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be of an organization that was not in the United States, or it was put there by the craftsman, and/or company that originally made the knife.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

Sa Model 2020 Rimfire Classic Aa Grade Web
Sa Model 2020 Rimfire Classic Aa Grade Web

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Rimfire Classic

Welcome to another Gun Of The Week video, and for this episode, we’ve got a bolt-action rimfire rifle from Springfield Armory: the Model 2020 Rimfire Classic.

The Armed Citizen® April 26, 2024

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

Review: Lone Wolf's Alphawolf Caliber-Conversion Slides 

For owners of .40 S&W-chambered Glocks, Lone Wolf's Alphawolf caliber-conversion slides are an easy way to update the design.

Vista Outdoor Advises MNC Capital To Increase Offer Price

Vista Outdoor announced discussions with MNC Capital (MNC), the company that made a $2.9 billion unsolicited offer earlier this year.

Rifleman Review: Taurus G3 Tactical

In recent years, Taurus has fully fleshed out its polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols, culminating in the third-generation G3 series available in several configurations. One of the more-recent introductions in the line is the G3 Tactical, which incorporates a number of desirable features.

Winchester Engages Members Of Congress

Winchester Ammunition recently hosted legislators and outdoor industry representatives at a special event in Washington, D.C.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.