wounded in nam ended his career) but I inherited his collection of bayonets , knives… Bogue field isn’t far from home… thank you for your time, Semper Fi
In 1975 I started out with a Gerber MKII. Mine had a brown leather scabbard. Shortly I went to a model 14 Randell. Still have it and a later gerber that I carried in my ruck as a backup. I ran ops for the company. Started out in 101st at 17 then went to the company.
I have one 1910 bolo that came with a metal green scabbard
That's based
@@donjuanmckenzie4897 thank you
No you don’t
@@danieloshea3326 I don't know what happened to the original scabbard but I got it like that. There's was a dried leather tab that had the brass wire hanger but it broke off so I sewn on a nylon one with the same hanger. Works well lol
I have a bolo that looks a lot like the early 1900’s bolo. It’s not that old though.
I was told that it’s a British paratrooper survival knife. Maybe from the 1960’s or so.
One of the wooden handle scales has cracked over the years, but it’s still tough as hell on down trees. 😎
Great video. I recently sold my entire collection. I kept the Gerber MK two I carried in Vietnam for a nephew
I'm a US Marine Vietnam vet 0311 (1965-66). As an M14 AR man I was issued a KaBar with standard leather sheath. It managed to make it home to me in my seabag that was sent after I was medevaced in May 1966 thanks to some buddy in my squad when he packed my gear. It later served me well for over 40 years (25 in the Reserves). I pretty much wore it out. The guard was a bit loose and the point rounded somewhat. The sheath was definitely a "veteran" after all the years service. Three years ago a gent wanted to buy it for his grandson due to its provenance and that it served a combat vet from PFC to Lt. Col. He offered $200 and I let it go since he wanted it so bad. I've since become a knife maker and have had a lot of success with my shop. I've built, so far, 4 KaBar style knives. My improvements are used 3/16th" 1095 blade steel instead of the KaBar standard 1/8". My blades are stronger, and instead of powder coating like they use now I acid etch them until they are dark black. I hand make the stacked leather handles and if requested do a polished brass guard. I really enjoy making the leather sheaths, which are thicker and more finished than what is issued now. I've done two Randall II style knives with sheaths (and sharpening stone pockets) that turned out quite well too. All blades are forged and tempered to Rockwell Hardness of at least 50. They really hold an edge but do take time to sharpen! I do wish KaBar would make a version that was 3/16" blade thickness for all around use.
I always heard that Green Berets all had a Rolex watch, a blue star sapphire ring, and a Randall knife. My best friend at Fort Bragg in the mid-late 80s had been SF for 9 years, got out for 9 years, and came back in during the 80s on the conventional side. (Was back in Special Ops by 1989.) He had an original Bo Randall-made Model 14 and the ring. After I came back from a year in the Sinai where I'd been permanent party MFO I had a fake Rolex I'd bought in El Arish. We went trap shooting one weekend and there on his wrist is a freaking Rolex Presidential. LOL. When he became a Jump Master instructor I managed to trade him out of his Model 14 Randall, but he missed it so much I traded it back to him. Took me several decades I finally got a mint Randall Model 14 in a trade.
When I went to Basic in 1981 I was 24 years old. I bought a Gerber MK1 in the PX when we got to go for a little bit. I went to my assistant DI to turn it in until Basic was over. He looked at me and told to just keep it stashed and don't be showing it around. Still remember SFC "Mudhole" Brown and SSG Scott Deaver. Great DIs. Wish I had that knife back.
Very nice collection. My father as a Marine aviator also had the Western Knife Shark aviator knife, which I carried as a Boy Scout and still have today. Heavy blued blade and leather handle. In addition, another blade that always interested me was the WW2 USMC M1910 Medic Corpsman Bolo Knife, in order to comply with limited offensive weapons, this was a hunk of rounded steel with one sharp edge. It was better suited as a club than a knife. Thanks for sharing, there are so many stories regarding these blades.
Just wanted to let you know what a fantastic and informative video you made! I’m more of a small arms guy, but am branching out to blades. After watching this, I definitely have a knowledge baseline to work with! My first piece was a 1904 hospital corps bolo!
Hardly exhaustive. Along with collecting knives try collecting articles about them as I have over 50 years not merely brief presentations on UA-cam.
the old M-3' fighting knife had an original leather sheath designated M -6'
My late father made his own Fairbairn Sykes/V-42 from a file and leather washers in WW2 - which I still have. He was an Ordnance officer and actually knew Major (that was his rank then) Rex Applegate. I have my eye on the Fox Fairbairn Sykes (690 steel w/actual edges). For regular use I'm partial to Cold Steel and K-Bar. Not had good luck with Gerber. I had the first or second edition Boker Applegate Fairbairn that was only single edged. It grew legs... I wish Boker still made that exact version because it was, to me anyway, the closest thing to a "one knife" concept - self defense, utility, bushcraft. Enjoyed your video !
i was just the opposite.
my k-bar's broke often ( the tang was too narrow ), and the steel was of poorer quality.
my viet-nam era gerber mark II was a delight.
@@grayman7208 I think gerbers quality might have dropped in more modern times. Their products seem to be chinese made junk these days i have had experience with so i have not bought their knives either, but this just my opinion, and peoples milage may wary
@@lalli8152 perhaps.
i can only speak about the ones i have owned and used.
the ones i owned and used in the 1980'swere high quality, and much better than a k-bar.
Damn well said I myself have not had the best luck with Gerber they are nice just not "robust" enough for my use lol I also favor cold steel and will always have a special place in my heart for the k-bar lol
the old V-42' wasn't part of the fairbrain & Sykes blades
That first one on the left is really cool i love it
What a treasure of knowledge… thank you for sharing it with us…
Thx for the informative video. Beautiful collection. USMC KABAR still my favorite for its balance/ ergonomics. Kydex sheath, your done! ✌ Col. Rex Applegate and Will Faibirn had a nice fighting collaboration and John Ek's commando knife is deluxe!
Have you seen DBK'S video on it
Good display, I have some of those in my collection, I remember the when all the Gerber knives came out in the 80’s, I got a Tac 2 , still have that knife, very good survival/ combat knife. The market really exploded with new knife technology in the 80’s.
I've got 3 different bolos. They're awesome. I have a 1912 m1909, 1911 m1910, and a plumb 1917
That's a amazing collection
@@donavantew8278 thank you
Amazing collection of badassery! Those last blades were back when Gerber made quality stuff...now they're throw-away crap, but I think they're starting to see the light & have recently came out with batter materials and qc..so that's good! Thanks for sharing💪😎👍
Great overview. It seems to omit the Cold Steel SRK (standard issue to SEALs) and the variety of tomahawks that re-emerged during the GWOT.
There was also the early"Collin's"1/8 inch thick bolo it was Sharpened on one side ( much like a lawn mower blade) & Also pre Ka Bar was the Cattaraugus 2250.
Great discussion. I strongly recommend adding the M7 bayonet / combat knife which was issued for use with the M-16 starting in the Vietnam Era.
Wow Chris just another great great video!! With so much amazing info! Can’t thank you enough! Would love to see more
I agree my friend, outstanding demonstration of military cutlery,
Fantastic content! Knowing how to properly use a knife is an art and can be very lethal in close quarter combat. I always respected the knife way more than a fire arm.
When I was in the army I bought used and still have a Gerber mark II that I purchased from the PX.
Thankyou for this fascinating and well presented tutorial. Greetings from Scotland.
Awesome collection and super informative. Thank you
At the 9:10 minute mark I have that Airforce pilot knife , same leather handle and sheath dated 1985 ,
I bought it brand new in 1985 and had it ever since .
During 32-months In-Country duty as a combat cameraman - I carried a folding Buck 110 knife. I never expected to fight with this knife and it was lighter and more efficient than either the Kabar or Aircrew Survival Knife. The Navy did issue a switch blade red handled knife for aircrews. I didn't carry this either.
I have a few of those. Some I didn't know the names of. I also possess a K-Bar because I'm a Jarhead '82.
I had one of the 1st Gerber shown on the box back in the 80's,it was a very good throwing knife. I still carry Gerber today.
As a blades fan, i loved that vid!!! thank you for all of the informations!!!
This was a awesome video, job well done my blade brother 👍
Thanks for sharing. Leatned alot about the history of Bolo knives .
GREAT INFO & PRESENTATION. IMPRESSIVE !
Great presentation .
Happy trails
One of the best, most information rich videos on UA-cam.
Thank you for sharing your expertise.
I was wondering if you were going to have a Randall in your collection. Glad you mentioned them.
How about covering the USN MK1 utility knife issued in WW2
Thank you for this video. You explained each knife and also added reading materials to read about.
Awesome collection
I have a USMC Hospital Corps knife in its Boyt 1944 sheath. Didn’t see one in this display. I understand these massive choppers gained a following in WWII, though the knife has a very rounded “point.” We just used it as a trail machete in forested western Washington.
Absolutely fantastic breakdown. Great info, thanks for sharing!
The front pocket 13:12 on the M9 was for a spare Berretta magazine. The problem with that is when the magazine was in the pocket it was next to impossible to undo the retaining snap holding the M9 in the scabbard. Usually the pocket was left empty or used for small items.
Navy gunboat gunner in Nam in 71-72. Issued a KaBar marine Bayonet. Great knife. Wish I still had it.
...thank you for the post, absolutely appreciated.
...that 1918 one caught my attention absolutely, my grandparents on my mother's side were both born in 1918.
Both of my grandfathers served in WWII and I wish I could have been old enough to ask them more about their service. There's one photo I have of my father's father fresh "home" from the war and that's one of those photos that holds more than a thousand words. Depending on the words anyways.
...thanks for the post again, absolutely appreciated.,...
Subbed💯✌🏾 great video.. The knife at 12:45 the M9 i believe. Is the exact same knife Lincoln Clay uses in the game Mafia 3. Highly recommend if you haven't played it aha.
Nice video. I've always liked the V-42 stiletto and its history.
I really enjoyed that, as a knife collector from the UK.
The M9 was pretty impressive...thanks for the talk.
There are other knives as well. My dad had one in Korea (Air Force bomber crew) made by Remington that was similar to the Kabar. I still have it.
Awesome display and discussion of your Combat Fixed Blades. :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)
Love your work
I have an M9 bayonet and like it very much. I can hone it razor sharp. Heavy enough to chop small trees and I tested the wire cutter by cutting a nail. It will cut any wire you encounter very easily. My gripe is the glass filled plastic sheath. When I withdraw the blade I have to make sure to keep the back edge of the knife against the sheath because if the sharpened edge touches the fiberglass in the sheath the sharp edge will be gone. Not good if you need it to defend your life, although I would not want to be hit by even the dull edge.
OUTSTANDING!!
1988, Camp Casey, R.o.K. I bought both of those Gerbers. a Ka-Bar, and a SWAK. Also bought a pair of Danner Mattahorn boots and some Gore-Tex gloves. Man, they all served me well for 5 more years, in Korea, Japan, Panama and Kuwait-Iraq.
6 years, 3 wars......and the knives I ended up carrying were the Ka-Bar, the SWAK, and a $5 machete made in Brazil.
Recently I’ve become interested in the different knives/ edged weapons that where packed in USAAC/USAF survival kits. The folding machetes and different knives that have been used in individual personnel all the way up to modern ejection seat survival kits. I know they used a lot of BenchMade knives in some of the kits a decade ago. It’s one of the reasons I fell in love with the brand.
I've seen Benchmade autos in survival kits, as well as the "bolt" knife. In SERE they still teach the old school folding demo knife.
@@joethebourbonman one of these days I want to start a collection of survival kit knives and make a nice wall display, but for now I have a few that I got while serving.
My Collins machete is very similar to yours but the stamp seems to have been laser etched??
Don't know if the Gerber 'Guardian' by RW Loveless, was ever available as issue but it sure is handy.
I believe you missed the Model 1904 Hospital Bolo. An interesting tool. I used one for years removing suckers from trees in our orchard not really knowing what it was. After all that is what it had been used for for decades.
Show me a dam randle please ...love the four things an operater has...did u ever run into Paul vunak in knife culture..
I throw m7 Vietnam bayonet... beleive it or not the fly vary well for military half spin throwing...
Also check bayonet is excellent for throwing...cheers
Excellent start-up on US combat cutlery! I'm a collector myself, and personally couldnt do a video, so kudos for that! Thanks for sharing your collection. One suggestion tho- try refilming this in a quiet, non-distracting environment.. it would be a much better presentation, easier to follow... Just sayin... thanks again, I really like your selection of bolos and the ww1 combat knuckle-dusters... I carried a Western-49 from 71-73 and also a KaBar USMC style- had a chromed blade, never saw another one like it, it came from a friend and cost around 20 bucks in '72.. That was a lot then too.
Left out the US Navy pre-WW II general purpose knife, which looks a lot like a K-Bar's shorter, older brother. Clip point with false edge, blued steel, no fuller, leather handle, bakelite (?) pommel is asymmetric, attached with a split nut, made by Cammilus. My wife's uncle gave me his from before WW II.
Ok that mark 1 trench knife is awesome I just ordered a KA-BAR single mark but I think im going to order one of the mark 1 trench knife reproductions from ima-usa next month they seem to be made just like the old ones!
Thanks for a fascinating history. I was wondering about the Smatchet Fighting Knife that seems so closely related to the US Bolo design. A relative had one from his time in the Pacific theater during WW II. Like the Fairbain Sykes dagger it was developed by Colonel William Fairbairn for the OSS. Supposedly on a design carried by the Royal Welsh Fusilliers in the WW I. However, since Fairbairn spent many of his formative years in Shanghai it seems more influenced by the Bolo design to me. Were these ever issued to regular US troops or airmen besides the OSS?
The short sword you are alluding to is known in Welsh as a . . . "cledd" . . .
If I recall correctly, the outer pocket on the M9 scabbard housed a fire starter that could be struck against the knife to create sparks and start a fire for survival.
You’re missing a very special knife. Collin’s Gung Ho raiders blade. Bird style handle like the machete you showed. I know it’s very rare. My uncle was a CB in the pacific. He gave me both. Thanks for sharing
Really nice collection and very interesting and informative video!
I bought a Gerber mark 2 used decades ago and when I was messing with it, The blade flopped out from the handle (No wonder it was 20 bucks). I had a bolo and everyone who looked at it said it's the real deal, Until I looked at a fine stamp, Made in Japan. About the early sixties.
Gerber now has them made in China...
@@nickdannunzio7683 are they any good?
@@dragdragon23 Gerber hasn't made a good knife in decades.
@@lumpyzx2645 SO! Your sating the Chinese made ones are the junks or they are all junk for decades, Even the American made ones? Mine is an old American made one that the blade flipped out of the handle!
@@dragdragon23 Gerber had some good knives in the past but not for a long time, the new tan rubber handled fixed blade everyone seems to like apparently has been a step in the right direction, but it's still just made with 420c which is pretty garbage, but better than the mystery steel they were using. I have multiple Gerber knives, regret buying all of em except the skinning knife, only reason I don't regret that is because it was cheap and I specifically bought it because of the blade and handle shape, thankfully it will take a sharp edge but it's still a low quality knife like the rest.
Basically what I'm saying is you won't ever catch me buying a new Gerber unless they decide to make something with quality materials and that appeals to me, then I might, but I don't see them doing that.
I've been looking for a Smatchet for a while. Used to be available. Not anymore.
Wow no mention of the mk1 knife and the "kabar" is the mk2 fighting/utility knife kabar just had the largest markings/ branding Camillus actually made more in WWII.
V-42 combat knife would have been a good item to hear about
I really enjoyed this video. Some of it was like a trip down memory lane. 👍🏼
I had the Gerber Mark II in 1987… broke it in 1989.
I guess I’m hard on my cutlery, because I’ve broken three KaBar Fighting Utility knives including the one issued to me by the Marine Corps in 1977. I have one now, and the Big Brother, but I don’t use it. It’s just for looking at.
I’ve been carrying TOPS knives for the last eight or nine years, and have yet to break one. 🇺🇸
One of the members of my platoon bought a KABAR and threw it into a tree at Fort Drum NY. It broke. I am not sure the ones made after WWII were the same quality as the war versions.
I'm a US Marine Vietnam vet 0311 (1965-66). As an M14 AR man I was issued a KaBar with standard leather sheath. It managed to make it home to me in my seabag that was sent after I was medevaced in May 1966 thanks to some buddy in my squad when he packed my gear. It later served me well for over 40 years (25 in the Reserves). I pretty much wore it out. The guard was a bit loose and the point rounded somewhat. The sheath was definitely a "veteran" after all the years service. Three years ago a gent wanted to buy it for his grandson due to its provenance and that it served a combat vet from PFC to Lt. Col. He offered $200 and I let it go since he wanted it so bad. I've since become a knife maker and have had a lot of success with my shop. I've built, so far, 4 KaBar style knives. My improvements are used 3/16th" 1095 blade steel instead of the KaBar standard 1/8". My blades are stronger, and instead of powder coating like they use now I acid etch them until they are dark black. I hand make the stacked leather handles and if requested do a polished brass guard. I really enjoy making the leather sheaths, which are thicker and more finished than what is issued now. I've done two Randall II style knives with sheaths (and sharpening stone pockets) that turned out quite well too. All blades are forged and tempered to Rockwell Hardness of at least 50. They really hold an edge but do take time to sharpen! I do wish KaBar would make a version that was 3/16" blade thickness for all around use.
@@johntellerman1
Semper Fi
🇺🇸
0369 (1977-1983)
My favorite combat knife was and still is the Gerber Silver Trident. It was robust, big, very sharp, double edged and well balanced and not too heavy. Prefers it to the No II, the M-9, Airforce Survival knife and the Army version of the La Bar.
Awesome video!
In times of combat any edged tool can be a weapon like the shovels carried in WWI. Cold Steel special forces shovel is a great copy of them. I own several modern versions of knives/bayonets you talked about and feel very confident about the purchases. Thank you for the information you shared.
I wish there were z molle sheath for the CS Spetsnaz shovel
Excellent presentation! 👏👏👏 Thank you!
It's interesting that you mentioned the machete not being meant to be a combat weapon. One thing about the US military is the ability to adapt. The entrenching tool was also not intended for combat but personnel learned early that it could be used effectively in that role.
Same holds true for a framers hammer...
Especially the German WW2 Entrenching tool!
@@nickdannunzio7683 A very apropo statement.
Well, my buddy's dad did pretty good with his machete in Vietnam. Still has it. I bought an M1917 for that very reason.
It was designed with a broad handguard on both sides of the blade. That's a combat knife design.
What no v42 fight knife from the first special service force?
Don't own one. wish i did.
Lot of discussion on the Gerber MarkI & II. However , I was surprised that the narrator did not discuss the variation, Vietnam era, that had an off-set (i.e. not centered on the middle) to enhance a front stab into the pressure point behind the collarbone.
The off set is hard to find as some were sent back to Gerber on the grounds they were "bent' so they stopped making that design.
USN Mark 1 and the Quartermasters cartugas 225Q would be cool additions. the Mark 1 was basically the M3 of the Navy and the 225Q was utility for none frontline army troops.
Really informative video.
Thank you
Commercial tang is a rat tang I would guess?
OKC =Ontario knife company, great value, still in business today.
Yes sir I was an edger there right at the outbreak of the pandemic. Hands down the coolest job I've ever had
Many thanks for this. I learned a lot. I wonder if you have any thoughts on the Cattaraugus 225Q, sometimes called the Quartermaster Knife. It seems like a really strongly-made knife, and although perhaps not considered a combat knife, would be a useful tool in the military or in civilian use if it were made today.
very nice, I have a Machete marked Ontario Knife Co. U.S. 1943. the blade is true and appears to still have the factory apple seed edge, (not ground down flat).
Awesome video. Thank you for sharing
Thanks. I don't think you included the very popular Pal RH 36, as given to me by my D-Day vet father.
Nice vid, thank you!
Very interesting vid thanks
Thank you. Interesting presentation. I am surprised there is no knife for the Navy.
Great presentation!!
Outstanding vid buddy
Lol price tag said $37 on the Gerber. Their like $200-$300 now. P.X. is cheaper but not that much cheaper. Cool collection. Loved the SA bolo's nice looking tool. Now days everything is cheaply made even if it is expensive unless it's a Randell 👍
Interesting overview! Thx!
Western bowie knives were also used by Marines in Viet Nam just like Kabar's.In many cases marked USMC on the sheath by their owners.
I have a navy camillius, like a kabar but bigger. Is there an explanation for being larger?
We used a hatchet type tool with an eagle claw on the other end. I used it to take two enemy with good resultes.. Darrell
Who is we?
no mention of ,or examples of the WW2 MK1 knives or the Pal RH 36 combat knife.
I have heard that UK special forces used the trench knife and called it a 'fanny'. No idea why .
I have both the Army M9 and USMC OKC. Both are neat. The USMC is a better fighting knife and 1/2" longer with a thinner blade. The Army is a thicker blade and a better overall survival knife. Historically, the Army wanted knives to be general-purpose tools for various tasks such as opening ammunition crates .
I need to look up those books. Nice video 👍
Cool video, thanks for sharing.