Bolos are characterized by having a native hardwood handle, a full tang, and by a blade that both curves and widens, often considerably so, at its tip. This moves the centre of gravity as far forward as possible, giving the knife extra momentum for chopping vegetation. So-called "jungle bolos", intended for combat rather than agricultural work, tend to be longer and less wide at the tip.
This is a US 1909 Bolo fighting knife. As issued during the turn of the century. Manufactured by the SA company.
The scabbard is very interesting. It is made of leather with a large metal section in the throat. A rectangular
plate is attached to the throat with four rivets. A bracket is attached to the plate and can rotate nearly 360
degrees. The bracket is the hanger that attaches the scabbard to the belt.
The base of the blade of the Bolo model 1909 is marked on both sides. One side reads "US 8665", where the number is
a serial number. The other side displays the flaming bomb and reads "S A 1909".
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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
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The handle is made of wood and has indentations to fit the fingers of the hand. The handle is secured via the use
of three large brass rivets. The pommel has a round hole that allows a lanyard to pass through. the pommel is of
dove head shape. Most of it is made of wood, except for the very end which is capped by a brass round section with
a screw in the very center.
The crossguard is made of brass and has the shape of an elongated letter "S".
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.
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