Collecting A Trench Knife

A trench knife is either made from intentionally or made from bayonets or swords that are shortened. The whole purpose of a trench knife is to be the ideal weapon in close-quarter fights. The design originated during World War I. This knife was really useful during the operations of raiding trenches.

The most popular and easily recognizable trench knife is the Mark I. Collectors still do their best to get one of these. It was introduced during the latter part of World War I. It was carried by the American paratroopers in World War II. This knife had a double edge blade as well as brass hilt which incorporated the guard. The guard also served as a punching aid for the user. The pommel was also used to crush the skull and it also helped in increasing the trench knife’s flexibility. With this, the weapon was more lethal than most knives used during the war.

The Mark I was then remodeled and the US M1917 as well as the M1918 are two of the most popular trench knife that is available for collectors to obtain today. These two models have a stiletto blade and wooden grip. These also have knuckle guards that are made of medal as well as a pommel with a round shape. These two versions though differ in the sense that their knuckle guards have different constructions.

It’s not only the Americans who are fascinated by the trench knife. Even the French have their

own version of the Mark I. It has a lion and a blade ricasso. This was modeled from the USM1917. Another version of the French trench knife has a groove on the top of its grip. Some even have numbers and letters in their knuckles. These are also collected by knife enthusiasts