Original U.S. WWII M3 Fighting Knife by Kinfolks, Inc. with M8 Scabbard by B.M. Co. - Scarce Maker

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fine service used WWII period Mark 3 U.S. fighting knife, made by the very scarce maker, Kinfolks, Inc., and contained in an original M8 Scabbard. Of the 2,590,240 ordered by the U.S. Government, Kinfolks of Little Valley, NY produced only 119,702, and was definitely one of the minor contractors. The company still exists today, producing fine cutlery.

This knife is later production, indicated by the maker information being stamped directly on the crossguard: U.S. M3 / K.I.. The crossguard is very loose to the blade along with the top washer of the grip. The 6 3/4 inch spear point blade is in good, lightly used condition, with much of the original finish present. The blade still retains a nice and sharp edge. It does not have any major issues or damage aside from light staining and minor pitting. The handle and stacked leather grip are in rough condition, looking well used, but not abused, with the top washer being a bit disconnected and loose. There are no major cracks, and the leather is still soft. The bottom of the pommel shows the U.S. "Flaming Bomb" proof mark.

The original scabbard is marked, U.S. M8 / B.M. CO and in good condition with heavy cracking to the body. This is the earlier version of the scabbard, but like virtually all M8 scabbards, had the retaining loop at the top added to upgrade it to M8A1 specs. The canvas is very good, with a bit of wear, and the finish on the snaps on the frog has worn. The fiberglass shell is bad, with great paint, and the throat still has most of the original finish. There is cracking and breakage in the “seam” of the scabbard. The scabbard was manufactured by Beckwith Mfg Co. a division of Victory Plastics.
 
A very nice example of an early issue M3 knife from a scarce maker, ready to add to your WWII edged weapon collection!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 6 3/4”
Blade Style: Spear Point Knife
Overall length: 11 5/8”
Crossguard: 2 1/4”
Scabbard length: 7 3/8" with belt loop