While rummaging through my shop I found a knife that I’ve had since the 60’s. Never paid much attention to it until today when I realized it’s a USN Kar-Bar Mk2. It’s in rough shape, but it obviously has some history.

A neat looking piece. What is the story behind those knives?

They were issued to Marines and various Navy personnel during WWII. This one, with the markings on the guard puts it at 1944 or later. Originally had a round leather handle with a pommel on the end.

I found this one while wading a creek fishing. It was stuck in a tree stump with the handle all rotted away. That was over 60 years ago. My dad helped me put a hickory handle on it. I stored it away years ago and just found it searching for something else.

Great story. As a kid I loved nothing more than finding a knife and cleaning it up.

I just ordered a Ka-Bar handle rebuild kit and a sheath from Ka-Bar’s website. I know it’s rough, but maybe I can restore some of its glory.

I hope you leave the blade in present condition and age handle to match.
I'm sure others will strongly disagree!

I agree, I think the blade patina needs to stay. The replacement leather handle will have to be “stressed” to match the character of the blade.