Kabar knife

[Shermjack]

I inherited a knife stamped Kabar on one side and USN on the other. Im curious to know if anyone has ever seen a handle like this ? Although quite unsitly it is sturdy. Can someone please share a picture of a knife with a handle like this knife should have. I want to have it replaced I’ve seen pics of handles made with leather segments some are smooth some have notches. Thanks in advance!

[Killgar]

Such a knife (factory-made military-issue blade, shop-made handle), is often referred to as a "theater knife". "Theater" as in theater of war.

It was not uncommon for military personnel in warzones with free time on their hands, and access to power tools (far behind the lines) to modify or repair knives with whatever materials were available. Like broken/discarded aircraft windows used to make handles.

So what you have there could be an authentic theater knife. Or, it could be something some guy in the states put together in his garage. I would try to investigate the knifes history before changing it. If it's an authentic theater knife, and could be traced to a soldier (perhaps one in your family), I think it would be more valuable as it is.

If it was carried and/or modified in a warzone by a soldier in your family, then I would definitely say that makes it a lot more interesting, and worth preserving.

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[eveled]

Agree with all of the above.

Just wanted to mention some USN vessels had machine shops. Rehandling knives with rotted leather handles using plexiglass and aluminum from downed aircraft. Was something done in spare time on board ships.

Of course the practice continued after the war too. I believe most theater knives were made after the war.

Provenance is everything.

[SwedgeHead]

Also noting, its not just the handle materials but also the guard and pommel that have been customized.