gerber mk ii vietnam

A former Army Captain designed the Gerber Mark II. Asymmetry in blade design is a show-stopper - this actually being a Command II. Vietnam Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife/Mk 2 Combat/MkII -Collection #10680 --1969 $1,750.00 stcroixblades (11,131) 100% Buy It Now +$16.95 shipping 10 watchers Sponsored Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife - Mk 2 Combat - Mk II - Vintage (1981) Pre-Owned $395.00 midwestknifetrader (32) 100% Buy It Now +$12.45 shipping 42 watchers Sponsored In his book "Six Silent Men - 101st LRP/Rangers - Book 3", Gary A. Linderer mentions the MACV Recondo School at Nha Trang, run by the 5th Special Forces Groups. It featured a double edged dagger blade and a tough, textured aluminum handle for a better grip. Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. 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. Bud Holzman, who served with the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) in the European theatre during WWII. Support Veteran Journalism . 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 There are other serrated tactical knives but no Mark II. A major disadvantage of most serrated blades is that they are more difficult to sharpen, requiring a special sharpening tool. The handle on the Mark II is 5.25 inches long and has a flattened oval cross-section and tapered palm-swell design. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. Full production resumed in 2008 and continues to this day. In the numerous hot little wars, American and European fighting men rented themselves out to numerous governments. It comes with a more modern nylon sheath that will fit on a belt or a MOLLE platform. 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. Remember, that in the early years, Gerber did not keep careful records. Planning is thinking about a goal and then organizing the activities to achieve the goal. 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. These include changes in blade steel, blade profile, blade serration, handle material and color. However there are several serial range differences that I could not resolve. Picture is not detailed enough to determine if possibly the wrist tie was used to insure the knife would not be lost. 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. The Gerber spread among fighting men in Vietnam and also became a favorite of mercenaries in Africa. 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 to enable many handling / gripping options. The Gerber has had its own rather interesting comeback in recent years. The MK-II was designed by retired Army Captain Bud Holzman, not Al Mar. It is incredibly durable and very well made. Summary: This is an outstanding piece of Vietnam History from the estate of a true warrior that honorably served for over 33 years. There have been many variations in the Mark II throughout the years of its production. | Privacy. I really enjoy knives that are engraved like this one. The Ka-Bar, the Bowie knife, the Fairbairn-Sykes, and the often forgotten Gerber Mark II Combat Knife are all famed fighting knives. THANK YOU!!! Its a great and affordable item for any knife collection. A serrated edge essentially cuts by tearing rather than slicing. Gerber is, of course, still in business and thriving, but go to its website and you wont find a Mark II for sale. The Ka-Bar, the Bowie knife, the. If you are looking for an all originalVietnam one, you dont have to look at any in a black sheath. The other side says "F*** Communism" so I look forward to your comments. by Wayne Goddard Its ridiculous to think that the PX, of all places, wouldnt want to arm fighting men with a fighting knife, but here we are. Kasey, Your email address will not be published. For information about George Rex Grason see: http://www.beachjumpers.com/cason-gr.htm. A page out of the Vietnam SAIGON POST Newspaper in the early years of the war. With a plan, you can see how much you have progressed towards your goal and how far on your map to the next destination. 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. 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 engraving seems legit. [3] It has a distinctive look similar to that of the FairbairnSykes fighting knife developed during World War II for the British Commandos. The Mark II is a true classic that belongs in every knife collection. It's easy! USAF Vietnam commemorative SOG style knife Murphy Combat Richmond VA . *Lighting a path to truth* Former Navy JAG Worldwide U.S. Military Defense. Box 138 The Gerber MK-II is said to have been designed around a drawing sent to the company by Army Captain C.A. Vietnam? Manufacturer: Gerber Model: Mark II Length:12.75 in. 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. Hello, On display is my 1968 model CT2 Gerber MKII combat dagger. 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. Mr. Scratch Posted April 5, 2012. Carried a MKII in a chest rig for quite a few years while in the AF. [2] It was designed by retired United States Army Captain, Clarence A. Share More sharing options. The new Mark II uses the same classic dagger-like design and metal grip and handguard. 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 . The inspiration from the blade comes from the Roman Mainz Gladius. These serial numbers consist of a single leading letter followed by digits from 0000 to 9999 followed by an "S" or "T". Many carried Gerber MK II knives. The handle was designed to be an effective yawara. Unfortunately it's not a vietnam era knife but could have been used post-vietnam by a Soldier/Green Beret? Yeah, the stores where Americas killers shop thought a knife was too untasteful. [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]. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This 40 year-old jewel features a black oxide coated 420 HC double serrated blade and die cast aluminum handle. I believe this to be a picture Larry Flannagan from the 1st Brigade 4th Division LRRP (Long Range Recon Patrol) taken in 1967 or 1968. In Aliens, its the knife of choice of the Colonial Marines, and the Winter Soldier tries to kill Captain America with one. The knife also incorporates an aggressive handguard to keep your hand positioned on the handle in a fight. If you . [4] Al Mar, then working for Gerber as a knife designer, added the sawtooth serrations toward the hilt, marketing the knife as a "survival aid", making it more appealing to the PX System, which resumed selling the Mark II as a survival knife, rather than a fighting knife. Box 378 Red Hook, New York 12571 United States. The handle was designed to be an effective yawara. A surprising variety of sheaths have been associated with the Mark II. A Vietnam era knife. SpecialForcesHistory has an entire page dedicated to the commandos who carried the MK II with pictures of surviving examples. Made in 1972. 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. On the Mark II, this narrower section comes toward the guard, and the edge on both sides has small serrations. Like the Desert Eagle, the appearance of the knife makes it a natural star. With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today! 2023 The SOFREP Media Group. Production Number Explanation 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. The Gerber Mark II is a fighting knife manufactured by Gerber Legendary Blades from 1967 to 2000, with an additional limited run of 1500 in 2002, and full production resuming as of July 2008. . Its one of the best selling knives of all time and continues to see action around the globe. A fundamental part of intelligent behavior is planning. Serrations were added to the Mark II in the 1970s. Although Captain Holzman reportedly base the blade profile of the Mark II on the Roman Mainz Gladius in the British Museums collection, the similarities to the F-S Fighting Knife are unmistakable. Is it possible it's a gerber command 2? It allows for an ice pick style grip, a fencing grip, or a standard hammer grip. When I was in Vietnam, my Dad saw an advertisement in the magazine for the "new" Gerber fighting knife. and No, its NOT for sale. Not the deepest youll find on a knife, the serrations are still there to cut. I. ts a good choice when ease of sharpening and toughness are important. [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. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Also found at, 199? The Gerber MK II has constantly been featured in movies and series. 420HC is a martensitic 420 series stainless steel. Terry was originally a Marine who became a SEAL team member and was a medic, HM1. Note the Gerber Mark II worn on a belt on the right hip. It's a long blade but matches the themes of the time for fighting knives. The downside is that the steel does not hold an edge for a very long time. As Bearmon points out, this isn't even a MKII. Thanks for the heads up, the serial number A5466S is from 1982. I am now retired. Oldpocketknives.com is an online resource for collectors of vintage pocket knives. A surprising variety of sheaths have been associated with the Mark II. It even comes with a thigh strap to secure and keep it from jumping around. A lot happened in that time, and along the way, the MK II became a well reputed Cold Warrior. NO RESERVE-GERBER"71 MARK II VIETNAM FIGHTING KNIFE 5 DEG CANTED GREY ARMORHIDE . The Mark II was commonly carried by U.S. troops in the Vietnam War, . Asymmetry in blade design is a show-stopper - this actually being a Command II. A plan is like a map. Its a good choice when ease of sharpening and toughness are important. All Rights Reserved. The Gerber MK II features a 6.5-inch dagger blade. After my enlistment, I worked as a test engineer and software developer for the Aerospace Industry for 34 years. This includes thick ropes, roots, and heavy canvas materials. I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer so I could test it and give my honest feedback. The grip was tough but didnt offer much in the way of texture. Showing 1 - 1 of 1 items 1 of 1 Items: Sort by: The ads were soon toned down. 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. If the leading alpha character doesn't change for the year, again simple subtraction plus 1 gives the total. By When it comes to military knives, few are as universally beloved as the Gerber Mark II. Read Next: Pikes Manly Gift Picks: Knife Edition 2020. You do not find many in country Gerber Mark II knives, let along one with such rich and well documented history of the soldier. A serrated edge essentially cuts by tearing rather than slicing. The Gerber Mark II has a suggested retail price of $115,00. Date or production tables relate Gerber Mark II serial numbers to the years they were manufactured. I am not bound by any written, verbal or implied contract to give this product a good review. So (F9999S - F3523S + 1) = 6477 and (H4854S - H0000S + 1 ) = 4855. This knife is good for one thing, and thats killing the enemies of democracy. After the war, wondering about the history of the knife, Charlie wrote to Gerber (this was years before the internet) and sent a picture of the knife and its serial number hoping Gerber could tell him who had originally purchased it and when. As far as legendary fighting knives go, there are a few that stand the test of time. By the 1960's, Gerber decided to manufacture a knife that could be used in combat during the war in Vietnam. Its made in the USA at Gerbers Portland, Oregon factory. In the 1940s, Gerber began making steak knives and eventually prized hunting knives in Portland, Oregon. The wasp-waisted blade has a narrower section of steel, akin to how a wasps body narrows at its waist. Its fully jumpable. Recommended Posts. First Designed in 1966 The Mark II design was based on a sketch sent in by Army Captain C. A. It can be sharpened tom a very fine cutting edge and has excellent corrosion resistance. Praesidus brings homage to the military watch tradition. Thanks and keep up the good work! This allows them to be sharpened at the same time as the blade and makes sharpening a breeze. Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. The Mainz Gladius was a short dagger that was given to senior officers in the Roman Army and was considered a prestigious status symbol. It also cuts better than a plain edge when dull. Save my name and email to use for future comments. If you are looking for an all original Vietnam one, you don't have to look at any in a black sheath. It also cuts better than a plain edge when dull. Standing there waiting for the clerk to bag up our mail, I glanced over at this wall. Nice to know. As is the case with the F-S, the Mark II is a purpose-built combat dagger with excellent penetration and reach. 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. The impressive little rangefinder worked What Are Coach Guns? The modern knives run for around 70 bucks but are made from 420 HC. The Mark II is a true classic that belongs in every knife collection. Gerber began adding sawtooth serrations near the hilt and marketing the Gerber MK II as a survival knife rather than a fighting knife, and the PX resumed sales. Praesidus brings homage to the military watch tradition. Anniversary knives are not blade marked. One of the throat rivets tore out and was repaired with a rivet with a larger head. The Parker "BIG SMOKEY . 43311 Joy Road With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today! I recently discovered that I was wrong about the original designer. The Gerber Mark II is one of the best selling knives of all time. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING VETERAN JOURNALISM - JOIN SOFREP+ "Bud" Holzmann, who based the pattern on a Roman Mainz Gladius. 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. 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. Has anyone else come across one from this era with engraving? Bud Holzman, a United States Army captain, designed the weapon, and Gerber produced it from 1966 to 2000. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty in North America and a 25- year limited warranty outside of North America. Gerber Mk II found in a toolbox. 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 examine the photo closely, you can see the sharpening steel on the knife sheath face. Note that the sheath has two repairs. In 1982 an alpha-numeric system was adopted. "Bud" Holzman, who served with the 101 . 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. Keep Reading. Shooting the BulletSafe VP3 Soft Body Armor, Uberti Remembers John Wesley Hardin with this Top Break .45 Colt. Frost Matrix - "Gerber Mark II Production History Matrix" by Robert Frost originally found at, 200? It has black diecast aluminum handles and it includes a black nylon sheath with a belt loop. Followers 1. Others have called the MK-II an improved version of the WW-II Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife. Members of MACV SOG famously loved the knife and many of these commandos carried it into battle. Box 378 Red Hook, New York 12571 United States. Al Mar, who was working for Gerber at the time, added two inches of scalloped saw-tooth double serrations toward the hilt. The Gerber Mark II has a suggested retail price of $115,00. Its strong, and the material used for build various gun receivers, including AR 15 80% lowers. The NVA soldier was killed in an ambush in Vietnam's Central Highlands, somewhere west of Buon Ma Thout, in October of 1968 . The first sheaths were leather. In 1982 an alpha-numeric system was adopted. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Of course, each contained what was a unique concept for the time: a purpose built, commercial fighting knife, the Gerber MK-II Combat. If so, let us know in the comments below. Your hand wont slip or slide into the blade as you stick and stab to kill a Commie for mommy. Not all brown ones are Vietnam, but all Vietnam ones are brown, if that makes sense. All Rights Reserved. 1970-1974 yellow-handled dive knives have no serial numbers. First introduced in 1966, this tactical knife is serialized for collectors. Check out the Gerber Mark II today and see why it was the choice of special operations troops for generations. A major disadvantage of most serrated blades is that they are more difficult to sharpen, requiring a special sharpening tool. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world. In addition, the original retaining strap has been replaced with a nylon strap with velcro closure. I don't believe it is a Vietnam era knife, the serial number doesn't look right. The Mark II was designed in 1966 and quickly became a popular choice with soldiers and Marines headed overseas. Commercial knife makers like 420HC. Ep 25 | GWWM John Valentine Combatives, and Deeds of Arms, Where is combatives today. Gerberguy Table - "GERBERGuy's GERBER LEGENDARY BLADES Collector's Website" originally found at, 199? You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article. Gerber C.A. JMR Collectibles, LLC A picture of Jerry Michael Shriver, Master Sergeant, CCS, MACV-SOG (5TH SF GRP), SPECIAL FORCES U.S. Army. Free shipping for many products! When the alpha letter changes during the year, a double calculation is done. "It was the tradition that the honor graduate of each class at MACV Recondo School be awarded a Gerber commando dagger by the school's staff. People say the PC nonsense is new, but the PX stopped carrying the MK II in the 1970s because they felt that the knife was too brutal and that fighting knives were of poor taste. Lance Gerber, courtesy Coachella. Loved your article on the Mark IIyou didnt repeat the same things that everyone else reprints. Very few modern combat knives have the wasp waist (other famous American models like the M7, USMC fighting utility knife, and M9 dont have it), and it is the visual signature of the Mark II. The general rule of thumb was that a six- to seven-inch blade was. That length allows the blade to strike something vital in the torso from almost any angle. It received its baptism of blood one terrible dark monsoon night. Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife W/Sheath USA MKII Vietnam Era 1970 . When you work in conditions with strict logistics, youll take the weight of an aluminum handle over something fragile. It was called the Mark II combat knife and was fist produced in 1966. The Gerber MK II features a 6.5-inch dagger blade. Also another retention strap snap has been added to the strap. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Caribou Media Group | All rights reserved. Therefore 6477 "F" knives + 4855 "H" knives gives the total knives made that year as 11,332. It also comes with a ballistic nylon sheath. The Mark II was designed by retired US Army Captain Clarence A. MSRP: $115.00, Follow our regular channel at Spotterup on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1PXrpGGfAUtZC6IVhXg2-w, Follow our site at https://spotterup.com/, Follow on Instagram as https://www.instagram.com/spotterup/, Visit my store at https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/. 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. 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. MIA 4/24/1969 in Cambodia. / 226.796 g Blade Steel: 420HC Stainless Steel Blade Length: 6.5 in. It utilizes an active retention strap but is quick and easy to draw. 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. The knife, serial number 9537, is missing the two leading zeros. 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. The handle ergonomics of the Mark II are generally considered superior to those of the F-S Fighting Knife. 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. I've been collecting and learning about the Gerber Mark II for over 30 years. Canton, MI 48187 Fighting knives are the best knives. [1][2] This design feature led to a significant number of knives being returned by users for having a "bent blade", so Gerber discontinued that element on subsequent production runs. There have been many variations in the Mark II throughout the years of its production. It could penetrate the torso of a bad guy and be long enough to reach something vital from any angle. These knives were produced commercially by Gerber and favored by troops in Vietnam. Its strong, easy to sharpen and can become quite sharp as well. Note the Gerber Mark II hanging on his belt. / 16.51 cm Blade Style: Double-Edge Dagger, Double-Serrated Blade Finish: Black Oxide Handle Material: Die-Cast A380 Aluminum Handle-Finish: Black Powder Coat Sheath Material: Black Ballistic Nylon w/ Hard Polymer Liner MOLLE/PALS Compatible: Yes Jumpable: Yes Country of Origin: USA Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (North America); 25-year Limited Warranty Outside North America. Specifications NOTE: See the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site http://www.virtualwall.org/ds/ShriverJM01a.htm for more details about MSG Shriver. Its old school cool. 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. The first sheaths were leather. The design is iconic, and they are still offered today. It's one of the best selling knives of all time and continues to see action around the globe. Black butt with lanyard hole and leather lanyard. Free shipping for many products! This steel isnt terrible but isnt as tough as something like the 154CM. GERBER MARK II SITE AUTHORS I served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963 but saw no service in Vietnam. Not all brown ones are Vietnam, but all Vietnam ones are brown, if that makes sense. The Mark II was designed by retired US Army Captain Clarence A. I have been told he based the "wasp waist" pattern of the double-edge 7-inch blade on .

Bay Bash Volleyball Tournament 2021, Articles G