The U.S. Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife was the second major “Knuckle Knife” to be officially adopted and issued to the US military. It was developed for use in the horrific trench warfare that typified the stalemate on the Western Front during the latter part of World War One and saw use not only there, but during World War Two as well. The knife was manufactured in the United States by Henry Disston & Sons (H.D. & S.) as well as Landers, Frary & Clark (L.F. & C.) and Oneida Community Ltd (O.C.L.). The knives were also produced in France and are marked with the usual 1918 and US marks, as well as Au Lion on the blade. Whether this mark was a maker’s mark or simply a motto is not known. The U.S. M-1918 Mark I Trench Knife is easily identifiable due to its large “brass knuckle” style guard and grip. The knives were 11 ““ in overall length, with a 6 ““ dagger style blade. The brass grips were marked U.S. 1918 and with the makers name or initials. As originally issued, the knives were entirely blackened; both the blades and the brass knuckle hilts. These knives remained in use with the US military, classified as limited standard (secondary issue) through January of 1945, when the knives were officially classified as obsolete. As originally issued, the knives were carried in a blued sheet steel scabbard that was typically maker marked, and was equipped with a pair of wire tabs that were intended to engage the US pistol web belt in use at that time. Many of the knives issued during World War II ended up in substitute leather scabbards of various designs and styles, many of which were “theater made”.

The example of the U.S. Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife offered here is in NEAR EXCELLENT condition. The knife was produced by the Landers, Frary & Clark company of New Britain, CT. L.F. & C. was established in 1865 and produced a wide variety of housewares, cutlery and event appliances. Many of their products were marketed under the trade name “Universal”. The products of L.F. & C. included everything from scales, mousetraps and ice skates to electric ranges and toasters! L.F. & C. also produced the triangular blade US M-1917 Trench Knife as well. The assets of the L.F. & C. company were purchased by General Electric in 1965. This Mark I Trench Knife is clearly marked in two lines in the brass grip: U. S. 1918 / L. F. & C. / 1918. The brass grip and knuckle guard retain about 30%-40% of their original blackened finish, which has faded and worn, and has blended with a lovely, un-cleaned deep, dark reddish- bronze patina. The blackened steel dagger blade is smooth and retains about 80%+ of the original blackened finish, with some minor fading and wear “ mostly from being inserted and removed from the steel scabbard. There are a couple of small spots of very light surface oxidation present, but there is no pitting on the blade. The blade appears to retain its original factory edge, without any additional sharpening. The steel scabbard is in about FINE condition. The scabbard is clearly marked on the rear, near the throat: L. F. & C. / 1918. The scabbard is complete and original and retains both of the original web belt mounting prongs “ a very rare occurrence with these scabbards. Usually one or both of the prongs is broken or missing. The scabbard retains about 30%+ of its original chemical blued finish. The balance of the scabbard shows a plum brown patina, mixed with some patches of light surface oxidation and minor roughness. The scabbard is amazingly free of dents or dings. Usually these scabbards u show significant denting and damage from use.

Overall this is a really outstanding example of a very popular and collectible World War I and World War II era US trench knife. The knife and scabbard are 100% complete and original, and would make a fantastic addition to any military edged weapons collection. These brass D guard knuckle knives always make a great centerpiece to any military knife display and certainly draw attention due to their size and fierce appearance.