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Title:	KNIFE -  U.S. KNIFE MODEL 1918 MKI TRENCH
Maker/Manufacturer:
Date of Manufacture:	1918
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 7405
Measurements:	OL: 28.5CM 11 1/4" BL: 16.5CM 6 1/2"

Object Description:

U.S. KNIFE MODEL 1918 MKI TRENCH
Made in France in 1918 - Standard MKI trench knife with cast brass knuckle handle. Bright double-edge blade. Made in France for U.S. Troops in WWI. Referred to as No. 1 type. Complete with 7 1/4" metal scabbard that has been chemically blackened. Classified as "limited standard" in 1927 and "obsolete" in January of 1945.

Markings:
Grip: U.S. 1918.
Blade: Lion/AU LION.
Paper tapped to scabbard reads: KNIFE M1918/?.

Notes: "It is interesting to note that at the time of America's entry into the Second World War, the only type of knife designated as Standard was the M2 pocket knife. The knife was adopted for use by paratroopers in cutting shrouds, lines, etc. and had little or no application as a combat weapon. Although it has been declared as Limited Standard in 1927, the only type of combat knife existing in any appreciable numbers (approximately 139,000) in our inventory at this time was the M1918 Mark I trench knife. In February of 1942, requests began to come in to the Ordnance Department for combat knives. Upon the Infantry Board's recommendation, the Ordnance Department immediately proceeded with a program to provide a standard combat knife for the Army's needs. In order to meet the short-term demand, the M1918 Mark I trench knives in inventory were issued. Special purpose troops such as paratroopers and Ranger units had priority for these knives and thousands were issued and used early in the war. The Ordnance Department initially considered re-standardizing the M1918 Mark I trench knife and placing it back into production. This idea was soon discarded, however, for several reasons. The Mark I was not an ideal fighting knife as it could only be used in the 'clenched fist' mode. This limited its application in hand-to-hand combat. Another factor which weighed heavily against the re-standardization of the M1918 Mark I was the fact that it required a great deal of brass which was an item in critically short supply in 1942. Brief consideration was later given to adopting the Navy's standard Mark 2 ('Kabar') knife but this was not done. However, while the Army did not officially adopt the Mark 2 knife, some were procured and issued by the Army." - Canfield

In February of 1942, request began to come in to the Ordnance Department for combat knives. Upon the Infantry Board's recommendation, the Ordnance Department immediately proceeded with a program to provide a standard combat knife for the Army's needs. In order to meet the short-term demand, the M1918 Mark I trench knives in inventory were issued. Special purpose troops such as paratroopers and Ranger units had priority for these knives and thousands were issued and used early in the war. The Ordnance Department initially considered re-standardizing the M1918 Mark I trench knife and placing it back into production. The idea was soon discarded, however, for several reasons. The Mark I was not an ideal fighting knife as it could only be used in the 'clenched fist' mode. This limited its application in hand-to-hand combat. Another factor which weighed heavily against the re-standardization of the M1918 Mark I was the fact that it required a great deal of brass which was an item in critically short supply in 1942. Brief consideration was later given to adopting the Navy's standard Mark 2 ('Kabar') knife but this was not done. However, while the Army did not officially adopt the Mark 2 knife, some were procured and issued by the Army." - Canfield

References:
Canfield, Bruce N. U.S. INFANTRY WEAPONS OF WORLD WAR II. Andrew Mowbray Publishers. Lincoln, R.I. 1994.
Canfield, Bruce N. U.S. INFANTRY WEAPONS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR. Andrew Mowbray Inc. Lincoln, R.I. 2000.