Original Item: Only One Available. The U.S. Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife was the second major "Knuckle Knife" to be officially adopted and issued to the US military. It was developed for use in the horrific trench warfare that typified the stalemate on the Western Front during the latter part of World War One and saw use not only there, but during World War Two as well. The knife was manufactured in the United States by Henry Disston & Sons (H.D. & S.) as well as Landers, Frary & Clark (L.F. & C.) and Oneida Community Ltd (O.C.L.). The U.S. M-1918 Mark I Trench Knife is easily identifiable due to its large "brass knuckle" style guard and grip. The knives were 11 ¾" in overall length, with a 6 ¾" dagger style blade. The brass grips were marked U.S. 1918 and with the makers name or initials.

As originally issued, the knives were entirely blackened; both the blades and the brass knuckle hilts. These knives remained in use with the US military, classified as limited standard (secondary issue) through January of 1945, when the knives were officially classified as obsolete. Many of the knives issued during World War II ended up in substitute leather scabbards of various designs and styles, many of which were "theater made", however in this case its use was a bit different.

This example of the U.S. Model 1918 MkI Trench Knife was modified in WWII for paratrooper use, and reissued. The knife was originally produced by the Landers, Frary & Clark company of New Britain, CT. L.F. & C. was established in 1865 and produced a wide variety of housewares, cutlery and event appliances. Many of their products were marketed under the trade name "Universal". The products of L.F. & C. included everything from scales, mousetraps and ice skates to electric ranges and toasters. L.F. & C. also produced the triangular blade US M-1917 Trench Knife as well. The assets of the L.F. & C. company were purchased by General Electric in 1965. This Mark I Trench Knife is clearly marked in two lines in the brass grip:

U. S. 1918
L. F. & C - 1918

The brass grip and knuckle guard has much of the original finish worn away. The grip was also modified, having the cross guard arsenal cut down to allow it to fit in the scabbard, which also made it less likely to catch on rigging.

The blade for this knife was actually replaced with an M3 fighting knife blade. The blade does show quite a bit of wear but the original factory grain on the blade can still be seen. The blade does have a bit of staining and oxidation with an overall appearance of having been service used. The sheath does appear to have been added to it as it looks to have been from a Ka-Bar type knife. The leather is very dried out, cracked and torn.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.