Help ID Post-WWII USMC Camillus (Kabar) MK2 Fighting Knife

M

moabblade

Joined
Mar 10, 2012
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77
I'm told this is a Korea/Vietnam era USMC MK2. Can anyone confirm that? Or tell what this is? It looks pre-76 to me. No plastic rings. But why is the guard straight and not bent back? And why isn't it marked "USMC" anywhere?

I'm no expert though. I just started researching these. I mean I was in the Corps. But I don't remember them issueing these in the Early 80's. Any help greatly appreciated.

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This knife was made between 1962 and February 1974. It is correct for the Vietnam era. There where no new contracts issued for these knives during the Korean War, we had plenty of new old stock Fighting/Utility knives left over from WW2 production. The next contract issued for this pattern knife was in late 1960 to the Utica cutlery Company.
 
Thank you so much. So it could be a usmc or a navy issue though right? Because knives of that era did not include that mark.

I do know "H&S" is the name of a usmc headquarters & supply company in the marine corps. Which is painted on the sheath. Did the navy have an "H&S" company?
 
Yes, it is the correct knife and sheath for an issued MIL-K-20277.
The distribution system (evolves) overtime. I've only tried to be aware of general trends as they applied to different periods. Don't know enough of the various details to be anywhere near expert on the subject.
I can say that the Government had moved away from the individual branches of service writing their own contracts, and had developed a centralized procurement system. G.I.'s from different branches could and did get these knives. Still they were mainly a Marine Corps. item.
 
Oh the stories your blade could tell! Very cool acquisition.:thumbsup:
 
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