Overall this is really wonderful example of a very scarce US WWII combat knife. John Nowhill & son: Sheffield: Michigan knives : Dr. William Windrum: The earliest commando knivesAllan W. Locken – Commando 1940 - 1945. If you find one today that is solid, and in one piece, treat it as gently as nitroglycerin. The Raider Battalions themselves were not officially designated until February of 1942. Last one. Apr 15, 2012 - Apologies, this content is no longer available. Camillus would receive an additional contract for 9,370 knives, bringing the total production of these rather scarce knives to only 14,370. Even the ever-fragile blade tip does not appear to have been broken, re-shaped or re-tipped, with the blade measuring a full 7 ¼”. This Marine Raider Combat knife is under $30 and a 5 1/2 inch blade instead of 7 inches. The M-6 sheath (on the O.S.S. The Raider Stiletto is collectible for a few reasons. WW2 issue to Marine Raider units. There were two versions of the Stiletto issued, the US Marine Corps version with the "USMC" monogram etched into a scroll on the blade, and the unmarked Canadian version. Many thanks to Robt. The best ones, like this one, were made by Japan Sword Company. The Camillus factory specifications for the knife list the blade at a nominal 7”, but knife author and guru MH Cole lists the blade as 7 ¼”. Otherwise, the scabbard remains in solid, usable condition, showing slightly more wear than the knife, but appropriate wear for the light pitting present on the tip of the blade. Shop Italian knives in a variety of styles and materials for the discerning collector and knife enthusiast. WWII RAIDERS The year is 1942. This is really a very fine example that would be very difficult to upgrade from, without spending substantially more money. I would assume that there was some minor variation in length during production (especially the final shaping of the point) and +/- 1/8” would not be uncommon.This blade is the full, Cole referenced, length of 7 ¼”. US Marine Corps Raider Stiletto. Many servicemen found it to be too fragile for their common tasks. ", The aluminum-zinc alloy hilts had an inherent weakness as well. I’m sure some microscopic ones are present under strong magnification, but realistically this is about as fine a condition Marine Raider Stiletto hilt as you are ever likely to encounter. The knife is retained in the correct, later production leather scabbard. Those mundane tasks were more likely to be their daily fare as opposed to slitting throats. This knife is a true gem, with a full-length blade, excellent etching and a hilt that is about as good as one could ever hope to locate. The scabbard is completely unmarked and does not have the “Flaming Ordnance Bomb” mark that would designate it as an Army scabbard for an M3 knife, rather than a Raider Stiletto knife. HISTORY. It was issued ONLY to Raiders, only a few thousand were made and because of the decomposing zinc alloy handle, the stiletto is one of the rarest knives in the military world. The leather of the scabbard is somewhat stiff, with a dark brown, aged color to it suggesting exposure to moisture. The Raider Stiletto, like the Fairbairn-Sykes knife, was a purpose made killing weapon with little value as a utilitarian knife or tool. Most of the scabbard stitching is tight and strong, with some loss on the rear where the top of the scabbard rolls over to secure the belt hanging hook. The design was heavily influenced by the British Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife issued to Commando Units. Not all of the men were properly trained in its use and typically preferred the more rugged and ubiquitous KaBar fighting knife over the thin bladed stiletto. The top portion of the scabbard retains the original M1936 pistol blackened iron belt hook which allowed the scabbard to be attached to the belt. The Marine Raider Stiletto is one of the rarest and most sought-after US combat knives from World War II. In fact, Marine Corps dictates specifically prohibited the throwing of the stiletto, as it would likely break the tip of the blade. USMC, Overall this is really wonderful example of a very scarce US WWII combat knife. Pre-Owned. There is some very lightly scattered minor surface discoloration that has dulled some of the blade, as well as some scattered light pitting on the last 3” of the blade.