All About Pocket Knives

I was wondering if anyone has any information on an approximate date for this knife. The tang stamp is shown:

The mark began in 1942 or 1943 and ended in either 1947 or 1948. The knife shown appears to have nickle bolsters which were not permitted for civilian use from 1942-1945 so this knife was made between 1945 and 1947 or 1948. Sometime in 1947 or 1948 the mark changed to KA-BAR over USA. The knives made during this era are not the same quality as the previous ones with the Union Cut markings, they seldom if ever have shields and the blade grinds aren't as nice. Sadly, the quality of the earlier knives never returned.

Thanks for the info, even though it's hard to tell, I think the bolster is iron, it's hard to tell they're so clean, thanks again.

Mark

I saw the knife on ebay and the seller says bolsters are iron but with the brass pins I doubt it. Brass was also a strategic material and not allowed for civilian use during the war. If you get it let us know.

I'm the seller. I'm pretty sure the cap and bolster are iron and the liners and pins are also, except for the main pin which is brass. That seems to leave the possibility that the main pin was replaced at some point (I can't see any evidence on the knife) or maybe that this knife was produced before the brass pins ran out from pre war production? I wonder if any existing inventory would have been confiscated for the war effort. Any way, thanks for your help.

msteele6 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 02, 2025 5:06 pm I'm the seller. I'm pretty sure the cap and bolster are iron and the liners and pins are also, except for the main pin which is brass. That seems to leave the possibility that the main pin was replaced at some point (I can't see any evidence on the knife) or maybe that this knife was produced before the brass pins ran out from pre war production? I wonder if any existing inventory would have been confiscated for the war effort. Any way, thanks for your help.

Put a magnet to it to find out if its iron/steel.

Thanks, I did that and they are definitely magnetic.