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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.





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.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?
  1. FAQ's
  2. knife anatomy
  3. knife construction materials
  4. knife makers and markings
  5. Fighting knife blade types
  6. Identifying fakes and reproductions
  7. Purchasing a fighting knife
  8. Perspective View






The M-3 knife was manufactured by the following companies;

COMPANY NAME BLADE MARKING CITY
Aerial Aerial Cutlery Mfg. Co.
Boker H. Boker & Co. / BOker
Camillus Camillus Cutlery Co. / Camillus New York
Case W.R. Case & Sons / CASE
Imperial Imperial Knife Co. / Imperial
Kinfolks Kinfolks Inc.
PAL Pal Blade & Tool Co. / PAL
Robeson Robeson Cutlery Co.
Utica Utica Cutlery Co. / Utica
Viner Viner Bros. / Viner


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 scabbard were made of brown leather. The sides were stiched with heavy duty white cotton and re-enforced with metal rivets applied at regular intervals. The tip of the scabard had a black metal platte. A wire hanger was attached to the top so the knife could be attached to the utility belt.

The later model scabbard (as shown in this section) was made of fiber glass. Two pieces sandwhiched together. Olive gree color. A metal piece was placed in the throat area to keep the scabbard together. A canvis flap is riveted to the top of the scabbard. It has a horizontal section of canvis material with a snap to hold the knife in place while in movement. The top of the flap has a wire hook which enables the knife to be attached to a utility belt.





This edge weapon is currently being reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.



If you have an interest is seeing other fighting knives, you can do so by going to our Military Fighting Knives Price Guide identification guide. Where we cover Army, Navy, Army Air Force, USMC and other organizations.

The knife shown here is not for sale. However, similar items to it are available at MilitaryItems.com . Even if a similar item is not available right now, make sure to visit often as new items arrive almost in a daily basis.








PRICING GUIDE INFORMATION

The value for WWII fighting knives and other military antiques and collectibles is provided as a means to educate the collector community and individuals who have a general interest on the field. The following is an estimated value. Prices may vary in every state and every country. This service is provided courtesy of MilitaryItems.com . The source for military antiques and collectibles in the web.

Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Value $100.00 $120.00 $130.00 $135.00 $140.00 $150.00 $160.00 $170.00 $180.00 $200.00 $220.00 $240.00
Availability Common Common Common Common Common Common Common Common Common Common Common Common
Invest Grade A A A A A A A A A A A A


Year 2018 2019
Value $250.00 $270.00
Availability Common Common
Invest Grade A A

  MARKET ANALYSIS
Jan 7th, 2017
The M3 fighting knife has always been a popular knife among collectors. The one featured here is in very nice condition. Stamped on the cross guard. The future value will increase over time.





While the item featured here is not for sale, similar items like it are available for purchase in our website MilitaryItems.com


 
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