Post by strop2 on Oct 18, 2014 15:18:56 GMT 8
This product review is on an old style knife with many useful applications.
The item is:
1976 Gerber M2 Limited, Commando Fighting Knife.
This knife is 30cm long with 17cm double edged blade, includes 5cm double serration, with a 13cm metal handle with a full tang.
I placed whipping on the handle in 1993 to stop slippage and to better fit my hand. The whipping has never unraveled but could be used for survival purposes if required.
It has a leather sheath.
The knife is similar to the Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife of WW2 and the needle point Stiletto which was originally designed in the 1400's, re-designed and also used during WW2. These two knives were designed with an emphasis on thrusting/stabbing as opposed to slicing/cutting (although the knives could be used for cutting if the edges were sharpened). The German Officer and SS Daggers of WW2 designed by both Soligen and Eickhorn are of similar design (numerous German knife makers made similar designs).
The Gerber Commando Fighting Knife is designed to thrust and cut with the blade being a little wider which curves around to the point. The curve to the point allows the knife to be used to cut det cord and blasting fuse with the serration to allow cutting of wet or submerged ropes (when Commando's use submerged kayaks or inflatable boats during water operations).
On eBay, a used Gerber as described above, in September 2014, cost $343 USD with another $53 USD for postage.
I was able to buy one from a friend just after he left special forces in 1993 for $30 AUD. This was his issued knife and is still in reasonable condition with only some minor pitting to the blade with well used but intact sheath. A better knife than what sold on eBay. A great tool that I hope to use for many years to come.
Photo 1: The Butt of the knife, although small, is flat to allow hammering and there is a hole 1cm from the Butt to allow the knife to be lashed with cord.
Photo 2: The knife has a serial number, as all these knives were numbered.
