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WWII Western 66 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.
The american soldier was allowed to purchase their own knives and carry them in their deployment. Several
knife makers in the US knew this and developed a wide range of edge weapons to cater to the soldiers.
The item featured on this page is an example of a private purchase knife.
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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 design of the knife consisted of a brown leather compressed ring handle. Where the top and bottom
portions employed a combination of colors for aesthetic effect. The pommel is made of aluminum. Some
examples were produced with steel and wood. The top of the pommel shows a brass wedge that keeps
the handle together.
The blade is single edge. The base has the following markings on one side: "Western, USA 66".
This sample does not have a scabbard. The knife would have come with a leather scabard with a belt
loop in the upper portion.
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