[Audie]

I just found another M3 trench knife...blade marked Imperial. Darndest thing, the blade is bent...At the guard. It just angles about 3 degrees or so from the handle when looking at it edge on.

How could that happen, this is hardened steel. Just to check I put it in a vice and bent the blade back and of course it sprung right back to its 3 degree angle. As good hardened steel should.

Could it have been like this since it was made??? I can't see how this could happen in the field. :?:

 

[jimb16]

Could have happened when they staked the pommel. That takes a pretty good strike.

 

[Audie]

Probably right. There is NO way to bend it like this with field use, it would snap before it would take a set.

It definitely does not effect the performance, so I can see it making it past an inspector. but I have not seen this in my others...I have four now.

Interesting though. :wink:

 

[jimb16]

Only 4?! Audie, you're an amateur! (Just kidding) I've got at least one by each maker and have a complete set of the M6 scabbards too. But I'm staying away from the M4s. Only have 2 of those and that's enough for me.

 

[Audie]

M3's are nicer to collect, a bit rarer than the average M4. :wink:

 

[jimb16]

And there are anywhere from 2 to 7 variations on each. Blade dated, blade marked, guard marked, name change, number of handle grooves, etc....Can get very challenging.

 

[cannonfodder]

howdy, just read your thread and it jarred the old brain cells, I had a K bar , wore it in the field always, carried the m-47 dragon so my TO weapon was a 45 I had the K bar on my web belt just aft of the holster, over time blade was bent at same angle, from my as_ , from sitting, riding etc., can and does happen !

 

[jimb16]

That often occurs because the blade is tempered, but not the shank. Many knives are made this way so that it doesn't snap when you try to pry with them.

 

[Audie]

Adds to the history I guess....wonder whos as_ was on it???

 

[Audie]

here is a nice group of collectables including the aforementioned M3...the Jacket is an At the Front repro (nice copy)...stipes and 3rd ID insignia are real...the leather is repro...all else is period.

I cannot find decent leather....most of it is rotten that I run into.

 

[jimb16]

Come on Audie, you know as well as I do that if you want good real leather, you gotta shell out big bucks! I know it hurts, but real leather is tough to find in decent condition. I should know. I've got all six M6 scabbards and only one is in poor condition. Plus I've got original leather for mu 1917 S&W .45 revoler and both my 1911 and 1911A1 colts. (ouch/sob!)

 

[Audie]

I am so embarrassed. :ek:

I have to desaturate my pics because of new leather and old guns.

have any period P41 jackets??? Now those could be hard to find.

 

[jimb16]

Nope....don't collect uniform items, just firearms and accouterments.