John Ek started making knives in 1939 and supplied fighting knives by private purchase to American soldiers in World War Two, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. This is one of his early World War products, marked on the blade “John Ek knife / Hamden Conn” and numbered on one ricasso 2G93. His first knives were handmade by himself, but demand was so strong that he hired three helpers by Fall 1944 and was running his shop 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He was very particular about his knives going to active-duty soldiers, though some ended up with famous figures, and his work was respected enough that, in the midst of steel shortages, he was specially authorized to use nickel-chrome-moly steel. He numbered his knives both as way of owners to keep track of them and for him to provide a lifetime guarantee.

This is an example of his Model 2, with its double-edged spear point blade and showing his early design that did not have a crossguard. It also shows the characteristic Ek wood grips, scalloped, and secured with poured lead rivets to a long tang that protrudes substantially beyond the pommel for extra strength, utility purposes, and a secondary weapon. The blade is in the bright, with good edges and point, with sharp signature and serial number, and excellent grip. The blade shows minor rubs but no spots or darkening and has a good edge and point. The scabbard is a simple brown leather, stitched around the edge and reinforced by four small rivets that also hold the belt loop.

This is a top-notch example of a World War Two combat knife from respected maker.  [sr]

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