The Mark 2 knife was based on experiences gained during WW1 with the Mark I Trench Knife and other civilian hunting knives on the market. Its thick blade allows it to be used as a utility and fighting knife. The Marine Corps’ KA-BAR is identical except for the designation marking; Marines were sometimes issued Navy Mk2 knives if there was nothing else available.
Tip:
Markings:
Markings on ricasso (bottom part of blade just before handguard) mean this knife was made between November 1943 and June 1944, most likely in 1944 due to the “Mark 2” under the “USN”. Later knives’ markings are on the handguard itself, on the side facing the blade. [1]
Pommel:
The blade is attached to the pommel with pins, which is expected for a mass production Mk2 knife since the earlier, first production run screw design was structurally weak. [2]