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. Mr. Scratch Posted April 5, 2012. Has anyone else come across one from this era with engraving? The Gerber Mark II: A Historic Fighting Knife, Best Ka-Bar: Modern Options Of The Historic Knife, Knifemaking 101 Read This Before You Make a Knife, 8 Things You May Not Know About Forged in Fire. For utility purposes, there are better knives. Note the Gerber Mark II worn in an inverted carry, fastened to web gear on his left side. This dual-edged blade, with its dagger point, will penetrate deep and with ease. Note the Gerber Mark II worn on a belt on the right hip. When it comes to military knives, few are as universally beloved as the Gerber Mark II. In Vietnam and Cambodia it never left my side and I loved that knife. A serrated edge essentially cuts by tearing rather than slicing. Aluminum is an unusual choice for a knifes handle, but it works here. Is it possible it's a gerber command 2? The honor graduate knives from the 1969 era are engraved "DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE / MACV RECONDO SCHOOL". One of the throat rivets tore out and was repaired with a rivet with a larger head. One year in one direction or another makes a BIG difference in price. The MK I was a smaller variant of its predecessor and featured a 4.75-inch blade. The handle was famously made from aluminum and designed for a fencing-style grip. 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 GR or Rex as he was called was a Senior Chief Petty Officer Radioman with Team 13 of BJU1 (Beach Jumper Unit 1) and served in Vietnam in 1969-1970. 1970-1974 yellow-handled dive knives have no serial numbers. 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. MIA 4/24/1969 in Cambodia. The Gerber MK-II is said to have been designed around a drawing sent to the company by Army Captain C.A. The general rule of thumb was that a six- to seven-inch blade was. Showing 1 - 1 of 1 items 1 of 1 Items: Sort by: Your email address will not be published. First introduced in 1966, this tactical knife is serialized for collectors. NOTE: See the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site http://www.virtualwall.org/ds/ShriverJM01a.htm for more details about MSG Shriver. They were sold later as Model GB05705 "Mark II Wasp" w/ C3 Cordura sheath in the Blue and Black box. You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article. The knife is 12-3/4" overall and weighs 8 ounces. 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. Probably the finest school of its kind anywhere in the world, this was the 'finishing school' of long range patrolling. Member; 174 Location: Eugene OR. Note the Gerber Mark II hanging on his belt. Share #1 Posted April 5, 2012. Unfortunately it's not a vietnam era knife but could have been used post-vietnam by a Soldier/Green Beret? A lot happened in that time, and along the way, the MK II became a well reputed Cold Warrior. "Bud" Holzman, who served with the 101 . Blade length is 6.5 inches / 16.51 cm, blade thickness is 0.235-inch / 5.969 mm and blade witdth is 0.875-inch / 22.225 mm. The MACV Recondo School operated from 1966 to 1971. So I looked up the Gerber Command 1 but it seems a lot smaller than this one. 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 Mark II uses a dagger type design making it less of a slasher and more of a stabber. The blade is 6.5 inches long, and contemporary versions of it are made from 420 HC stainless steel. Also found at, 199? The sheath has been modified by cutting off the sheath back above the throat and adding webbing to the sheath back forming a belt loop. The Mark II went into commercial production in late 1966. Fighting knives are the best knives. 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. Black ballistic nylon sheaths were introduced around 1985. However, the latest models are the closest collectors can get to a real MK II. First Introduced In 1966, It Still Endures Today. Phone 734.386.1984. The MK II was the suggested blade in Paladin Press's controversial how-to book 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. 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. in North America and a 25- year limited warranty outside of North America. First issued for use by U.S. service personnel in the Vietnam War in 1966, the knife has stayed in production since with the exception of 2000-2008. Asymmetry in blade design is a show-stopper - this actually being a Command II. A major disadvantage of most serrated blades is that they are more difficult to sharpen, requiring a special sharpening tool. Straight blade Mark II - Serial Number 007338 - This knife was carried by RMCS G.R. 2023 The SOFREP Media Group. The Mark II has outstanding balance And is lively in the hand. It also cuts better than a plain edge when dull. The engraving seems legit. Other handle features are an angled-forward double guard and a tapered pommel with lanyard hole. This isnt the best steel, and I wouldnt take it to war. 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. The ads were soon toned down. | Privacy. A serrated edge essentially cuts by tearing rather than slicing. Holzman in 1966. By the 1960's, Gerber decided to manufacture a knife that could be used in combat during the war in Vietnam. Nine major and several minor tables/lists exist. Over time the MK II design evolved slightly but has always remained a dagger-style fighting knife. The Mark II is one of the best selling knives of all time. The handle ergonomics of the Mark II are generally considered superior to those of the F-S Fighting Knife. It could penetrate the torso of a bad guy and be long enough to reach something vital from any angle. 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. Manufacturer: Gerber Model: Mark II Length:12.75 in. Canton, MI 48187 The Mark II was designed by retired US Army Captain Clarence A. The Gerber Mark II - Vietnam Era Fighting Knife by Travis Pike Jan 18, 2021 As far as legendary fighting knives go, there are a few that stand the test of time. [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. But oddly enough, the MK I came after the MK II. Keep Reading. . When it comes to military knives, few are as universally beloved as the Gerber Mark II. If you are looking for an all original Vietnam one, you don't have to look at any in a black sheath. This knife is good for one thing, and thats killing the enemies of democracy. Al Mar, who was working for Gerber at the time, added two inches of scalloped saw-tooth double serrations toward the hilt. The HC stands for high carbon, which means it can be brought to a higher hardness than 420. Cason. 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. After my enlistment, I worked as a test engineer and software developer for the Aerospace Industry for 34 years. "Beach Jumper" was the cover name of U.S. Navy special warfare units. Gerber designed the sheath to be multi-mount so that you could strap it to a belt or to your MOLLE gear. The Gerber Mark II Is One Of The Most Famous Combat Knives Ever Issued To The American Military. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Named 1st CAL 1970 Vietnam War Gerber Mark II Mk 2 Fighting Knife Watch Grouping at the best online prices at eBay! Share More sharing options. These serial numbers consist of a single leading letter followed by digits from 0000 to 9999 followed by an "S" or "T". Coach guns were typically double-barreled shotguns with short barrels that made them easy to maneuver in 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme. Weight saving was important, and the knife weighs hardly anything. A page out of the Vietnam SAIGON POST Newspaper in the early years of the war. Gerber Mark II In the 1940's, Gerber began making steak knives and eventually prized hunting knives in Portland, Oregon. Serrations were added to the Mark II in the 1970s. Check out Bob Loveless and A.G. Russell knives. If you examine the photo closely, you can see the sharpening steel on the knife sheath face. Great knife and I believe this model was only produced a few years. After a lot of use, the straps stretched increasing the chance of losing the knife. When they are released, they tend to sell out quickly, so keep your eyes open. The Mark II design was based on a sketch sent in by Army Captain C. A. Yeah, the stores where Americas killers shop thought a knife was too untasteful. It has black diecast aluminum handles and it includes a black nylon sheath with a belt loop. The NVA soldier was killed in an ambush in Vietnam's Central Highlands, somewhere west of Buon Ma Thout, in October of 1968 . Date or production tables relate Gerber Mark II serial numbers to the years they were manufactured. 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. Overview The Gerber Mark II features a 420 high carbon stainless steel blade with a black oxide coated finish and a full tang construction. 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. It's a long blade but matches the themes of the time for fighting knives. 2023 Old Pocket Knives - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Case XX USA Canoe 1972 8 Dot 62131 Bone Handle Pocket Knife, Case XX Stainless USA 1971 9 Dot Bone 6246R Riggers Knife, Case XX Stainless USA 1965-69 Bone 6279 Equal End Pen Knife, Case XX SS USA 5207 SP SSP 10 Dot 1980 Stag Mini Trapper Knife. The inspiration from the blade comes from the Roman Mainz Gladius. Many carried Gerber MK II knives. Mr. Scratch. In 1982 an alpha-numeric system was adopted. I've been collecting and learning about the Gerber Mark II for over 30 years. It's easy! When I was in Vietnam, my Dad saw an advertisement in the magazine for the "new" Gerber fighting knife. MIA 4/24/1969 in Cambodia. Id like your opinion on something. I have a question for you and Im wondering if youd respond to my private email? The long serrated edge makes it super easy to cut through thicker and denser materials. Standing there waiting for the clerk to bag up our mail, I glanced over at this wall. Planning is thinking about a goal and then organizing the activities to achieve the goal. I will do my best to provide opportunities for collectors to add knives to their collections through my shop and best of eBay pages. Nice to know. Support Veteran Journalism . Thanks and keep up the good work! THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING VETERAN JOURNALISM - JOIN SOFREP+ Summary: This is an outstanding piece of Vietnam History from the estate of a true warrior that honorably served for over 33 years. To purchase a Mark II today youll have to either go to sites like ebay or retailers such as Knifecenter, Smoky Mountain Knife Works, etc. The impressive little rangefinder worked What Are Coach Guns? View on eBay. Bud Holzman, a United States Army captain, designed the weapon, and Gerber produced it from 1966 to 2000. Although a variety of handle materials have been employed for the Mark II, the majority are die-cast aluminum. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site. 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The Gerber Mark II is a fighting knife manufactured by Gerber Legendary Blades from 1966 to 2000, with an additional limited run of 1500 in 2002,[1] and full production resuming as of July 2008. A major disadvantage of most serrated blades is that they are more difficult to sharpen, requiring a special sharpening tool. It even comes with a thigh strap to secure and keep it from jumping around. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The 1970-1974 yellow-handled dive knives have no serial numbers. Gerber Mk II found in a toolbox. (tt) Blades etched in 3 lines on the Gerber logo side: GERBER / 70th. Terry was originally a Marine who became a SEAL team member and was a medic, HM1. USAF Vietnam commemorative SOG style knife Murphy Combat Richmond VA . Its a great and affordable item for any knife collection. Both blade and handle have been painted to prevent reflections. My experience has taught me that there's nothing like digging in and getting started. I. ts a good choice when ease of sharpening and toughness are important. The handle on the Mark II is 5.25 inches long and has a flattened oval cross-section and tapered palm-swell design. "Bud" Holzmann, who based the pattern on a Roman Mainz Gladius. The page isn't dated but from the article about the Manila Mayor, I'm pretty sure it was the Dec. 21, 1966 issue. I am not bound by any written, verbal or implied contract to give this product a good review. Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife W/Sheath USA MKII Vietnam Era 1970 . The Gerber Mark II Vietnam Tribute Navy features a 420 HC steel black oxide coated partially serrated spear point blade with a diecast aluminum handle and a ballistic nylon sheath. Commercial knife makers like 420HC. The Gerber has had its own rather interesting comeback in recent years. Its unique appearance makes it a fearsome option for the screen. In addition, the original retaining strap has been replaced with a nylon strap with velcro closure. Particularly, the Mark II became a favorite with the MACV SOG teams that were the premier special operations unit in Vietnam. Thanks for the heads up, the serial number A5466S is from 1982. Hi Nick - I would recommend studying these just a little, if youre going to try and buy one. Also if this knife is real, an approximate value would be greatly appreciated. In America, the design of fixed-blade fighting knives has changed over time based on contemporary tactics and trends, and the wars being fought. Praesidus brings homage to the military watch tradition. I had one other, made in 1979, that I carried on Desert Storm, and my son carried on OEF and OIF. 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. 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. The Gerber MK II features a 6.5-inch dagger blade. You have entered an incorrect email address! Using the 1988 year as an example: F3523S - H4854S indicates that the serial numbers for 1988 start at F3523S and go up to F9999S then switch to H0000 and end at H4854S. [1][2], At 12.75 inches (32.39cm) long it has a 6.5 inch (16.5cm) 420 HC stainless steel double edged spear point wasp-waisted blade, weighs 8 ounces, and has a die cast aluminum handle. My goal is to provide helpful information about old pocket knives relating to their identification and history. 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 . Yet, the Gerber Mark II is a fighting weapon first and tool secondary. In the 1970s, the military's base/post exchanges discontinued selling these knives, reasoning that they were "not in good taste" or "too brutal". Made in 1972. Shooting the BulletSafe VP3 Soft Body Armor, Uberti Remembers John Wesley Hardin with this Top Break .45 Colt. I have attempted to use information from the lists to resolve some of the discrepancies, correct a few errors and insert more detail into the table. *Lighting a path to truth* Former Navy JAG Worldwide U.S. Military Defense. Like many old-time post offices, the company mailroom featured a wall of pigeon hole slots that individual letters and packages could be slid into. There are other serrated tactical knives but no Mark II. Black double guard. The modern knives run for around 70 bucks but are made from 420 HC. 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. The new Mark II uses the same classic dagger-like design and metal grip and handguard. As with many popular designs, various companies started producing their own version, hoping to get a part of the military and civilian markets. The handle ergonomics of the Mark II are generally considered superior to those of the F-S Fighting Knife. Still have it. There have been many variations in the Mark II throughout the years of its production. However there are some discrepancies between them. *The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. It has a 6.5" double serrated spear point blade that is .18" thick. I recently discovered that I was wrong about the original designer. In Aliens, its the knife of choice of the Colonial Marines, and the Winter Soldier tries to kill Captain America with one. A fundamental part of intelligent behavior is planning. 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). The Gerber MK II has constantly been featured in movies and series. MK II implies the existence of an MK I, and youd be right. It can be sharpened tom a very fine cutting edge and has excellent corrosion resistance. 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. By Mr. Scratch, April 5, 2012 in EDGED WEAPONS. View on eBay. The Mark II also incorporates a dual serrated edge to add to its utility. The modern Mark II is a bit dated in design, but the Mark II is also a historic knife worth preserving. It is incredibly durable and very well made. 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. eBay. There have been many variations in the Mark II throughout the years of its production. [4], Gerber manufactured a scaled down version of the Mark II known as the Mark I. A Vietnam era knife. Donda Bernet). 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. The handle changed to Armorhide in 1968, which is a brown colored epoxy that is very durable. Hi! That is not a Gerber Mark Two it is a Gerber Command 1. Some can still be found with their original leather sheath. 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 The Tables/Lists Used to Formulate My Date Table: 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. 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. When Gerber reintroduced the Mark II in 2008, the serrations were changed from the scalloped saw teeth to flat chisel-shaped teeth ground on the same plain as the blade edge. Canted blade Mark II - Serial Number 003934 - This knife was taken from a dead NVA soldier by SGT Charlie Sharps, an infantry platoon sergeant with the 173rd Airborne. 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. / 32.385 cm Weight: 8 oz. Somewhere there is a Gerber site that lists serial numbers and dates of production. [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]. 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 offset design was done so that the knife could be kept closer to the body when sheathed and to compensate for the natural bend of the wrist when the knife was held in the fencing foil grip. The canted blade led to a number of knives being returned to Gerber for having bent blades. Gerber discontinued the cant in subsequent production runs. With a plan, you can see how much you have progressed towards your goal and how far on your map to the next destination. [3] It has a distinctive look similar to that of the FairbairnSykes fighting knife developed during World War II for the British Commandos. With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today! As it had the sharpening steel with it I fell in love with its L-6 blade. Of course, each contained what was a unique concept for the time: a purpose built, commercial fighting knife, the Gerber MK-II Combat. Kasey, Your email address will not be published. Bud Holzmann, who based the pattern on a Roman Mainz Gladius. Also have the MK I as an excellent boot knife. In 2019 Vortex Optics released the Razor HD 4000 rangefinder with 4,000-yard reach (below). Trzaska Table - Gerber_Numbers.jpg - Found at Frank Trzaska's site at, 199? It was called the Mark II combat knife and was fist produced in 1966. A former Army Captain designed the Gerber Mark II. THANK YOU!!! 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. It's one of the best selling knives of all time and continues to see action around the globe. Loved your article on the Mark IIyou didnt repeat the same things that everyone else reprints. The Ka-Bar, the Bowie knife, the. Support Veteran Journalism . The Gerber Mark II slid in and out of production over the years, but Gerber has recently re-released the knife in a very affordable package. Box 138 The downside is that the steel does not hold an edge for a very long time. Base PXs carried the MK II up until they decided it wasnt a politically correct enough blade. Bud Holzman, who served with the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) in the European theatre during WWII. Full production resumed in 2008 and continues to this day. A picture of Terry Bryant, VICTOR PLATOON, U.S. Navy ST1 (SEAL TEAM 1) taken in 1971 in Vietnam. They specialized in deception and psychological warfare (psyops). Note the harsh wording in the advertisement with emphasis on the knife's "deadly" aspects. These knives were produced commercially by Gerber and favored by troops in Vietnam. However, the ones of recent make that are available are reasonably priced at right around $100-$115. Production continued until 2000, with an additional limited production run of 1,500 knives in 2002. Ep 25 | GWWM John Valentine Combatives, and Deeds of Arms, Where is combatives today. It has a 6-1/2" blade that is 1/8" thick. March 28, 2021 in EDGED WEAPONS. It also comes with a ballistic nylon sheath. View on . So (F9999S - F3523S + 1) = 6477 and (H4854S - H0000S + 1 ) = 4855. With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today! The choice was a dagger designed for sticking, but equally capable of cutting and slashing. This 40 year-old jewel features a black oxide coated 420 HC double serrated blade and die cast aluminum handle. 420HC is a m, The HC stands for high carbon, which means it can be brought to a higher hardness than 420. 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. Remember, that in the early years, Gerber did not keep careful records. SpecialForcesHistory has an entire page dedicated to the commandos who carried the MK II with pictures of surviving examples.