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WWII US M3 Utica fighting Knife -
A fighting knife, also commonly called a combat knife, is a knife designed for military use, specifically for close combat. Although since the end of trench warfare, most military knives have been primarily designed for utility
or tool use. Activities such as clearing foliage, chopping branches for cover, opening ammunition crates, etc.
Developed in 1943, the M3 figthing knife was manufactured in large quantities. The design consisted of
a leather handle with multiple grooves applied at intervals. This featured allowed for better grip of
the knife. The pommel is a metal, flat disc with a starburst pattern metal spike that attaches the
pommel to the handle. The blade was double edge, stilleto type.
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for military fighting knives.
Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out
clearly defined points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my fighting knife worth?".
A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the knives is
reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth
of the edge weapons in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality
military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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The M-3 knife was manufactured by the following companies;
| COMPANY NAME |
BLADE MARKING |
CITY |
| Aerial |
Aerial Cutlery Mfg. Co. |
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| Boker |
H. Boker & Co. / BOker |
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| Camillus |
Camillus Cutlery Co. / Camillus |
New York |
| Case |
W.R. Case & Sons / CASE |
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| Imperial |
Imperial Knife Co. / Imperial |
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| Kinfolks |
Kinfolks Inc. |
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| PAL |
Pal Blade & Tool Co. / PAL |
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| Robeson |
Robeson Cutlery Co. |
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| Utica |
Utica Cutlery Co. / Utica |
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| Viner |
Viner Bros. / Viner |
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The location of the marking can vary. Early models were marked horizontally on the blade. Other
models were stamped on the crossguard or the base of the blade.
We also have an M3 knife made by the
CASE company , and the
Utica company in the collection.
Early versions of the |
