Reproduction WWII US M3 Fighting Knife – H. Boker And Co 1943

Overview

A reproduction of the knife made by H. Böker in 1943.

In 1943 there existed two H. Böker companies, one in Solingen, Germany and one in New Jersey. The New Jersey company had been expropriated by the U.S. early in WWI. During WWII the U. S. government ordered production of the new M3 Trench Knife from nine companies. The smallest of these was the H. Böker Company who made 31,300 of them. Original M3s have become a more desirable WWII collectible than even the USMC “Ka-Bar”. The M3 was issued to every soldier who was not issued a bayonet. The first troops to receive them were the Airborne, Mountain Ranger and Glider infantry units.

This 65th Anniversary issue of the 1943 M3 is made with the same mark used in 1943, now owned by the original H. Böker in Germany. The blade of SK-5 high-carbon steel at 57-59 Rc. measures 6-11/16″ x 7/8″ and has the same black coating. The stacked leather handle and the M8A1 metal sheath are true reproductions of the original. Measures 11-5/8″ overall and weighs 8.8 oz. Sheath made in Germany, the knife in China. Suggested retail is $144.95. Serial number 3722. It comes with one original sheath. Has some scuffs on the blade, otherwise excellent condition.