gerber mk ii vietnam

The Mark II was designed by retired US Army Captain Clarence A. Over time the MK II design evolved slightly but has always remained a dagger-style fighting knife. 43311 Joy Road 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. 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). eBay. Pre owned but in nice condition Gray Armorhide (cat's tongue) handle. Note the Gerber Mark II worn on a belt on the right hip. Although a variety of handle materials have been employed for the Mark II, the majority are die-cast aluminum. / 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. / 32.385 cm Weight: 8 oz. So (F9999S - F3523S + 1) = 6477 and (H4854S - H0000S + 1 ) = 4855. The Gerber MK-II is said to have been designed around a drawing sent to the company by Army Captain C.A. Item #BHQ-4289 MSRP: $132.95 Our Price: $89.95 (3) The handle was designed to be an effective yawara. The knife was never an issued one per se but became a favorite in Vietnam. Aluminum is an unusual choice for a knifes handle, but it works here. Other handle features are an angled-forward double guard and a tapered pommel with lanyard hole. Date or production tables relate Gerber Mark II serial numbers to the years they were manufactured. Its made in the USA at Gerbers Portland, Oregon factory. 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. I received my first Gerber Mk II, sn# 13000 in the fall of 1969 during my last full tour in Vietnam. I appreciate any traffic from these links as I earn commission from eBay and Gerber when an item is purchased, at no extra cost to you. Gerber Mark II | SMKW A fundamental part of intelligent behavior is planning. The knife also incorporates an aggressive handguard to keep your hand positioned on the handle in a fight. Picture is not detailed enough to determine if possibly the wrist tie was used to insure the knife would not be lost. Very few modern combat knives have the wasp waist (other famous American models like the M7, USMC fighting utility knife, and M9 dont have it), and it is the visual signature of the Mark II. 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. These serial numbers consist of a single leading letter followed by digits from 0000 to 9999 followed by an "S" or "T". The Mark II is one of the best selling knives of all time. Return of the Classic Gerber Mark II Dagger - Army Rumour Service It received its baptism of blood one terrible dark monsoon night. Hi Nick - I would recommend studying these just a little, if youre going to try and buy one. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. All Rights Reserved. Nkumburis, 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. Also found at, 199? [4], Gerber manufactured a scaled down version of the Mark II known as the Mark I. 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. [1][2] This design feature led to a significant number of knives being returned by users for having a "bent blade", so Gerber discontinued that element on subsequent production runs. Anniversary knives are not blade marked. *Lighting a path to truth* Former Navy JAG Worldwide U.S. Military Defense. MIA 4/24/1969 in Cambodia. http://www.virtualwall.org/ds/ShriverJM01a.htm. For utility purposes, there are better knives. *The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. Its a good choice when ease of sharpening and toughness are important. The HC stands for high carbon, which means it can be brought to a higher hardness than 420. I was doing more hunting this weekend and came across this knife. Terry was originally a Marine who became a SEAL team member and was a medic, HM1. Vietnam mark II 1972 combat knife $ 650.00. With a plan, you can see how much you have progressed towards your goal and how far on your map to the next destination. Gerber Mark II for sale - Blade HQ Base PXs carried the MK II up until they decided it wasnt a politically correct enough blade. SpecialForcesHistory has an entire page dedicated to the commandos who carried the MK II with pictures of surviving examples. Still have it. During the Vietnam War, the first production run of this knife had a five degree offset between the blade and the grip in order to ride in the sheath more comfortably, and give the user a grip similar to that of a fencing foil. 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 Therefore 6477 "F" knives + 4855 "H" knives gives the total knives made that year as 11,332. Commercial knife makers like 420HC. In his book "Six Silent Men - 101st LRP/Rangers - Book 3", Gary A. Linderer mentions the MACV Recondo School at Nha Trang, run by the 5th Special Forces Groups. by Wayne Goddard After my enlistment, I worked as a test engineer and software developer for the Aerospace Industry for 34 years. These knives were produced commercially by Gerber and favored by troops in Vietnam. Box 378 Red Hook, New York 12571 United States. 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. http://knifecollector.net/Gerber-MkII-Production-Chart.html. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site. Member; 174 Location: Eugene OR. Gerber Mark II Fixed Blade Dagger Knife (6.5" Black Serr) 1874 Note the harsh wording in the advertisement with emphasis on the knife's "deadly" aspects. Has anyone else come across one from this era with engraving? Also no records exist for "S/Ns A3012S-A4010S (Ref. The handle is made from die-cast aluminum which helps keep the weight to just eight ounces. GERBER Mark II PRODUCTION DATE INFORMATION It has black diecast aluminum handles and it includes a black nylon sheath with a belt loop. Your email address will not be published. Its unique appearance makes it a fearsome option for the screen. 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 Geber & Randall - The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knives The new Mark II uses the same classic dagger-like design and metal grip and handguard. View on eBay. A serrated edge essentially cuts by tearing rather than slicing. Gerber Mark II - Wikipedia When I enlisted in the Marines, I had a subscription to Leatherneck magazine sent to my parents home. | Privacy. 1981 Hutchens Table - Mr. Doug Hutchens held several managerial positions at Gerber and was the Survival Knife Historian. Like the F-S, the Mark II has a slender, double-edge spear-point / dagger blade for maximum piecing capability and a distinctive foil-like handle to enable many handling / gripping options. Gerber Mark II knife review - YouTube 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. The Mark II uses a dagger type design making it less of a slasher and more of a stabber. The Gerber Mark II: A Historic Fighting Knife - BLADE Magazine A former Army Captain designed the Gerber Mark II. This allows them to be sharpened at the same time as the blade and makes sharpening a breeze. The first production run of the Mark II was wasp-waisted and had a five-degree offset between the blade and the grip. MIA 4/24/1969 in Cambodia. Gerber Mark Ii Knife - Etsy Learn how your comment data is processed. Going Big At Coachella: Artists Re-Define Publi Space At - Forbes A serrated edge is also functionally longer cutting surface, so it will hold up longer without needing to be resharpened. A picture of Jerry Michael Shriver, Master Sergeant, CCS, MACV-SOG (5TH SF GRP), SPECIAL FORCES U.S. Army. Weight saving was important, and the knife weighs hardly anything. I hope your weekend went well. Bud Holzman, who served with the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) in the European theatre during WWII. 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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. 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. However there are several serial range differences that I could not resolve. The honor graduate knives from the 1969 era are engraved "DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE / MACV RECONDO SCHOOL". It popped up in the hands of everyones favorite fraud raven Seagal in the film Under Siege, as well as in the Road Warrior, in which Mad Max tucks one into his boot. The downside is that the steel does not hold an edge for a very long time. It's one of the best selling knives of all time and continues to see action around the globe. 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. Others have called the MK-II an improved version of the WW-II Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife. Black butt with lanyard hole and leather lanyard. Hello, On display is my 1968 model CT2 Gerber MKII combat dagger. The MK-II was designed by retired Army Captain Bud Holzman, not Al Mar. The handle ergonomics of the Mark II are generally considered superior to those of the F-S Fighting Knife. It's easy! Asymmetry in blade design is a show-stopper - this actually being a Command II. Black ballistic nylon sheaths were introduced around 1985. It was advertised as a boot knife rather than a fighting knife. gerber mk2 for sale | eBay When one looks at the blade and the design, its evident that its a bit thin and not suited for batoning wood, skinning game, or general survival tasks. The Mark II is a true classic that belongs in every knife collection. The Mark II went into commercial production in late 1966. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Caribou Media Group | All rights reserved. The Gerber MK II - A Historic Fighting Knife | SOFREP Not all brown ones are Vietnam, but all Vietnam ones are brown, if that makes sense. It allows for an ice pick style grip, a fencing grip, or a standard hammer grip. It is a good solid knife, was a carry knife for troops in Vietnam. One big thing to remember is that the Gerber MK II is a fighting knife, not a utility one. The Mark II also has a double-edged spear point blade but with one massive exception: the wasp waist. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING VETERAN JOURNALISM - JOIN SOFREP+ The use of stainless steel does prevent corrosion and is often a great choice for survival tools. gerber mk ii for sale | eBay Nice to know. A major disadvantage of most serrated blades is that they are more difficult to sharpen, requiring a special sharpening tool. [3] It has a distinctive look similar to that of the FairbairnSykes fighting knife developed during World War II for the British Commandos. Support Veteran Journalism . Prototypes were field tested and evaluated at Fort Lewis, Washington by members of the Armys Fourth Infantry Division. It's a long blade but matches the themes of the time for fighting knives. A serrated edge essentially cuts by tearing rather than slicing. Vietnam Legend Returns | Gerber MK-II Fighting Knife Review By the 1960s, Gerber decided to manufacture a knife that could be used in combat during the war in Vietnam. Members of MACV SOG famously loved the knife and many of these commandos carried it into battle. I really enjoy knives that are engraved like this one. Its old school cool. It could penetrate the torso of a bad guy and be long enough to reach something vital from any angle. Vintage Gerber Mark II Knives are very collectible and a version of this knife continues to be produced to this day. Production Number Explanation Mark II serial numbers were all numeric from 1966 through 1981 and a simple subtraction plus 1 gives the total knives made in a year. The Mark I had a 4.75 inch (12cm) blade and was marketed as a boot knife.[6]. The Parker "BIG SMOKEY . The blade is 6.5 inches long, and contemporary versions of it are made from 420 HC stainless steel. You do not find many in country Gerber Mark II knives, let along one with such rich and well documented history of the soldier. The handle ergonomics of the Mark II are generally considered superior to those of the F-S Fighting Knife. Note the Gerber Mark II hanging on his belt. The handle changed to Armorhide in 1968, which is a brown colored epoxy that is very durable. in North America and a 25- year limited warranty outside of North America. 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. In either case, the knife was obviously created to be a deadly weapon first and a tool second. On the Mark II, this narrower section comes toward the guard, and the edge on both sides has small serrations. After a quick Google search, I believe this is a Gerber Mark II knife. If so, let us know in the comments below. It comes with a more modern nylon sheath that will fit on a belt or a MOLLE platform. It was called the Mark II combat knife and was fist produced in 1966. Also another retention strap snap has been added to the strap. Used, a little bit of stitching coming undone, but all correct. Kasey, Your email address will not be published. Its one of the best selling knives of all time and continues to see action around the globe. Its fully jumpable. Remember, that in the early years, Gerber did not keep careful records. Share #1 Posted April 5, 2012. Yet, the Gerber Mark II is a fighting weapon first and tool secondary. Thanks and keep up the good work! It also cuts better than a plain edge when dull. Black double guard. When I was in Vietnam, my Dad saw an advertisement in the magazine for the "new" Gerber fighting knife. If the leading alpha character doesn't change for the year, again simple subtraction plus 1 gives the total. It is incredibly durable and very well made. The general rule of thumb was that a six- to seven-inch blade was optimum. When you work in conditions with strict logistics, youll take the weight of an aluminum handle over something fragile. 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. The 2008 version has a die-cast aluminum handle with a textured black powder-coat finish and a 420HC stainless steel double-edge, straight-waist blade with a black oxide coating. Loved your article on the Mark IIyou didnt repeat the same things that everyone else reprints. This includes thick ropes, roots, and heavy canvas materials. 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. When it comes to military knives, few are as universally beloved as the Gerber Mark II. The handle was designed to be an effective yawara. Vietnam War Knives for sale - Old Pocket Knives Cason. Yes, you can, but its not so straightforward. Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. 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". There have been many variations in the Mark II throughout the years of its production. Praesidus brings homage to the military watch tradition. Vietnam Era Gerber Mark II? - EDGED WEAPONS - U.S. Militaria Forum [2] It was designed by retired United States Army Captain, Clarence A. Other handle features are an angled-forward double guard and a tapered pommel with lanyard hole. In 1982 an alpha-numeric system was adopted. GERBER MARK II&trade SITE AUTHOR The Ka-Bar, the Bowie knife, the Fairbairn-Sykes, and the often forgotten Gerber Mark II Combat Knife are all famed fighting knives.
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