In the spring of 1969 I was detailed to pick up my platoons mail at the company headquarters of C/75th Rangers in An Khe, Vietnam. Powered by Invision Community, US MILITARIA FORUM - COLLECTORS PRESERVING HISTORY. Engraved on the blade has a master parachutist badge, Hal Left, and a parachute. The handle was famously made from aluminum and designed for a fencing-style grip. 4d 2h left (Sun, 05:10 PM) or Best Offer +$8.00 shipping Sponsored Gerber Mk2 Mark 2 MkII Mark II Stiletto Neck Knife RETENTION Sheath Only Brand New $40.00 lloy_howa (1,088) 98.5% Buy It Now +$5.55 shipping Sponsored Carried a MKII in a chest rig for quite a few years while in the AF. Its strong, and the material used for build various gun receivers, including AR 15, PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States, P.O. Manufacturer: Gerber Model: Mark II Length:12.75 in. The handle ergonomics of the Mark II are generally considered superior to those of the F-S Fighting Knife. Nkumburis, Picture is not detailed enough to determine if possibly the wrist tie was used to insure the knife would not be lost. 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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING VETERAN JOURNALISM - JOIN SOFREP+ 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. Terry was originally a Marine who became a SEAL team member and was a medic, HM1. After a quick Google search, I believe this is a Gerber Mark II knife. Asymmetry in blade design is a show-stopper - this actually being a Command II. This dual-edged blade, with its dagger point, will penetrate deep and with ease. The general rule of thumb was that a six- to seven-inch blade was optimum. In either case, the knife was obviously created to be a deadly weapon first and a tool second. Commercial knife makers like 420HC. The Mark II was successful due largely to its well-designed blade and lightweight. A serrated edge is also functionally longer cutting surface, so it will hold up longer without needing to be resharpened. Vietnam era vintage Jacques Garcia survival combat knife . View on eBay. Prototypes were field tested and evaluated at Fort Lewis, Washington by members of the Armys Fourth Infantry Division. 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. Black ballistic nylon sheaths were introduced around 1985. It's a long blade but matches the themes of the time for fighting knives. There have been many variations in the Mark II throughout the years of its production. My experience has taught me that there's nothing like digging in and getting started. When it comes to military knives, few are as universally beloved as the Gerber Mark II. March 28, 2021 in EDGED WEAPONS. And its just as effective today at taking care of business as it was on the day it was introduced. It could penetrate the torso of a bad guy and be long enough to reach something vital from any angle. A plan is like a map. However there are some discrepancies between them. Great knife and I believe this model was only produced a few years. The impressive little rangefinder worked What Are Coach Guns? As with many popular designs, various companies started producing their own version, hoping to get a part of the military and civilian markets. This 40 year-old jewel features a black oxide coated 420 HC double serrated blade and die cast aluminum handle. Full production resumed in 2008 and continues to this day. The Mark II design was based on a sketch sent in by Army Captain C. A. The MK-II was designed by retired Army Captain Bud Holzman, not Al Mar. Read Next: Pikes Manly Gift Picks: Knife Edition 2020. Of course, each contained what was a unique concept for the time: a purpose built, commercial fighting knife, the Gerber MK-II Combat. Item #BHQ-4289 MSRP: $132.95 Our Price: $89.95 (3) Date or production tables relate Gerber Mark II serial numbers to the years they were manufactured. / 226.796 g Blade Steel: 420HC Stainless Steel Blade Length: 6.5 in. The grip is also super comfortable and conforms well to the hand. The NVA soldier was killed in an ambush in Vietnam's Central Highlands, somewhere west of Buon Ma Thout, in October of 1968 . Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife W/Sheath USA MKII Vietnam Era 1970 . One big thing to remember is that the Gerber MK II is a fighting knife, not a utility one. Has anyone else come across one from this era with engraving? In 1982 an alpha-numeric system was adopted. 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. Gerber Mark II with after market coating on the blade. Gerber MK-II: Just as the Fairbairn Sykes is the Iconic knife of WW-II, the Gerber MK-II filled that role for the American soldier in Vietnam. It featured a double edged dagger blade and a tough, textured aluminum handle for a better grip. The HC stands for high carbon, which means it can be brought to a higher hardness than 420. [4] The Mark II was commonly carried by troops for the United States in the Vietnam War, and was second only to the Ka-Bar knife in fame. The Mark II has outstanding balance And is lively in the hand. A serrated edge is also functionally longer cutting surface, so it will hold up longer without needing to be resharpened. I received my first Gerber Mk II, sn# 13000 in the fall of 1969 during my last full tour in Vietnam. Shooting the BulletSafe VP3 Soft Body Armor, Uberti Remembers John Wesley Hardin with this Top Break .45 Colt. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING VETERAN JOURNALISM - JOIN SOFREP+ , Pikes Manly Gift Picks: Knife Edition 2020, PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States, P.O. Car & Truck Safety & Security Accessories, Vietnam Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife/Mk 2 Combat/MkII -Collection #10680 --1969, Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife W/Sheath USA MKII Vietnam Era 1970, 1977 Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife/Mk 2 Combat/MkII -Collection #55636/lw, 1977 Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife/Mk 2 Combat/MkII -BLUED BLADE #58859/lw, Gerber Mk Mark II 2 MK2 MKII Mark2 MarkII Commander Sheath OD Green Black Tan, 1986 Gerber MK II 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Knife with Box and Papers, Vintage 1981 Gerber Mark II MK 2 Fighting Knife Dagger with Sheath #104896, Vintage GERBER MK2, MKII LEATHER SCABBARD, Vintage 1977 Gerber Mark II MK 2 Fighting Knife Dagger Exc. 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). Mr. Scratch Posted April 5, 2012. Vietnam Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife/Mk 2 Combat/MkII -Collection #10680 --1969 $1,750.00 stcroixblades (11,131) 100% Buy It Now +$16.95 shipping 10 watchers Sponsored Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife - Mk 2 Combat - Mk II - Vintage (1981) Pre-Owned $395.00 midwestknifetrader (32) 100% Buy It Now +$12.45 shipping 42 watchers Sponsored Both blade and handle have been painted to prevent reflections. 43311 Joy Road Specifications Id like your opinion on something. Its strong, easy to sharpen and can become quite sharp as well. Vietnam Era Gerber Mark II? - EDGED WEAPONS - U.S. Militaria Forum Gerber Mark II knife review - YouTube Other makers offer knives similar to the Mark II, but if you want the real deal youll have to dig a little bit to purchase one yourself. This knife is good for one thing, and thats killing the enemies of democracy. 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There have been many variations in the Mark II throughout the years of its production. The Gerber MK II features a 6.5-inch dagger blade. Gerber Mark II In the 1940's, Gerber began making steak knives and eventually prized hunting knives in Portland, Oregon. The Mark II has a 6.5-inch blade. Vintage Gerber Mark II Knives are very collectible and a version of this knife continues to be produced to this day. It can be sharpened tom a very fine cutting edge and has excellent corrosion resistance. The blade is now made from a 420HC high carbon stainless steel. View on . List - Info sheet by Donda Burnett, Gerber Consumer Affairs, 2008 Sarasota Info - http://simplysarasota.com/knifecollector/GerberKnifeDates.html, 2/10/09 Sarasota Table - http://simplysarasota.com/knifecollector/Gerber-MkII-Production-Chart.html. The Gerber MK-II is said to have been designed around a drawing sent to the company by Army Captain C.A. A serrated edge essentially cuts by tearing rather than slicing. 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. And he designed it not just to be a tool but a weapon. For utility purposes, there are better knives. Your hand wont slip or slide into the blade as you stick and stab to kill a Commie for mommy. If you are looking for an all originalVietnam one, you dont have to look at any in a black sheath. When the alpha letter changes during the year, a double calculation is done. It is incredibly durable and very well made. The Gerber MK II features a 6.5-inch dagger blade. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Others have called the MK-II an improved version of the WW-II Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife. Oldpocketknives.com is an online resource for collectors of vintage pocket knives. / 32.385 cm Weight: 8 oz. Named 1st CAL 1970 Vietnam War Gerber Mark II Mk 2 Fighting - eBay The first sheaths were leather. Unfortunately it's not a vietnam era knife but could have been used post-vietnam by a Soldier/Green Beret? Gerber Mark Ii Date Table 01/05/08 THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING VETERAN JOURNALISM - JOIN SOFREP+ , The all-metal grip is made of aluminum. Below are some pictures of my Gerber Mk-II combat knife. Production continued until 2000, with an additional limited production run of 1,500 knives in 2002. According to some sources, this was done to make the knife more politically correct, while others say they were added as a result of suggestions from the field. Israels Cutting-Edge Missile Warning System to Be Deployed in Ukraine This May, US Special Forces Evacuate Embassy Staff in Sudan: Other Americans Left Behind, Again, Navy SEALs David Goggins versus Dan Crenshaw in SEAL on SEAL Internet Death Match, Germany Seeks to Modernize Military with American Rocket Artillery System, War Games: 2027 Reveals Need for US to Arm Taiwan to the Teeth Amid Rising Tensions with China, Russia Threatens to Terminate Ukraine Grain Deal over G7 Export Ban, Taliban Kills Kabul Airport Suicide Bombing Mastermind, SOFREP Stands With Our Brothers Who Demand Responsibility for Disastrous Afghan Departure, Adam Brown: A SEALs Life of Courage and Redemption, Complete List: Ticonderoga-class Missile Cruisers To Retire By 2027, Nuclear Close Calls That Nearly Caused World War III, Russian Sausage Millionaire and Putin Critic Falls to His Death in India, Your Subscription Supports our Veteran Staff. 420HC is a martensitic 420 series stainless steel. A serrated edge can clear a cut and can start cuts in materials where it would be difficult to do so with a straight edge. The knife, serial number 9537, is missing the two leading zeros. / 16.51 cm Blade Style: Double-Edge Dagger, Double-Serrated Blade Finish: Black Oxide Handle Material: Die-Cast A380 Aluminum Handle-Finish: Black Powder Coat Sheath Material: Black Ballistic Nylon w/ Hard Polymer Liner MOLLE/PALS Compatible: Yes Jumpable: Yes Country of Origin: USA Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (North America); 25-year Limited Warranty Outside North America. Overview The Gerber Mark II features a 420 high carbon stainless steel blade with a black oxide coated finish and a full tang construction. *Lighting a path to truth* Former Navy JAG Worldwide U.S. Military Defense. Other handle features are an angled-forward double guard and a tapered pommel with lanyard hole. The Mark II is a true classic that belongs in every knife collection. Is it possible it's a gerber command 2? Many carried Gerber MK II knives. Gerber Mk II Serial Numbers: Below is a list of the serial numbers on Gerber Mark II knives and the corresponding year in which they were made. This includes thick ropes, roots, and heavy canvas materials. First Designed in 1966 The general rule of thumb was that a six- to seven-inch blade was. 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 Gerber MK II has constantly been featured in movies and series. So I looked up the Gerber Command 1 but it seems a lot smaller than this one. On the Mark II, this narrower section comes toward the guard, and the edge on both sides has small serrations. As far as fighting knives go, the Mark II is most certainly one of the most proven options out there, and its nice to see Gerber bringing it back so knife nerds can get their hands on one. Support Veteran Journalism . Also if this knife is real, an approximate value would be greatly appreciated. A lot happened in that time, and along the way, the MK II became a well reputed Cold Warrior. It also comes with a ballistic nylon sheath. 1,001 to 5,000 = 1967 5,001 to 9,900 = 1968 9,901 to 14,350 = 1969 14,351 to 19,300 = 1970 19,301 to 23,750 = 1971 23,751 to 28,000 = 1972 28,001 to 32,900 = 1973 32,901 to 39,000 = 1974 One year in one direction or another makes a BIG difference in price. When you work in conditions with strict logistics, youll take the weight of an aluminum handle over something fragile. In the numerous hot little wars, American and European fighting men rented themselves out to numerous governments. "Bud" Holzmann, who based the pattern on a Roman Mainz Gladius. The MK I was a smaller variant of its predecessor and featured a 4.75-inch blade. Its ridiculous to think that the PX, of all places, wouldnt want to arm fighting men with a fighting knife, but here we are. You do not find many in country Gerber Mark II knives, let along one with such rich and well documented history of the soldier. As it had the sharpening steel with it I fell in love with its L-6 blade. The other side says "F*** Communism" so I look forward to your comments. The blade is 6.5 inches long, and contemporary versions of it are made from 420 HC stainless steel. I am now retired. While this carry position afforded quick access to the knife, part of the Mark IIs ricasso can be seen indicating the knife was barely being held in place by the sheaths retaining strap. Gerber designed the sheath to be multi-mount so that you could strap it to a belt or to your MOLLE gear. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world. A major disadvantage of most serrated blades is that they are more difficult to sharpen, requiring a special sharpening tool. During the school's illustrious history, a large number of 101 st Airborne Division Lurp/Rangers won that coveted award, a testament to the quality of men who served in the division's Long Range Patrol units". GERBER MARK II&trade SITE AUTHOR If you examine the photo closely, you can see the sharpening steel on the knife sheath face. Note the Gerber Mark II worn in an inverted carry, fastened to web gear on his left side. NO RESERVE-GERBER"71 MARK II VIETNAM FIGHTING KNIFE 5 DEG CANTED GREY ARMORHIDE . Donda Bernet). A fundamental part of intelligent behavior is planning. [4], The MK II was the suggested blade in Paladin Press's controversial how to book, Hit Man: A Technical Manual for Independent Contractors.[5]. Like the Desert Eagle, the appearance of the knife makes it a natural star. "It was the tradition that the honor graduate of each class at MACV Recondo School be awarded a Gerber commando dagger by the school's staff.
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