It can be sharpened tom a very fine cutting edge and has excellent corrosion resistance. Other handle features are an angled-forward double guard and a tapered pommel with lanyard hole. Showing 1 - 1 of 1 items 1 of 1 Items: Sort by: A major disadvantage of most serrated blades is that they are more difficult to sharpen, requiring a special sharpening tool. Gerber stated that their records were scarce, but they did know the knife had been included with four others sold to the Post Exchange (PX) at Ft. Benning, Georgia in October of 1967. Member; 174 Location: Eugene OR. Its strong, and the material used for build various gun receivers, including AR 15 80% lowers. The Gerber Mark II was the iconic combat knife of the Vietnam War, much as the Fairbairn-Sykes (F-S) Fighting Knife (British Commando Knife), was the iconic combat knife of World War II. Its strong, easy to sharpen and can become quite sharp as well. I don't believe it is a Vietnam era knife, the serial number doesn't look right. A fundamental part of intelligent behavior is planning. The choice was a dagger designed for sticking, but equally capable of cutting and slashing. Gerber Mark II In the 1940's, Gerber began making steak knives and eventually prized hunting knives in Portland, Oregon. By 1982 American Historical Foundation Table - Probably done by Robert Buerlein, 1984 Pete Gerber Desk List - List found in Pete Gerber Sr.'s desk, 1986 Unknown Origin Table - Table of unknown origin, 1997 Levine List - Published in Bernard Levine's Guide to Knives and Their Values IV. Hi Nick - I would recommend studying these just a little, if youre going to try and buy one. It is unknown whether the Mark II was possibly lost in the field and later found by enemy solders, or if the U.S. SF soldier was killed by some of the same NVA who died in the October 1968 Central Highlands ambush. Check out Bob Loveless and A.G. Russell knives. The Mark II went into commercial production in late 1966. People say the PC nonsense is new, but the PX stopped carrying the MK II in the 1970s because they felt that the knife was too brutal and that fighting knives were of poor taste. It's a long blade but matches the themes of the time for fighting knives. A380 is one of the most commonly specified alloys for die casting, as it offers the best combination of casting, mechanical, and thermal properties. The grip was tough but didnt offer much in the way of texture. Your email address will not be published. It utilizes an active retention strap but is quick and easy to draw. Cond, Gerber Mk2 Mark 2 MkII Mark II Stiletto Neck Knife RETENTION Sheath Only, Gerber Mk2 Mark 2 MkII Mark II Stiletto BeltKnife RETENTION Sheath Only, UNUSED 1973 Post Vietnam Gerber MK2 MKII Commando Fighting Knife with Sheath, LIMITED EDITION Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife/Mk 2 Combat/MkII, 20th Anniversary Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife/Mk 2 Combat/MkII # XX2112, 1983 Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife/Mk 2 Combat/MkII -Collection / Serial #B5789S, RARE US 1977 GERBER MK2 Commando Fighting Knife BLACK HANDLE w/ Sheath, SUPER RARE ORIGINAL 1968 GERBER MK2 KNIFE AND SHEATH VIETNAM WAR PERSONALIZED, Gerber MK ll MK 2 Fighting Knife Sheath Only No Knife, RARE ORIGINAL PRESENTATION GERBER MK2 DAGGER ZEBRA WOOD KNIFE WITH SHEATH, RARE VINTAGE ORIGINAL GERBER MK2 KNIFE AND SHEATH WITH SHARPENER MADE IN 1974, RARE ORIGINAL VIETNAM WAR GERBER MK2 PERSONALIZED KNIFE AND SHEATH MADE IN 1971, Vintage US 1978 Gerber Mark II Survival Fighting Knife w/ Sheath, RARE VINTAGE ORIGINAL GERBER MK2 KNIFE AND SHEATH MADE IN 1977, VINTAGE GERBER MARK II 1976 Gray Handle KNIFE W/ Non Original SHEATH, Gerber LMF II Infantry (Coyote) Brown Combat Knife Fixed 4.84" Blade 420HC Steel, RARE US 1978 GERBER MK2 Commando Fighting Knife ERROR # LOGO DIES BREAKDOWN, WW2 Canadian British No 4 Mk II Spike Bayonet & Scabbard 2, WW2 Canadian British No 4 Mk II Spike Bayonet & Scabbard, WW2 Canadian British No 4 Mk II Spike Bayonet, Korean War British Canadian No4 Mk II Spike Bayonet & Scabbard w/ 52 Dated Frog, GERBER USA LMF II Military Infantry Black Drop Point Survival MINT IN SHEATH, Vintage 1986 Gerber Mark ii Fighting Knife Dagger & Scabbard, GERBER LMF II Infantry Knife with Sheath Coyote Brown. Al Mar, who was working for Gerber at the time, added two inches of scalloped saw-tooth double serrations toward the hilt. By the 1960s, Gerber decided to manufacture a knife that could be used in combat during the war in Vietnam. Therefore 6477 "F" knives + 4855 "H" knives gives the total knives made that year as 11,332. Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. View on . We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. First Designed in 1966 I was doing more hunting this weekend and came across this knife. The wasp-waisted blade has a narrower section of steel, akin to how a wasps body narrows at its waist. The all-metal grip is made of aluminum. With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today! Note that for some reason no "G" serial numbers were made. With a plan, you can see how much you have progressed towards your goal and how far on your map to the next destination. The handle on the 2008 version is a one-piece solid A380 aluminum alloy casting that includes the guard, grip and pommel in a single piece. When they are released, they tend to sell out quickly, so keep your eyes open. Designed for maximum versatility, the sheath features a multi-mount system with belt loops, nylon webbing leg strap with side-release buckle and is MOLLE/PALS compatible. Gerber Mark II with after market coating on the blade. As is the case with the F-S, the Mark II is a purpose-built combat dagger with excellent penetration and reach. The general rule of thumb was that a six- to seven-inch blade was optimum. Also have the MK I as an excellent boot knife. Its old school cool. It comes with a more modern nylon sheath that will fit on a belt or a MOLLE platform. Like the Desert Eagle, the appearance of the knife makes it a natural star. Its strong, and the material used for build various gun receivers, including AR 15, PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States, P.O. If you are looking for an all originalVietnam one, you dont have to look at any in a black sheath. 1981 Hutchens Table - Mr. Doug Hutchens held several managerial positions at Gerber and was the Survival Knife Historian. The Mainz Gladius was an ancient knife found at an archaeological site. You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article. As far as legendary fighting knives go, there are a few that stand the test of time. This includes thick ropes, roots, and heavy canvas materials. View on eBay. Nice to know. Vintage HTF Valor Miami USA 415 Ichiro Hattori Seki Japan Double Edge Serrated Tip Dagger Gerber Command 1 Clone Boot Knife & Sheath 5 out of 5 stars (1.5k) Sale Price $96.85 $ 96.85 $ 129.13 Original Price $129.13 . Gerber C.A. Although Captain Holzman reportedly base the blade profile of the Mark II on the Roman Mainz Gladius in the British Museums collection, the similarities to the F-S Fighting Knife are unmistakable. Hit Man: A Technical Manual for Independent Contractors, List of individual weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces, Details on the Mark, Command, and Guardian series of Gerber knives, Images of the Gerber Mark II 20th Anniversary Edition prototype, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gerber_Mark_II&oldid=1152588055, The Mark II gained additional fame when it was used by, The black coated blade model of the Mark II was used during the mess hall knife play scene in the science fiction film, This page was last edited on 1 May 2023, at 03:59. The Mark II design was based on a sketch sent in by Army Captain C. A. Commercial knife makers like 420HC. The Gerber MK-II is said to have been designed around a drawing sent to the company by Army Captain C.A. Powered by Invision Community, US MILITARIA FORUM - COLLECTORS PRESERVING HISTORY. I have been told he based the wasp waist pattern of the double-edge 7-inch blade on a Roman short-sword (I assume that would be the early Mainz pattern gladius). Gerber is, of course, still in business and thriving, but go to its website and you wont find a Mark II for sale. in North America and a 25- year limited warranty outside of North America. I am now retired. The knife was never an issued one per se but became a favorite in Vietnam. Black butt with lanyard hole and leather lanyard. Phone 734.386.1984. Engraved on the blade has a master parachutist badge, Hal Left, and a parachute. However there are some discrepancies between them. Keep Reading. You do not find many in country Gerber Mark II knives, let along one with such rich and well documented history of the soldier. Of course, each contained what was a unique concept for the time: a purpose built, commercial fighting knife, the Gerber MK-II Combat. After the war, wondering about the history of the knife, Charlie wrote to Gerber (this was years before the internet) and sent a picture of the knife and its serial number hoping Gerber could tell him who had originally purchased it and when. On the Mark II, this narrower section comes toward the guard, and the edge on both sides has small serrations. Mr. Scratch Posted April 5, 2012. It is curious to note that the Mark 1 Gerber was not designed until 1976, that is after the Vietnam War was over and a full ten years after the Mark II was produced. They specialized in deception and psychological warfare (psyops). While 420HC is not a high-end stainless steel, it does produce a good knife steel with good corrosion resistance and fairly good edge holding ability. The 2008 version ballistic nylon sheath has an injection-molded hard polymer liner and two nylon straps with snap closures for primary and secondary retention to secure the handle. Bud Holzmann, who based the pattern on a Roman Mainz Gladius. The design is iconic, and they are still offered today. . The knife also incorporates an aggressive handguard to keep your hand positioned on the handle in a fight. The Mark II stands out thanks to its blade design. "Bud" Holzman. Is it possible it's a gerber command 2? The knife is 12-3/4" overall and weighs 8 ounces. The Gerber Mark II has a suggested retail price of $115,00. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty in North America and a 25- year limited warranty outside of North America. Fortunately for collectors, all Mark II knives, except the yellow-handled dive knives, are individually serial numbered, which makes dating easy. 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