cutting edge

[dr greg]

can anybody give me a definite rundown on what this is? I've been told it's a commando knife, a WW1 bootknife, throwing knife etc etc, the handle is aluminium.

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[Lucky Strike]

In size and proportions, it's a typical WWII-era fighting, or "commando" knife, - the earlier fighting knives like the Fairbairn-Sykes probably served as inpiration. Odd that the handle is aluminium - this was supposed to be a scarce metal.

Any markings at all? I'll have a look at my books.

 

[bentruwe]

It could be a species of trench art: I've heard of GI's melting down airplane parts to cast projects in aluminum.

 

[mtechthang]

Good call.

It could be a species of trench art: I've heard of GI's melting down airplane parts to cast projects in aluminum.

That appears to be a very good possibility. I was completely puzzled by the handle till I read bentruwe's post. Yes. The crude aluminum but with obvious care on the finish looks very similar to some pieces my granddad had and that I've seen in collections. I can see where some might get the "throwing knife" from but the size is wrong. Perhaps a picture with a 6" ruler would help someone provide a more complete answer? Anything printed on the blade. Generally the military one's I've seen have at least a remnant of the original stamp/etch showing. Also, you might try posting it at Bladeforums.

 

[BellyTank]

It is a "dagger", of sorts.
Custom made, possibly during WW2- difficult to tell because it's not an "issue" weapon and probably not marked.
Many nations, during the World Wars, hand-fashioned blades in this manner- the UK, US, Australia and NZ were known for customised, exotic knives, often with cast handles.
The blade could be cut down from a bayonet, file or any other suitable, found material. Aluminium was easy to use and easy to finish- often a sand mould would be made and the handle cast, with the tang of the blade in the mould, so that it envelopes it and becomes a permanent fixture. The handle could then be fettled and fashioned and polished.

Many styles were made in WW2- copies of Commando daggers, types with knuckle duster handles, spikes, etc. These projects were often commissioned to local craftsmen, in-theatre.

A selection of WW1 and WW2 types and how they are made/cast, can be seen at-

http://www.plowshareforge.com/

Casting the handle over the blade-
http://homepage.mac.com/dbrock76/info/PhotoAlbum35.html

I'm sure there used to be more variety of aluminium-handled knives, daggers and knuckle-knives on that site...


B
T

 

[DeaconKC]

I hate to say this, but there is a good possibility it is a "mall Ninja" knife. There are a LOT of copies of these knives made currently that are copies of the originals. If you know the history, then you can determine if it is genuine. I hope it is!