Original U.S. WWII Kephart Theater-Made Knuckle Knife with Leather Sheath

Original Item. Only One Available. Theater knives are knives made by military personnel in the various theaters of war. Each knife is unique in its own way due to the maker's style, preferences and materials available. Most theater knives were made from spare parts, wreckage, tools and already existing blades.

These knives were made by the armorers and engineers on request. The larger ships needed to have skilled fabricators on board to make repairs and modifications to weapons and gear. Usually the blades were made from existing weapons or from steel components, and the hilts were cast from metals such as aluminum or zinc.

This is a fantastic genuine example of a Kephart theater-made knuckle fighting knife in its original leather sheath. These knives came in two variations, with and without the knuckle-guard, and this example appears to have further modifications, with finger-grooves having been carved into the grips, a very nice touch by the soldier who carried this. Both sides of the grip still bear the individually-stamped letters KEPHART for the maker. 
 
References for Kephart knives can be found on page 150 of Bill & Debbie Wright's book "Theater Made Military Knives of World War II".

The double-edged blade measures 7⅝” from the end of the crossguard to the tip, and is in good service-used condition, with evidence of past oxidation having been cleaned away. There are some very minor chips in the edge of the blade, but nothing serious, and the tip is a bit dull. The overall length of the knife is 13¼”.

The leather sheath is in good condition with 11 rivets and stitching holding it together, and the leather is still rather pliable. The original securing strap and snap is present, although it’s covered in verdigris. 

A very nice theater-modified example of an extremely scarce knuckle knife, ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 7⅝”
Blade Style: Double Edged Dagger
Overall length: 13 1/4“
Scabbard Length: 8" + belt loop