Knife from Grand Father WWII Pacific?

[bunnmr]

I have a knife that was passed down from my grandfather. My guess is that it was a brought back from WWII . Family history says that my grandfather served as a nurse in the Pacific. It is a fixed blade with the makers mark of PAL on one side and USMC on the other. The handle matches leather with red banding on the PAL knives I have seen on this site. The hilt is different from anything I have seen. It may have been modified. The blade also has a shiny finish which seems also unlike others. There is a distinct possibly that my grandfather modified the knife. I am going to include photos. I would love any information. I can generate more photos if more views will be helpful.

[jerryd6818]

Welcome to AAPK.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say it looks like a Pal brand USMC Fighting Knife (generic name = Ka-Bar). There was a military designation for the knives but I don't remember what it was. I believe the handle and guard have been changed (the handles were originally stacked round leather washers with a thick round metal washer pinned on as a pommel and the guard was just a flat piece of metal with rounded corners). It's my opinion the knife is what they call "theatre made". Very nice job and I wouldn't mind owning one like it.

If I'm wrong, someone will be along to correct me so sit tight.

Was your grandfather a Corpsman in the Navy and attached to the Marines or don't you know? You can request a copy of his service record book. Check for more information on how to do that at http://www.ehow.com/how_5877126_retriev ... itary.html

[elbertson]

You're right, Jerry. It's what the Marines designated as a 1219c2, or fighting/utility knife, which was likely theater altered. The Navy designated them as the Mark 2 (Mk2), and is the name most collectors know them as, including the second generation, post '62 versions that weren't branch specific...likely because Mk2 is easier. Of couse, they will always be affectionately known to Marines as Kabars.