Souvenir Knife

by
posted on May 6, 2014
qa-knife1.jpg

Q. I have received a knife from my father-in-law who was in the Army surplus business after World War II. Among other items he kept was this knife marked “U.S. Army D.D. Sraku & Co.” on the blade and “G 10” on the sheath. The blade is about 12" long, and the handle is about 4½" long. The knife is pretty crude but well put together. The blade was shaped with a file. The writing on the blade looks like the letters were scratched in, then filled with brass and filed off flush. You had a very nice article a year or so ago about U.S. military knives. Perhaps you could tell me something about this knife.

A. As a member of the Army serving in the Pacific Islands during World War II, I have seen many types of knives similar to the one now in your possession. Many of the soldiers had these knives made by local craftsmen, especially when we entered the Philippines. In addition, when ashore, the sailors were apt to buy anything that would appear to have been in battle. A great number of these-I call them “souvenirs”-were brought back by servicemen at the war’s end.

I cannot locate any information on the manufacturing company that is on the blade of your knife. This could be of an organization that was not in the United States, or it was put there by the craftsman, and/or company that originally made the knife.

-Harry Hunter

Originally published October, 2006

Latest

Rossi Brawler 01
Rossi Brawler 01

New For 2025: Rossi Brawler In 5.56 NATO & .300 Blackout

Building on the .45 Colt/.410 bore Brawler introduced in 2024, Rossi USA is expanding its line of break-action handguns to include chamberings in 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout.

Preview: Winchester Supreme W20-60X 80 mm Spotting Scope

Sure, the skilled use of your firearm is vital to the success of any big-game hunting adventure, but you’ll first need to find your quarry, and Winchester’s new Supreme line of optics includes a pair of reasonably priced spotting scopes that can help put you on the trail of your target animal.

Gun Of The Week: Heritage Mfg. Roscoe

Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week video, and this time, we’re checking out a revolver fit for all the private eye wannabes and film noir fans out there. This is the Roscoe from Heritage Manufacturing.

The Armed Citizen® May 30, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Nazi Germany's Last-Ditch SMGs Of World War II

As the war in Western Europe began reaching its inevitable conclusion, German efforts to expedite arms production led to some of the most unusual submachine guns in its arsenal.

New Optics For 2025

For 2025, your American Rifleman staff engaged with the latest optic products available for the year, with a few of the most interesting noted here.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.