EK COMMANDO KNIVES

Kitchen Knife - This is one of the rare kitchen cutlery knives, made by John Ek at the Guilford, CT location. This knife is shown with the original packaging and the original Guarantee from John Ek. Gary Ek has stated that the kitchen knives came in 3 sizes and this is the middle size. Notice the interesting wood knife sheath that came with the knife.

As in Hamden, the knife blades were made of 1/8 inch thick Nickel-Chrome-Moly Steel. The knives were full tang, where the portion of the knife under the handle is the same or nearly the same width as the blade and extends to or beyond the rear portion of the handle. The two handle pieces are held on with hot-poured lead rivets. This design makes for an extremely strong knife.

John Ek preffered wood for his knife handles as leather could deteriorate and metal would be uncomfortable in hot or cold climates. The majority of the Miami handles were made from Walnut but some Maple was also used. Some of the early Miami knives had extra thick (1-1/8 inch) walnut handles.

The handles of most of the models have sculpted edges that give a good grip. The lead rivets put the balance of the knife firmly in the hand.

You will note that the Miami Silent Partner (SP) booklets and price lists use the designation of "Style" rather than "Model" for the different Miami knife types and I have followed that convention.

Almost all of the John Ek Miami knives were stamped with a style number and a serial number. As with Hamden knives, the numbers were stamped at the base of the blade flat next to the handle and the digits are read with the blade pointing down.

See the Serial Numbers section for more information on Miami serial numbers.

There are no accurate production figures on Miami produced knives but there were far fewer produced than were made in Hamden, CT. An estimate I've heard states around 1200 were made.

There are 12 different Miami knife styles. Note however there are many changes in Miami style numbers when compared to Hamden knife styles.

Also note that while some of the WW-II era Hamden knives only had style numbers, all the Miami styles have names as well. I have included the names below and under the individual knife descriptions.

The changes in knife styles are as follows:

Miami Style 1 Commando Combat: Same as Hamden Style 1
Miami Style 2 Ranger Combat: Same as Hamden Style 2
Miami Style 3 Jungle Fighting Knife with Hilt Single Edge: Same as Hamden Style 6
Miami Style 4 Jungle Fighting Knife with Hilt Double Edge: Same as Hamden Style 7
Miami Style 5 Army Occupational: Same as Hamden Style 9
Miami Style 6 Patton Occupational with Hilt: Same as the non-catalog Hamden Style 11
Miami Style 7 Survival Chopper: Is a new Style
Miami Style 8 Survival Skin Diver: Is a new Style
Miami Style 9 Floating Knife: Same as Hamden Style 10
Miami Style 10 Professional Throwing Knives (Set of 3): Same as Hamden Non-Catalog Style 13
Miami Style 11 Utility Knife: Is a new Style
Miami Style 12 Pen Knife - Secret Agent: Is a new Style

And the Hamden Styles 3, 4, 5 and 8 (all with bolo type handles) were discontinued.

These changes cause much confusion when comparing Hamden and Miami knife styles.

The Miami Style 1 is the same design as the Hamden Style 1. Other than the small number style/serial and the walnut handle, the knives are pretty much the same.

The picture shows an early knife with a small serial number stamp. The knife has a faded logo ink stamp on the blade, a medium extended tang, large diameter lead rivets and a wrist lanyard hole through the upper portion of the handle.

The Miami Style 2 is the same design as the Hamden Style 1. Other than the small serial number and the walnut handle, the knives are much the same.

The picture shows an early knife with a small serial number stamp, a medium extended tang, large diameter lead rivets and a wrist lanyard hole through the upper portion of the handle. The ink stamp on the blade has worn off.

The Miami Style 3 is the same design as the Hamden Style 6. Other than the small number serial, the walnut handle, and the brass rather than steel guard, the knife design is the same.

The picture shows an early knife. The knife has a partial outline of the logo ink stamp as well as the all script stamp on the blade, a small serial number stamp, a thin brass guard, a medium extended tang, large diameter lead rivets and a wrist lanyard hole through the upper portion of the handle. Note the diameter of the handle is smaller with the styles with guards.

The Miami 5th Special Forces knives are specially marked Miami Style 3 knives.

The following is information from two pieces of documentaton written by Gary Boyd (collector, author and historian): "According to Gary Ek (John's son) the 5th Special Forces ordered 12 S.F. engraved #3s in 1970. For some reason the order was never completed and the knives had remained in a semi-finished state ever since. [In July 1992] they were discovered at Gary's home by Howard Dorf along with a lot of other Ek knife items. Two of the pieces were too rusty to salvage. Gary had worked on these pieces in 1970 and agreed to finish 10 of them and sell them to Howard. He managed to put handles on four pieces and eventually Howard lost patience with him and took all ten in their various stages of completion."

The two pictures shows the front and rear sides of one of the finished knives. One of these knives is featured on page 108 of "Knives of the United States Military in Vietnam" by M.W. Silvey.

NOTE: Gary Ek states on his Facebook page that he remembers the serial #'s of the 12 5th. Special Forces knives ran from 460 to 472. The 3/460 knife is one of the serial numbers, but a consecutive serial number range is not correct. I have records and/or pictures of 7 of these knives and their serial numbers vary from within the 300, 400 and 500 serial number series. This is similar to the Gerber Mark II SIGMA knives that were supposed to be in a 008001 to 008050 sequence, but aren't. It seems that for some special orders, various available knives were selected and no effort was made to insure that they have consecutive serial numbers.

The Miami Style 4 is the same design as the Hamden Style 7. Other than the small serial number and the walnut handle, and the brass rather than steel guard, the knife design is the same.

The picture shows an early knife with a small serial number stamp, a thin brass guard, a long extended tang, large diameter lead rivets and a wrist lanyard hole through the upper portion of the handle. The outside edges of a faided logo ink stamp can be seen. Note the diameter of the handle is smaller with the styles with guards.

The Miami Style 5 is the same design as the Hamden Style 9. Other than the small serial number and the walnut handle, the knife design is the same.

The picture shows an early knife with a small serial number stamp, a short extended tang, large diameter lead rivets and a wrist lanyard hole through the upper portion of the handle. There are no signs of either type ink stamp.

The Miami Style 6 is the same design as the non-catalog Hamden Style 11. Other than the small serial number and the walnut handle, the knife design is the same.

The picture shows an early knife with a small serial number stamp, a thin brass guard, a short square extended tang, large diameter lead rivets and a wrist lanyard hole through the upper portion of the handle.

Note that the three Style knives with a crossguard have a little narrower handle. Although the Style 3, 4 and 6 are full tang knives, the portion under the handle is a little narrower than the standard 1 inch. This allows a ridge at the base of the blade for the guard to bear against.

The Style 7 is a new model introduced in Miami. It is a smaller knife with a 5 inch blade with a width of 1-1/4 inches and an overall length of 9 inches. It is similar in size to the Hamden style 12 utility but the blade is 1/4 inch wider than the usual 1 inch blade width and has sawteeth on the blade upper spine.

This is one of only two Miami Ek knives with sawteeth on the blade upper spine. The saw design consists of a double row of teeth that are staggered. This design is sometimes refered to as "Swiss Army" type teeth.

The style 7 was intended as a Survival-Rescue knife designed to aid escape from downed aircraft.

The picture shows an early knife with a small serial number stamp. The second picture shows the arrangement of the double row of staggered teeth.

The Style 8 is another new model introduced in Miami. A full size knife with a 7 inch blade and an overall length of 12 inches.

This is one of only two Miami Ek knives with sawteeth on the blade upper spine. The saw design consists of a double row of teeth that are staggered. This design is sometimes refered to as "Swiss Army" type teeth.

The style 8 was intended as a Survival-Rescue knife designed for underwater use. The picture shows a second series knife with a large serial number stamp. The second picture shows the arrangement of the double row of staggered teeth.

The Miami Style 9 is the same as the Hamden Style 10 floating knife. When dropped into water it floats vertically with the blade pointing down. The ability to float was acomplished by using wooden plugs instead of lead rivets as well as making the bolo handle slightly larger.

I have never observed a Miami Style 9 Floating Knife and suspect they are very rare.

But from the illustration in the Silent Partner Booklet, the Miami Floating knife looks identical to the Hamden Floating Knife so I've used the Hamden Floating Knife image for illustration.

I have only noted one type of Miami throwing knife. The blade is 9 inches long and 1 inch wide with an arrow point head and two narrowed areas, one behind the head and one in front of the rear handle area. It seems identical with the Type I Hamden thrower with the exception of no lanyard hole in the handle.

The pictures show the front and back of a 3 thrower set seen on an ebay auction in December 2016. They are marked with an electric pen. Note the lack of a lanyard hole in the handle area of the blade.

The Miami Style 11 is a small knife with a 4 inch blade with a width of 1-1/4 inches and an overall length of 8 inches. Designed for those GIs who requested a knife for ulitity tasks rather than a fighting knife. It is similar in size to the Hamden style 12 utility but the blade is 1/4 inch wider than the usual 1 inch blade width.

The picture shows a second series knife with a large serial number stamp. It also has been metal stamped with the small John Ek KNIFE / MIAMI, FLA. logo.

The Style 12 is an Aluminum handled folding knife that in the closed position is designed to look like an ordinary writing pen.

Gary Ek states that his father had designed the knives and had them made in the Philippines for the Bay of Pigs invasion. I can't find any information to substantiate that claim.

I believe this is a non-Ek knife as these knives were shown for sale in ads in various magazines in the late 60's and early 70's.

Along with the Secret Agent Pen Knife, John Ek also sold several other non-Ek knives in the mid-60's among them the Puma White Hunter, the Swiss Companion Pocket Knife and the Sportsman Pocket Knife.

The Silent Partner booklets noted that these pen knives were for use outside of the U.S.

The first picture shows the pen knife in the closed position looking like a writing pen. The second shows the pen knife unlatched and partially open. And the third shows the pen knife in the open position.

The last picture shows an ad for the Secret Agent Pen Knife that was posted in the March 1969 issue of Popular Mechanics on pg. 50.

This knife, made in the pattern of a Miami Style 2, is an oversize advertizing display piece. The knife is over 2 feet long and looks to have a walnut handle. It also has 4, rather than the normal three lead rivets in the handle and lacks a lanyard hole. It has engraving on one side that reads 'JOHN EK 1915-1976 / HAMDEN, CONN. - MIAMI, FLA.". Unknown if this knife was made before or after John Ek's death. But it was obviously engraved after his death.

This knife, made in the pattern of a Miami Style 4, is an oversize advertizing display piece. The knife is over 2 feet long and looks to have a rosewood handle. It also has 4, rather than the normal three lead rivets in the handle and lacks a lanyard hole. It has no markings on the blade.

This knife might also have been made after John Ek's death as it is very close to the dimensions of the engraved Miami Ek Knife Display Piece above.

Since the offerings from both the Pembroke Park, FL and St. Augustine FL locations were almost identical, I have chosen to combine the knife descriptions.

Other than any finished stock leftover from the North Miami shop, all of the knives from both locations were made by John Ek's son, Gary W. Ek.

Most of the handles of these knives are thinner than the corresponding style Miami made knives with the handle profile rounded rather than having the sculpted edges of the Miami and Hamden knives. Also, some of the knives have the location where the lanyard hole would normally be, lead filled. These knives have 4 lead rivets and no lanyard hole.

Some but not all of the Pembroke Park and St. Augustine knives were stamped in the same manner as the Miami knives, with a style number and a serial number. As with Miami knives, the numbers were stamped at the base of the blade flat next to the handle and the digits are read with the blade pointing down. Knives from both locations are found with the style number stamped both above and below the serial number.

See the Serial Numbers section for more information on Pembroke Park/St. Augustine serial numbers.

There are no production figures for knives produced at these two locations. Some of the Pembroke Park knives carry Miami engraving or are not engraved. And many of the St. Augustine knives do not have the St. Augustine blade engraving. A group of St. Augustine Knives is shown in the image above. Note that there are differences in the knives such as handle material, use of small brass rivets rather than lead and in handle profiles. The bottom line is that there is a great deal of variance observed in knives made at these two locations when compared to Miami knives.

In the interests of brevity, the descriptor "St. Augustine" applies to both Pembroke Park and St. Augustine knives as the characteristics of these knives are similar. However the only clear-cut St. Augustine knives are those that are double-line engraved with the St. Augustine name or in a few cases with a Vibrating engraver.

The first 12 Pembroke Park and St. Augustine knife styles are the same as the Miami Styles as follows:

Pembroke Park/St. Augustine Style 1 Commando Combat
Pembroke Park/St. Augustine Style 2 Ranger Combat
Pembroke Park/St. Augustine Style 3 Jungle Combat
Pembroke Park/St. Augustine Style 4 Jungle Combat Ranger
Pembroke Park/St. Augustine Style 5 Army Occupational
Pembroke Park/St. Augustine Style 6 Patton Occupational
Pembroke Park/St. Augustine Style 7SS Survival Chopper
Pembroke Park/St. Augustine Style 8SS Survival Skin Diver
Pembroke Park/St. Augustine Style 9 Floating Knife
Pembroke Park/St. Augustine Style 10 Professional Throwing Knives (Set of 3)
Pembroke Park/St. Augustine Style 11 Wells Fargo Utility Knife (Same as Miami Utility Knife)
Pembroke Park/St. Augustine Style 12 Pen Knife - Secret Agent (Listed but no longer available)

Six more styles were introduced by Gary Ek but were only offered in Pembroke Park and not later in St. Augustine:

Pembroke Park Style 13 Flying Moon
Pembroke Park Style 14 Eagles Claw
Pembroke Park Style 15 2506 Brigade-Special
Pembroke Park Style 16 2506 Brigade (For members only)
Pembroke Park Style 17 Special WW-II Commemorative
Pembroke Park Style 18 Special WW-II - John Ek Commemorative

In 1980 Gary moved the House of Ek business to St. Augustine FL. There styles 14 through 17 were dropped and the Pembroke Park Style 18 was renamed style J.E.

Note that some styles were offered in a "Presentation Grade"

The St. Augustine Style 1 is the same design as the Miami Style 1. Other than the large style/serial numbers and the thinner rounded handle, the knives are much the same.

The St. Augustine Style 2 is the same design as the Miami Style 2. Other than the large style/serial number and the thinner rounded handle, the knives are much the same.

This St. Augustine style was also available in presentation grade.

The St. Augustine Style 3 is the same design as the Miami Style 3. Other than the large style/serial number and the thinner rounded handle, the knives are much the same.

The picture shows a later knife. It has the large serial number stamp but lacks the St. Augustine blade stamp. The knife has a thin brass guard, a short extended tang, four medium diameter lead rivets and no lanyard hole.

Only some of the St. Augustine knives have 4 lead rivets and lack a lanyard hole.

The St. Augustine Style 4 is the same design as the Miami Style 4. Other than the large style/serial number and the thinner rounded handle, the knives are much the same.

The picture shows a later knife. It has the large serial number stamp but lacks the St. Augustine blade stamp. The knife has a thin brass guard, a short extended tang, four medium diameter lead rivets and no lanyard hole.

Only some of the St. Augustine knives have 4 lead rivets and lack a lanyard hole.

This St. Augustine style was also available in presentation grade.

The St. Augustine Style 5 is the same design as the Miami Style 5. Other than the large style/serial number and the thinner rounded handle, the knives are much the same.

The St. Augustine Style 6 is the same design as the Miami Style 6. Other than the large style/serial number and the thinner rounded handle, the knives are much the same.

The picture shows a knife with a serial number stamp, a thin brass guard, a short rounded extended tang, a narrow rounded walnut handle with four lead rivets and no wrist lanyard hole.

Only a few of the St. Augustine knives have 4 lead rivets and lack a lanyard hole.

The St. Augustine Style 7SS has the same blade design as the Miami Style 7 but the blade is made of stainless steel and it has micarta handles. It is a smaller knife with a 5 inch long, 1-1/4 inches wide and heavier 3/16 inch thick blade. It has an overall length of 9 inches and has sawteeth on the blade upper spine.

This is one of only two St. Augustine Ek knives with sawteeth on the blade upper spine. The saw design consists of a double row of teeth that are staggered. This design is sometimes refered to as "Swiss Army" type teeth.

The style 7SS was intended as a Survival-Rescue knife designed to aid escape from downed aircraft.

I've never observed a St. Augustine style 7SS.

The St. Augustine Style 8SS has the same blade design as the Miami Style 8 but the blade is made of stainless steel and the handles are micarta and removable. It is a full size knife with a very heavy 1/2 inch thick, 7 inch long blade and an overall length of 12 inches.

This is one of only two St. Augustine Ek knives with sawteeth on the blade upper spine. The saw design consists of a double row of teeth that are staggered. This design is sometimes refered to as "Swiss Army" type teeth.

The style 8 was intended as a Survival-Rescue knife designed for underwater use.

I've never observed a St. Augustine style 8SS. With a 1/2 inch thick blade, this would be a very heavy knife.

The St. Augustine Style 9 basically is the same as the Miami Style 9 floating knife. When dropped into water it floats vertically with the blade pointing down. The ability to float was acomplished by using wooden plugs instead of lead rivets as well as making the bolo handle slightly larger.

The St. Augustine Floating Knife was only offered in the presentation grade.

I've never observed a St. Augustine style 9.

The overall lenght of the St. Augustine throwing knives is not specified on the price list but is probably the same 9 inch size of the Miami style 10 throwers. They are one inch wide with an arrow point head and two narrowed areas, one behind the head and one in front of the rear handle area. I don't know if they have a lanyard hole in the handle.

The St. Augustine Style 11 is the same design as the Miami Style 11. It is a small knife with a 4 inch blade with a width of 1-1/4 inches and an overall length of 8 inches. Designed for ulitity tasks rather than a fighting knife.

I've never observed a St. Augustine style 11 knife.

Although the Style 12 appears on the St. Augustine price lists, it is listed as "Not available at this time" in the January 1, 1978 price list.

Refer to the Miami Style 12 for description and photos.

The St. Augustine Style 13 is small boot knife.

The picture shows what I suspect is a pair of these boot knives. This presentation grade pair were purchased from Gary Ek in 1975 while John Ek was still alive. I have no idea why they are stamped as a style 16 as 16 is the model number of the 2506 Brigade (For members only) knife.

This St. Augustine style was also available in a standard grade.

The St. Augustine Style 14 is a new design by Gary Ek.

I have never observed one of these knives.

The St. Augustine Style 15 is a presentation grade, style 2 knife commemorating the Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba on 17 April 1961.

Brigade 2506 (Brigada Asalto 2506) was the name of a CIA-sponsored Cuban exile group that attempted the military overthrow of the Fidel Castro led Cuban government.

The blade has an elaborate etching on one side. Near the hilt is an empty scroll. Next is an image of the Cuban Coat of Arms. Below that is a folded scroll with the words "En Conmemoración Del Heroico Desembarco Abril 17, 1961" (In Commemoration of the Heroic Landing April 17, 1961). Next is a map of the western portion of Cuba with stars to identify "Habana" (Havana) and "Bahía de Cochinos" (Bay of Pigs). Finally there is a depiction of the 2506 Brigade shoulder patch at the blade tip.

The blade was acid etched by Aurum Etchings of Dallas, Texas. The knife was issued with a hand made presentation wall cabinet. This knife seems to be identical to the St. Augustine Style 16 with the exception of the etching not being gold filled.

Note that there is a later version of this knife under the American Historical Foundation (AHF) heading.

NOTE: I have used the St. Augustine Style 16 photos and changed the color to show what the non-gold filled acid etch should look like. However I'm not sure of the handle material of the Model 15.

The St. Augustine Style 15 was only offered in the presentation finish.

The St. Augustine Style 16 is a presentation grade, style 2 knife commemorating the Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba on 17 April 1961. This version is intended for brigade members only. It is similar to the style 15 but has gold filled etching and includes the brigade veteran's CIA issued four digit membership number.

Brigade 2506 (Brigada Asalto 2506) was the name of a CIA-sponsored Cuban exile group that attempted the military overthrow of the Fidel Castro led Cuban government.

The blade has an elaborate gold filled etching on one side. Near the hilt is a scroll in which a brigade veteran's membership number would be etched. Next is an image of the Cuban Coat of Arms. Below that is a folded scroll with the words "En Conmemoración Del Heroico Desembarco Abril 17, 1961" (In Commemoration of the Heroic Landing April 17, 1961). Next is a map of the western portion of Cuba with stars to identify "Habana" (Havana) and "Bahía de Cochinos" (Bay of Pigs). Finally there is a depiction of the 2506 Brigade shoulder patch near the blade tip.

The blade was acid etched and the etching gold filled by Aurum Etchings of Dallas, Texas. The knife was issued with a hand made presentation wall cabinet. This knife seems to be identical to the St. Augustine Style 15 with the addition of the etching being gold filled.

The St. Augustine Style 16 was only offered in the presentation finish.

The St. Augustine Style 17 is WW-II Style 7 (new style 4) knife originally made in Hamden Conneticut during the war. The finish is upgraded to presentation condition. It commemorates the Ek WW-II knives.

No sheaths were supplied with these knives.

The St. Augustine Style 17 was only offered in the presentation finish.

I have never observed one of these knives.

The St. Augustine Style 18 is WW-II Style 7 (new style 4) knife originally made in Hamden Conneticut during the war. The finish is upgraded to presentation condition. It commemorates John Ek knifemaker.

This is the same style as Style 17 but the blade is etched. I have never seen one of these knives but from the PL1978 price list the etching may read "John Ek Legend of a Knifemaker 9-29-1915 ---- 10-21-1976"

The blade was acid etched by Aurum Etchings of Dallas, Texas.

The knife was issued with a hand made presentation wall cabinet. The St. Augustine Style 18 was only offered in the presentation finish.

Again, I have never observed one of these knives.

In 1980 styles 14 through 17 were dropped and the Pembroke Park style 18 was renamed J.E.

The St. Augustine Style J.E. knives are WW-II Style 6 or 7 (new style 3 or 4) knives originally made in Hamden Conneticut during the war.

These are similar to the St. Augustine Style 18 but there is no etching on these knives. Original maple handles refinished by Gary W. Ek. Finished knives repolished and sharpened.

They were offered in a very limited number.

I have never observed one of these knives.

There were numerous changes in the Richmond Ek knives as compared to previous Ek knives. They included the manner in which Ek knives were named, the number of Ek blade styles made, the handle materials of the knives and except for some limited edition knives, the elimination of serial numbering of knives.

First - Richmond Ek knife types are refered to as Models rather than the previously used term, Styles.

Second - Only the first 4 of the Miami blade "styles" were retained, the rest being discontinued. All Richmond knives have spear point blades and the following 4 blade Models:

Richmond Blade Model 1 - 1-1/2 edges sharpened without crossguard
Richmond Blade Model 2 - Both edges sharpened without crossguard
Richmond Blade Model 3 - 1-1/2 sharpened edges with crossguard
Richmond Blade Model 4 - Both edges sharpened with crossguard

NOTE: The Richmond Model 5 - Single Edge Bowie with crossguard and Model 6 Double edge Bowie with crossguard are not documented by this site.

Forth - Stamping of blade logos was replaced by laser marking.

However there were changes in the Ek logo which can give a rough estimate of the period of manufacture:

All logos have "Korea", "World War II" and "Vietnam" etched on the upper banner.

"3 Wars Logo": Lower banner etched "Commando": 1982-1991
"4 Wars Logo": Lower banner etched "Gulf War": 1991 - Sept. 2004
"5 Wars Logo": Lower banner etched "Gulf War" "Iraqi War": Oct 2004 - Aug. 2008
"6 Wars Logo": Lower banner etched "Gulf War" "Afghanistan" "Iraqi War": Sept. 2008 - 2014 Ka_Bar Sale

Some knives made in Richmond in the late 1980's did not have the Richmond, VA address on them.

The Model number of Richmond Ek knives is made up of a handle code or name code followed by one of the knife blade types 1, 2, 3, or 4. For example a Micarta handled knife with double edge blade and no crossguard is a Model M-2 and a Single edged blade with crossguard and a Pakkawood handle would be a P-3. So initially, Richmond Ek knives consisted of only about twelve models, 4 P series, 4 M series, two S/F series and 2 SWAT series.

But in the following years, although there were only the 4 basic blade types, many more models would be introduced. In fact the Richmond years of 1982 to 1997 introduced about 44 different knife models, the most of any time period.

A list of the 44 Richmond models with descriptions can be found Here. Scroll down to the Richmond section. At the bottom of the list there is a section listing all the known model codes.

Knives included in this section include Richmond, Benchmade and Collectors Club Knives. The knife models listed below are listed in model alphanumeric order not in the order of introduction.

Most of the Richmond era knife information lists the steel as HCS-1718. But I can find no information on this steel. Since the Richmond blades don't appear to rust readily, it is likely the steel is one that is compariable to one of the 440 series of stainless steels.

During this period and at least until the later part of 1998, the company was located at 601 N. Lombardy St., Richmond, VA 23220.

The Diver-UDT was designed by Scott Strong as a dive knife. Although Richmond listed the steel as HCS1718 it is believed the steel was actually 440C.

I believe the knife was introduced during the Custom/Benchmade Period as the only Richmond paperwork I found for the knife is in the 1992 Benchmade Catalog. A year later the remaining unsold stock went to Blackjack when Ek Knives was sold to Blackjack in 1993.

Note: If you encounter one of these knives that is not Effingham marked but has a gray micarta handle, or it has only 2 Cross-Head screws or the screws are unevenly spaced, it is a Blackjack issued knife. See the N-11 UDT writeup under Blackjack for more information about this knife.

These knives were issued with a Kydex dive sheath and 2 rubber leg straps.

The picture shows a Richmond knife with the rubber handle.

This knife is one of my favorite Ek Models.

This knife is named the Desert Patrol and is a model 3. It has the Desert camo paracord handle and bead blast finish on blade and guard. It has the Operation Desert Storm Wreath and Shield emblem on the reverse ricasso. (Desert Storm was the U.S. Coalition code name for the Gulf War).These knives were issued with a desert tan web sheath.

The top knife in the picture shows a typical DP-3DS knife with the Desert Camo paracord wrap handle and Desert Storm Wreath and Shield emblem.

Note: I've observed very few of this model. It seems the DP-4DS was much more popular.

This knife is named the Desert Patrol and is a model 3. I believe this knife is a later issue of the Desert Patrol knife. It has the later 4 Wars Logo (Gulf War Lower Banner) and Desert camo paracord wrap handle but has a brush finish and bright brass guard rather than the earlier bead blast finish on the blade and guard. It does not have the Operation Desert Storm Wreath and Shield emblem.

The picture shows a knife with Desert camo paracord wrap handle.

This knife is named the Desert Patrol and is a model 4. It has the Desert camo paracord handle and bead blast finish on blade and guard. It has the Operation Desert Storm Wreath and Shield emblem on the reverse ricasso. (Desert Storm was the U.S. Coalition code name for the Gulf War).These knives were issued with a desert tan web sheath.

The picture shows a typical DP-4DS knife with the Desert Camo paracord wrap handle and Desert Storm Wreath and Shield emblem.

This knife is named the Desert Patrol and is a model 4. I believe this knife is a later issue of the Desert Patrol knife. It has the later 4 Wars Logo (Gulf War Lower Banner) and Desert camo paracord wrap handle but has a brush finish and bright brass guard rather than the earlier bead blast finish on the blade and guard. It does not have the Operation Desert Storm Wreath and Shield emblem.

The picture shows a DP-4 knife with Desert camo paracord wrap handle.

This knife is named the Gunner and is a model 1. It has a gunstock grade checkered American walnut handle with 3 Brass Cross-Head Screws and brush finish on the blade. It does not have a crossguard. Some early knives were issued with the tan leather sheath. Later, these knives were issued with the OD web sheaths.

Note: All the Model 1 and Model 2 knives were discontinued sometime before 1990. But they were reintroduced in late 1997 in the Richmond II era. If a Micarta model knife has a 4, 5 or 6 wars logo, then it is one of the later knives. Information on the later knives can be found under the Richmond II heading.

The picture shows a typical G-1 knife with the checkered walnut handle and 3 Wars logo.

This knife is named the Gunner and is a model 2. It has a gunstock grade checkered American walnut handle with 3 Brass Cross-Head Screws and brush finish on the blade. It does not have a crossguard. Some early knives were issued with the tan leather sheath. Later, these knives were issued with the OD web sheaths.

Note: All the Model 1 and Model 2 knives were discontinued sometime before 1990. But they were reintroduced in late 1997 in the Richmond II era. If a Gunner model knife has a 4, 5 or 6 wars logo, then it is one of the later knives. Information on the later knives can be found under the Richmond II heading.

The picture shows a typical G-2 knife with the checkered walnut handle and 3 Wars logo and Richmond marking.

This knife is named the Gunner and is a model 3. It has a gunstock grade checkered American walnut handle with 3 Brass Cross-Head Screws and brush finish on the blade. It has a bright brass crossguard. Some early knives were issued with the tan leather sheath. Later, these knives were issued with the OD web sheaths.

The picture shows a typical G-3 knife with the checkered walnut handle. These knives can be found with and without the Richmond marking.

This knife is named the Gunner and is a model 4. It has a gunstock grade checkered American walnut handle with 3 Brass Cross-Head Screws and brush finish on the blade. It has a bright brass crossguard. Some early knives were issued with the tan leather sheath. Later, these knives were issued with the OD web sheaths.

The G-4 knives are identical to the G-4 First 500 knives but lack the serial numbering and First 500 laser marking.

The picture shows a typical G-4 knife with the checkered walnut handle. These knives can be found with and without the Richmond marking.

The G-4 First 500 knife is one of the first 500 of the Gunner model 4's made. It has a gunstock grade checkered American walnut handle with 3 Brass Cross-Head Screws and brush finish on the blade. It has a bright brass crossguard and is laser marked and serial numbered.

The first five hundred of the model 4 Gunner knives were set aside and laser marked "GUNNER MODEL - FIRST 500 - LIMITED EDITION". They also had an engraved serial number nnn/500. Both the laser marking and engraved serial number are on the blade logo side. Most of these knives were issued with the OD web sheaths.

The picture shows a typical G-4 First 500 knife with the checkered walnut handle. These knives all have the 3 wars logo and Richmond marking.

I believe the IRS acronym stands for International Rescue Safety. This knife is a model 3. It has an International Orange paracord wrap handle, brush finish on blade and bright brass crossguard. The one issue I saw was issued with an OD web sheath.

These Orange Paracord handle knives made in late 1980. An ebay seller of one of the knives said that Bob Buerlein in an email stated that only about 24 of the IRS-3 and IRS-4 knives were made. But in a later answer to a query about these knives during the Richmond II era Mr. Buerlein stated "less than 100 were made".

The picture shows a typical IRS-3 model knife with the International Orange paracord wrap handle.

NOTE: These knives would be easy to counterfit by replacing the paracord of one of the more common S/F or SWAT models with the International Orange paracord. Buyer beware.

I believe the IRS acronym stands for International Rescue Safety. This knife is a model 4. It has an International Orange paracord wrap handle, brush finish on blade and bright brass crossguard. The one issue I saw was issued with an OD web sheath.

These Orange Paracord handle knives made in late 1980. An ebay seller of one of the knives said that Bob Buerlein in an email stated that only about 24 of the IRS-3 and IRS-4 knives were made. But in a later answer to a query about these knives during the Richmond II era Mr. Buerlein stated "less than 100 were made".

The picture shows a typical IRS-4 model knife with the International Orange paracord wrap handle.

NOTE: These knives would be easy to counterfit by replacing the paracord of one of the more common S/F or SWAT models with the International Orange paracord. Buyer beware.

This knife is named the Jungle Patrol and is a model 3. It has the Jungle camo paracord wrap handle and bead blast finish on blade. The guard is blackened brass. These knives were issued with a OD web sheath.

The picture shows a typical JP-3 model knife with the Jungle camo paracord wrap handle.

This knife is named the Jungle Patrol and is a model 4. It has the Jungle camo paracord wrap handle and bead blast finish on blade. The guard is blackened brass. These knives were issued with a OD web sheath.

The picture shows a typical JP-4 model knife with the Jungle camo paracord wrap handle.

The micarta series knives were one of two early Ek model types and a mainstay of Ek knives. Their prices were about 30% greater than the Pakkawood models.

The M-1 knife has no crossguard. A nice feature on the M-1 is a 3/4 inch section of thumb grooves the blade spine of the 1/2 sharpened edge just forward of the handle. The M-1 model early knives were issued with the black leather sheath. Later, these knives were issued with the OD web sheaths.

Note: All the Model 1 and Model 2 knives were discontinued sometime before 1990. But they were reintroduced in late 1997 in the Richmond II era. If a Micarta model knife has a 4, 5 or 6 wars logo, then it is one of the later knives. Information on the later knives can be found under the Richmond II heading.

The picture shows a typical M-1 knife with the black micarta handle and 3 Wars logo.

The M series knives were one of the two earliest Ek models and a mainstay of Ek knife sales. Their prices were about 30% greater than the P series models.

The M-2 knife has no crossguard. A nice feature on the M-2 is a 3/4 inch section of thumb grooves on both the blade spines just forward of the handle. The M-2 model early knives were issued with the black leather sheath. Later, these knives were issued with the OD web sheaths.

Note: All the Model 1 and Model 2 knives were discontinued sometime before 1990. But they were reintroduced in late 1997 in the Richmond II era. If a Micarta model knife has a 4, 5 or 6 wars logo, then it is one of the later knives. Information on the later knives can be found under the Richmond II heading.

The picture shows a typical M-2 knife with the black micarta handle and 3 Wars logo.

The M series knives were one of the two earliest Ek models and a mainstay of Ek knife sales. Their prices were about 30% greater than the Pakkawood models.

The M-3 knife has the micarta handle with brass crossguard. The M-3 model early knives were issued with the black leather sheath. Later, these knives were issued with black or OD web sheaths.

The picture shows a typical M-3 knife with the black micarta handle and 3 Wars logo. These knives can be found with and without the Richmond marking.

The M series knives were one of the two earliest Ek models and a mainstay of Ek knife sales. Their prices were about 30% greater than the Pakkawood models.

The M-4 knife has the micarta handle with brass crossguard. The M-4 model early knives were issued with the black leather sheath. Later, these knives were issued with the OD web sheaths.

The picture shows a typical M-4 knife with the black micarta handle and 3 Wars logo. These knives can be found with and without the Richmond marking.

The Model M-4A is named the ANGLICO Commando. The Marine who helped design it served with the 4th. ANGLICO. ANGLICO is the acronym for "Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company". They are Airborne fire support and liaison units of the United States Marine Corps.

The Model M-4A has a narrower handle and a short straight guard. It is shown in Buerlein's book on page 156, Fig. 238A. I have never observed one of these models and guess very few were made.

The picture shows an altered image (bottom) under a standard M-4 image to show fairly accurately the model M-4A's appearance. I would guess these knives would have the 3 Wars logo and Richmond marking.

The M4CS is a M-4 knife that has a Cutlery Shoppe Exclusive handle design. It has a smooth micarta handle with 3 poured lead rivets. This is the only smooth handle Ek knife other than the handles of the 6 types of the American Elite Forces Fighting Knife Collection Knives.

The M-4CS knives were issued with the early black web sheath with eyelets.

The picture shows a typical M-4CS knife with the smooth micarta handle and 3 Wars logo with Richmond mark.

The O Series knives have handles made of Stamina wood, a dense engineered wood made of dyed thin wood layers impregnated with phenolic resin and compressed under high pressure and heat. The resulting material can be worked with ordinary woodworking tools, then sanded and buffed to a high luster. It can come in a rainbow of colors and will not warp, absorb water, etc.

The O-3 knife has an oak Stamina wood handle that closely resembles natural oak in both color and grain. The O-3 model knives were issued with the OD web sheath.

The picture shows a typical O-3 knife with the oak staminawood handle and 3 Wars logo with Richmond marking.

The O Series knives have handles made of Stamina wood, a dense engineered wood made of dyed thin wood layers impregnated with phenolic resin and compressed under high pressure and heat. The resulting material can be worked with ordinary woodworking tools, then sanded and buffed to a high luster. It can come in a rainbow of colors and will not warp, absorb water, etc.

The O-4 knife has an oak Stamina wood handle that closely resembles natural oak in both color and grain. The O-4 model knives were issued with the OD web sheath.

The picture shows a typical O-4 knife with the oak staminawood handle and 3 Wars logo with Richmond marking.

The Pakkawood series knives were one of 2 early Ek model types and one of the mainstays of Ek knife sales. Their prices were about 75% of the price of the Micarta M-Series models.

The P Series knives have handles made of Pakkawood, a dense engineered wood made of dyed thin wood layers impregnated with phenolic resin and compressed under high pressure and heat. The resulting material can be worked with ordinary woodworking tools, then sanded and buffed to a high luster. It can come in a rainbow of colors and will not warp, absorb water, etc.

The P-1 knife has no crossguard. A nice feature on the P-1 is a 3/4 inch section of thumb grooves on the blade spine of the 1/2 sharpened edge just forward of the handle.

The P-1 model knives have a dark brown woodgrain Pakkawood handle with lead rivets and no crossguard. The P-1 knives were issued with the OD web sheaths.

Note: All the P Series Model 1 and Model 2 knives were discontinued sometime before 1990. They were never re-introduced.

The picture shows a typical P-1 knife with the Pakkawood handle with lead rivets and 3 Wars logo with Richmond marking.

The Pakkawood series knives were one of 2 early Ek model types and one of the mainstays of Ek knife sales. Their prices were about 75% of the price of the Micarta M-Series models.

The P Series knives have handles made of Pakkawood, a dense engineered wood made of dyed thin wood layers impregnated with phenolic resin and compressed under high pressure and heat. The resulting material can be worked with ordinary woodworking tools, then sanded and buffed to a high luster. It can come in a rainbow of colors and will not warp, absorb water, etc.

The P-2 knife has no crossguard. A nice feature on the P-2 is a 3/4 inch section of thumb grooves on both the blade spines just forward of the handle. knives were issued with the OD web sheaths.

The P-2 model knives have a dark brown woodgrain Pakkawood handle with lead rivets and no crossguard. The P-2 knives were issued with the OD web sheaths.

Note: All the P Series Model 1 and Model 2 knives were discontinued sometime before 1990. They were never re-introduced.

The picture shows a typical P-2 knife with the Pakkawood handle with lead rivets and 3 Wars logo with Richmond marking.

The Pakkawood series knives were one of 2 early Ek model types and one of the mainstays of Ek knife sales. Their prices were about 75% of the price of the Micarta M Series models.

The P Series knives have handles made of Pakkawood, a dense engineered wood made of dyed thin wood layers impregnated with phenolic resin and compressed under high pressure and heat. The resulting material can be worked with ordinary woodworking tools, then sanded and buffed to a high luster. It can come in a rainbow of colors and will not warp, absorb water, etc.

The P-3 model knives have a dark brown woodgrain Pakkawood handle with lead rivets and brass crossguard. The P-3 knives were issued with the OD web sheaths.

The picture shows a typical P-3 knife with the Pakkawood handle with lead rivets and 3 Wars logo with Richmond marking.

The Pakkawood series knives were one of 2 early Ek model types and one of the mainstays of Ek knife sales. Their prices were about 75% of the price of the Micarta M-Series models.

The P Series knives have handles made of Pakkawood, a dense engineered wood made of dyed thin wood layers impregnated with phenolic resin and compressed under high pressure and heat. The resulting material can be worked with ordinary woodworking tools, then sanded and buffed to a high luster. It can come in a rainbow of colors and will not warp, absorb water, etc.

The P-4 model knives have a dark brown woodgrain Pakkawood handle with lead rivets and brass crossguard. The P-4 knives were issued with the OD web sheaths.

The picture shows a typical P-4 knife with the Pakkawood handle with lead rivets and 3 Wars logo with Richmond marking.

The S-3 knife has a Stag handle made from imported India Stag Horn. These knives were custom built to order. I believe this handle choice became available some time around 1990.

The picture shows a typical S-3 knife with the Stag handle and 3 Wars logo. These knives are rare as they were all special orders.

The S-4 knife has a Stag handle made from imported India Stag Horn. These knives were custom built to order. I believe this handle choice became available some time around 1990.

The picture shows a typical S-4 knife with the Stag handle and 3 Wars logo. These knives are rare as they were all special orders.

The DELUXE 150 is the name given to the 50th. Anniversary Ek Model 4 knife. These knives have a Stag handle made from imported India Stag Horn. The blade has a high polish and a gold-filled engraved, waving scroll with the words "1941 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 1991". The brass crossguard and cross-head screws are beautifully engraved with an acorn and oak leaf pattern and are gold plated. There is an engraved serial number on the side opposite the scroll that reads ' "DELUXE 150" / NO. nnn OF 150'. One edge of the exposed tang between the stag handles is engraved "EK COMMANDO KNIFE COMPANY RICHMOND, VIRGINIA". The opposite edge is engraved "CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF AMERICA'S FINEST 1941-1991".

The pictures show a typical DELUXE 150 knife with the Stag handle and no logo. These knives are rare as there were only 150 of them made. Not all were sold and the remaining knives were included in the sale of stock to Blackjack.

This knife is named the S/F (Survival/Fighter) and is a model 3. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord in Olive Drab color, brush finish on the blade and bright brass crossguard. Richmond's registered name for the paracord wrapped handle was "Paragrip". These knives were priced at about 65% of the cost of a M-3 model knife.

Knives were issued with an OD web sheath with the lower section wrapped with OD paracord. The sheaths have 6 metal eyelets on the sheath upper front and upper rear sections. The eyelets are similar to those found on the U.S. Army LC-2 equipment belt. Later knives were issued with a later OD sheath without eyelets and then a sheath without eyelets or the lower paracord wrap.

No paracord handled model 1's or 2's were made this Richmond period but some were made during the Richmond II period.

Note that there are 2 handle profiles on these knives, a handle with a tapered tang and thin crossguard and a handle with a straight tang and normal thickness crossguard. I believe the knives with the tapered tangs are the earlier models. I've noted a tapered handled model with a delivery ticket dated 6/23/87.

The two pictures show the two types of S/F-3 model knives with the OD paracord wrapped handles.

This knife is named the S/F (Survival/Fighter) and is a model 4. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord in Olive Drab color, brush finish on the blade and bright brass crossguard. Richmond's registered name for the paracord wrapped handle was "Paragrip". These knives were priced at about 65% of the cost of a M-4 model knife.

I believe the S/F-4 was a later knife as the S/F-3 was the only model offered in the early years. The S/F-4 knives were issued with an OD web sheath with the lower section wrapped with OD paracord but without the 6 metal eyelets on the sheath upper front and upper rear sections. I've never observed a S/F-4 model with a tapered tang as found on the earlier S/F-3 model.

No paracord handled model 1's or 2's were made this Richmond period but some were made during the Richmond II period.

The picture shows a typical S/F-4 model knife with the OD paracord wrap handle.

The SOF-BLACK is one of three SOF (Soldier Of Fortune) Ek knife models. One hundred of each of the three models were made. All are identical with the exception of the paracord handle wrap color and serial number. These knives were a limited edition and were supposedly sold at the Soldier Of Fortune show in Orlando, FL in 1992.

The SOF-BLACK has a black paracord wrap handle and bead blast finish on blade and guard. It has a laser marked SOF logo and engraved serial number in the form nnn/100 on the side opposite the Ek logo. The SOF-BLACK knives were issued with the black web sheath with a lower wrap of black paracord. They came in a clear plastic wrap with the black & white circular Ek decal affixed, inside a black telescope box with a gray Silent Partner booklet.

The leftmost of the three knives in the first two pictures show a typical SOF-BLACK knife with the black paracord wrap handle.

Note: Some of these knives were later sold by Blackjack. They are Effingham marked and lack a serial number. There are also two Blackjack models with the SOF logo. They are the PJ-3W SOF and PJ-3W SOF. The Blackjack models have the SOF logo on the same side as the 3 Wars logo and almost in the center of the blade.

The SOF-GREEN is one of three SOF (Soldier Of Fortune) Ek knife models. One hundred of each of the three models were made. All are identical with the exception of the paracord handle wrap color and serial number. These knives were a limited edition and were supposedly sold at the Soldier Of Fortune show in Orlando, FL in 1992.

The SOF-GREEN has a green paracord wrap handle and bead blast finish on blade and guard. It has a laser marked SOF logo and engraved serial number in the form nnn/100 on the side opposite the Ek logo. The SOF-GREEN knives were issued with the green web sheath with a lower wrap of green paracord. They came in a clear plastic wrap with the black & white circular Ek decal affixed, inside a black telescope box with a gray Silent Partner booklet.

The center of the three knives in the first two pictures show a typical SOF-GREEN knife with the green paracord wrap handle.

Note: Some of these knives were later sold by Blackjack. They are Effingham marked and lack a serial number. There are also two Blackjack models with the SOF logo. They are the PJ-3W SOF and PJ-3W SOF. The Blackjack models have the SOF logo on the same side as the 3 Wars logo and almost in the center of the blade.

The SOF-JUNGLE is one of three SOF (Soldier Of Fortune) Ek knife models. One hundred of each of the three models were made. All are identical with the exception of the paracord handle wrap color and serial number. These knives were a limited edition and were supposedly sold at the Soldier Of Fortune show in Orlando, FL in 1992.

The SOF-JUNGLE has a green paracord wrap handle and bead blast finish on blade and guard. It has a laser marked SOF logo and engraved serial number in the form nnn/100 on the side opposite the Ek logo. The SOF-JUNGLE knives were issued with the green web sheath with a lower wrap of jungle camo paracord. They came in a clear plastic wrap with the black & white circular Ek decal affixed, inside a black telescope box with a gray Silent Partner booklet.

The rightmost of the three knives in the first two pictures show a typical SOF-JUNGLE knife with the jungle camo paracord wrap handle.

Note: Some of these knives were later sold by Blackjack. They are Effingham marked and lack a serial number. There are also two Blackjack models with the SOF logo. They are the PJ-3W SOF and PJ-3W SOF. The Blackjack models have the SOF logo on the same side as the 3 Wars logo and almost in the center of the blade.

This knife is named the MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Studies and Observations Group) and is a model 3. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord and a brush finish on the blade. The brass crossguard has grooves around the edhes and is blackened. There is an engraved serial number iof the form nnn/500 under the Ek logo. The reverse blade side has extensive laser marking.

The knives were initially issued in a mahogany display case with Tiger Stripe pattern camoflauge cloth lining. Included was a MACV-SOG cloth patch. Some also included additional SF patches or pins. Later ones were issued with a black web sheath in the Richmond black box.

There is also a writeup on the knife in the Fall 1991 issue of Fighting Knives.

The pictures show a typical MACV-SOG marked knife with the Black paracord wrap handle.

This knife is named the SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) and is a model 3. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of black 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord, brush finish on the blade and bright brass crossguard. Richmond's registered name for the paracord wrapped handle was "Paragrip". These SWAT-3 knives were priced considerably lower than the cost of a M-3 model knife.

Early knives were issued with the black leather sheath. Later knives were issued with a black web sheath with lower section wrapped with black paracord and 6 metal eyelets on the sheath upper front and upper rear sections. The eyelets are similar to those found on the U.S. Army LC-2 equipment belt.

No paracord handled model 1's or 2's were made this Richmond period but some were made during the Richmond II period.

The picture shows a typical SWAT-3 model knife with the Black paracord wrap handle.

This knife is named the SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) and is a model 4. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of black 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord, brush finish on the blade and bright brass crossguard. Richmond's registered name for the paracord wrapped handle was "Paragrip". These SWAT-4 knives were priced considerably lower than the cost of a M-4 model knife.

The knives were issued with a black web sheath with lower section wrapped with black paracord and 6 metal eyelets on the sheath upper front and upper rear sections. The eyelets are similar to those found on the U.S. Army LC-2 equipment belt. For an additional $15. the knives could be ordered with the optional black leather sheath.

No paracord handled model 1's or 2's were made this Richmond period but some were made during the Richmond II period.

The picture shows a typical SWAT-4 model knife with the Black paracord wrap handle.

The Professional Throwing knives all have a bead blast finish and no lanyard hole in the handle. They are 8-1/4 inches long and 1/8 inch thick. They have the Ek logo in the center of the blade. There is no Richmond VA marking.

The single throwers were issued with a simple leather belt sheath with friction-fit pocket and without a retention strap.

Note: The Professional Throwing knives are first documented in the 50th. Anniversary Gold Catalog (1991). But in that catalog they are described as being 10" long by 3/8" thick which is in error. The Large 10 inch Throwers weren't introduced until a year later in 1992 in the Benchmade Catalog and they are only 1/4 inch thick.

The Professional Throwing knives all have a bead blast finish and no lanyard hole in the handle. They are 8-1/4 inches long and 1/8 inch thick. They have the Ek logo in the center of the blade. There is no Richmond VA marking.

The Set Of Three throwers were issued with a leather belt sheath with a set of 3 overlapping friction-fit pockets. The sheath had no retention straps. I have never observed one of the Set Of Three sheaths.

Note: The Professional Throwing knives are first documented in the 50th. Anniversary Gold Catalog (1991). But they are described as being 10" long by 3/8" thick which is in error. The Large 10 inch Throwers weren't introduced until a year later in 1992 in the Benchmade Catalog and they are only 1/4 inch thick.

The Large Throwers all have a brush finish and have a lanyard hole in the handle. They are 10 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. The arrow shaped head 2 inches wide and is wider than the rest of the throwers' body. They have the 3 Wars Logo in the center of the blade. There is no Richmond VA marking.

The large throwers came with a green web belt sheath with a snap type retaining strap.

These are the same throwing knives as the Professional Throwing knives shown above. They have a bead blast finish and no lanyard hole in the handle. They are 8-1/4 inches long and 1/8 inch thick. They have the Ek logo in the center of the blade. There is no Richmond VA marking. These throwers were issued in a set of 6 in an OD Cordura roll bag with Velcro fastener.

I've noted several Richmond black telescope boxes marked W-4 where the knives and paperwork were identical to the G-4 models. I can only conclude that the Richmond W-4 model (Wood) is identical to the G-4 Gunner model. It may be that the W- designaton was used after G- description.

Most of the W-4 knives were issued with the tan leather sheath. But I've noted one with the early black web sheath with eyelets. Oddly I've never noted a box marked W-1, W-2 or W-3 model knife.

The picture shows a typical W-4 knife with the checkered walnut handle. The W-4 knives all have the Ek logo with Richmond marking.

The WAR knife name is an abreviation for "Warrior". The knives have a maple handle fastened with 3 large copper rivits that are peened over copper washers like the ones used in the handle of the British MOD 3 Survival knife. It has a bead blasted blade and a square steel, bead blasted crossguard. The maple handle slabs are a little wider than the blade tang, a feature that helps keep the bare skin of the palm from touching very hot or very cold metal of the blade tang.

The WAR model knives were issued with the OD web sheath.

Very early knives can be found with Richmond marking but most do not have it. At some point, the letters U.S. are stamped into one of the maple handle scales. I believe that earlier knives don't have the U.S. marking and later knives do.

Some of these models can also be found with a Hoffritz mark. Hoffritz was a U.S specialty retailer. More infornation on the Hoffritz brand can be found at: http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Hoffritz

The first image shows a very early WAR model with the Richmond marking. It also looks to possibly have a walnut handle and slightly different rivets than later WAR models. The second picture shows a model with the standard maple handle and copper rivets but lacking the U.S. stamp. The third shows a standard WAR model with the U.S. handle stamp and the fourth shows a Hoffritz marked blade.

The DESERT WAR knife is identical to the later issues of the WAR model. The WAR knife name is an abreviation for "Warrior". The knives have a maple handle fastened with 3 copper rivets like the ones used in the handle of the British MOD 3 Survival knife. It has a bead blasted blade and a square steel, bead blasted crossguard. The maple handle slabs are a little wider than the blade tang, a feature that helps keep the bare skin of the palm from touching very hot or very cold metal of the blade tang.

The DESERT WAR knives were issued with the desert tan web sheath with the lower portion wrapped with desert camo paracord.

These knives can be found with and without a U.S. stamped into one of the maple handle scales. I believe that the earlier knives don't have the U.S. marking and later knives do.

The first image shows a model with the standard maple handle and copper rivets but lacking the U.S. stamp. The second shows a standard WAR model with the U.S. handle stamp.

The WM (War Maple) is not an official Richmond knife designation. I coined the code just for use as a model identifier. These knives have brush finish blades and light colored maple handles. They also have brass X-Head screws. These knives are unusual as I've only noted one set of 5 knives, a model 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Very nice knives that came with Desert Tan Tube Bottom sheaths with Desert Camo Paracord wrap and pigtailed leg tie. These knives may have been a custom order.

The picture shows a typical WM-1 knife with the Maple handle and 4 Wars logo.

The WM (War Maple) is not an official Richmond knife designation. I coined the code just for use as a model identifier. These knives have brush finish blades and light colored maple handles. They also have brass X-Head screws. These knives are unusual as I've only noted one set of 5 knives, a model 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Very nice knives that came with Desert Tan Tube Bottom sheaths with Desert Camo Paracord wrap and pigtailed leg tie. These knives may have been a custom order.

The picture shows a typical WM-2 knife with the Maple handle and 4 Wars logo.

The WM (War Maple) is not an official Richmond knife designation. I coined the code just for use as a model identifier. These knives have brush finish blades and light colored maple handles. They also have a brass crossguard and brass X-Head screws. These knives are unusual as I've only noted one set of 5 knives, a model 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Very nice knives that came with Desert Tan Tube Bottom sheaths with Desert Camo Paracord wrap and pigtailed leg tie. These knives may have been a custom order.

The picture shows a typical WM-3 knife with the Maple handle and 4 Wars logo.

The WM (War Maple) is not an official Richmond knife designation. I coined the code just for use as a model identifier. These knives have brush finish blades and light colored maple handles. They also have a brass crossguard and brass X-Head screws. These knives are unusual as I've only noted one set of 5 knives, a model 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Very nice knives that came with Desert Tan Tube Bottom sheaths with Desert Camo Paracord wrap and pigtailed leg tie. These knives may have been a custom order.

The picture shows a typical WM-4 knife with the Maple handle and 4 Wars logo.

These knives are original Hamden WW-II blades with original style/serial number stamps. The blades have been lightly cleaned and blued. The knives were hilted with new maple handles with poured lead rivets by Gary Ek, John Ek's son. A thin brass guard is present on all knives irrespective of their original stamped style number.

The knives are serialized with a small engraved 3 digit serial number from 001 to 100 on the side oposite the original style/serial number stamps. The number is read with the knife pointing up.

The knives were issued in a museum style wood case with angled top and covered with an acrylic lid. In the bottom of the display box is an authentication sheet with description. A set of white gloves for handling and a blue Ek patch was also included.

Knives were also issued without the wood case and had a smaller 3-1/3 x 5 inch Certificate of Authenticity.

The picture shows a knife that was issued with the wood case.

The 45th. Anniversary New Style knife is an M-4 model knife and one of two models celebrating the 45th. Anniversary of Ek Knives. The knife has the micarta handle with brass crossguard. The blade is laser marked "Ek Commando Knife 45th. Anniversary 1941-1986" on the logo side and numbered nnn (read with the blade pointed up) on the reverse ricasso.

These 45th. Anniversary New Style knives were issued with the black leather sheath. The knives can also be found with the optional mahogany display case with acrylic cover.

The picture shows a typical 45th. Anniversary New Style knife knife with the micarta handle and laser marked blade with 3 Wars logo and Richmond marking.

The AHF BAY OF PIGS is a presentation grade, Model 4 knife commemorating the Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba on 17 April 1961.

Brigade 2506 (Brigada Asalto 2506) was the name of a CIA-sponsored Cuban exile group that attempted the military overthrow of the Fidel Castro led Cuban government.

The blade has an elaborate etching on one side. Near the hilt is an empty scroll. Next is an image of the Cuban Coat of Arms. Below that is a folded scroll with the words "En Conmemoración Del Heroico Desembarco Abril 17, 1961" (In Commemoration of the Heroic Landing April 17, 1961). Next is a map of the western portion of Cuba with stars to identify "Habana" (Havana) and "Bahía de Cochinos" (Bay of Pigs). Finally there is a depiction of the 2506 Brigade shoulder patch at the blade tip.

The blade is acid etched and may have been done by the same company that did the St. Augustine Style 15 2506 BRIGADE SPECIAL and 16 2506 BRIGADE, the company Aurum Etchings of Dallas, Texas. The knife was issued with a Richmond Walnut Individual Knife Display Box.

Note that there is an earlier commemorative version of this knife, the St. Augustine Style 15.

This knife is a model 4 and one of 2 models commemorating the 60th Anniversary of D-Day, the 6 June 1944 Allied Invasion of Normandy. It has a gunstock grade checkered American walnut handle with 3 Brass Cross-Head Screws and brush finish on the blade. It has a bright brass crossguard with a serial number stamped on one of the guard outside flat edges.

The Certificates of Authenticity for these knives state that they were a limited edition of 1945 knives. I have never noted a D-Day knife with a serial number greater than 40 so I would guess that fewer than 100 of this version of the D-Day knives were made.

Both sides of the blade have extensive laser marking. On the blade front side is the 5 wars logo with Richmond Mark and the words "ACCEPT NOTHING LESS THAN FULL VICTORY" on a wavy folded scroll along the blade.

On the reverse side there is an image of the "Rainbow over Flaming Sword" U.S. Army Europe shoulder patch on the ricasso and the words "IN HONOR OF THE D-DAY INVASION SIXTH OF JUNE, 1944" on a wavy folded scroll along the blade. The pictures shows a typical D-DAY knife with the checkered walnut handle. No sheaths were issued with these knives. The knives can also be found with the optional mahogany display case with acrylic cover.

This knife is a model 4 and one of 2 models commemorating the 60th Anniversary of D-Day, the 6 June 1944 Allied Invasion of Normandy. This is the Museum Version with a high polish blade with gold-filled engraving. It has a gunstock grade checkered American walnut handle with 3 Brass Cross-Head Screws. The brass crossguard and cross-head screws are beautifully engraved with an acorn and oak leaf pattern and are gold plated. I would guess that very few of this version of the D-Day knives were made.

Both sides of the blade have extensive gold filled engraving. On the front side there is an image of the "Rainbow over Flaming Sword" U.S. Army Europe shoulder patch on the ricasso and the words "IN HONOR OF THE D-DAY INVASION SIXTH OF JUNE, 1944" on a wavy folded scroll along the blade. I've only noted one of these knives and am not sure if these knives have a serial number. There does not appear to be a stamped number on the engraved crossguard edge.

On the blade rear side is the 5 wars logo with Richmond Mark and the words "ACCEPT NOTHING LESS THAN FULL VICTORY" on a wavy folded scroll along the blade.

The pictures shows a typical D-DAY Museum Version knife with the checkered walnut handle. No sheaths were issued with these knives. The knives were issued in a display case with hinged glass cover. Probably very few were made.

The AHF Miami Model 2 knives are a limited edition of 50 knives and are the first half of the last 100 Miami knife blades. The knives were hilted with new walnut handles and poured lead rivets by Gary Ek, John Ek's son. The blades are polished and engraved "John Ek knife" / "MIAMI, FLA." on one side and serial numbered 2/nn on the oposite ricasso read with the blade pointing down. Notice that the k in the word knife on the engraving is not capitalized.

These knives were issued in a green velvet covered clamshell box with a Woodland Pattern camouflage pattern lining. A Certificate of Authenticity was included. No sheaths were issued with these knives.

Note: These knives are often mistaken for Vietnam Era Miami knives. Although fit and finish on these knives exceeds the majority of the original Miami knives, I believe the Limited Edition knives were issued sometime between 1982 and 1986.

The AHF Miami Model 4 knives are a limited edition of 50 knives and are the second half of the last 100 Miami knife blades. The knives were hilted with new walnut handles and poured lead rivets by Gary Ek, John Ek's son. The blades are polished and engraved "John Ek knife" / "MIAMI, FLA." on one side and serial numbered 4/nn on the oposite ricasso read with the blade pointing down. Notice that the k in the word knife on the engraving is not capitalized.

These knives were issued in a green velvet covered clamshell box with a Woodland Pattern camouflage pattern lining. A Certificate of Authenticity was included. No sheaths were issued with these knives.

Note: These knives are often mistaken for Vietnam Era Miami knives. Although fit and finish on these knives exceeds the majority of the original Miami knives, I believe the Limited Edition knives were issued sometime between 1982 and 1986.

The AHF Miami Field Grade Throwers are a limited edition of 50 pairs of throwing knives. These throwers have a dark gray bead blasted finish and are somewhat shorter at 8-1/4 inches rather than 9 inches for the original Miami Throwers.

The first of the two blades is engraved "John Ek Knife" / "MIAMI, FLA." / "nn-A" on one side of the thrower. The second is identical except that the serial number is "nn-B". Notice that the K in the word Knife on the engraving is capitalized unlike the AHF Miami Models 2 and 4. There are two sets of 6 wraps of white rawhide, one set at each of the narrow sections of each thrower.

These throwing knives were issued in a green velvet covered clamshell box with a Woodland Pattern camouflage pattern lining. A Certificate of Authenticity was included. No sheaths were issued with these throwers.

I believe these limited edition throwing knives were issued sometime between 1982 and 1986.

The AHF Miami Presentation Throwers are a limited edition of 50 pairs of throwing knives. These throwers have a high polish deep blue finish and are somewhat shorter at 8-1/4 inches rather than 9 inches for the original Miami Throwers.

The first of the two blades is engraved "John Ek Knife" / "MIAMI, FLA." / "nn-A" on one side of the thrower. The second is identical except that the serial number is "nn-B". Notice that the K in the word Knife on the engraving is capitalized unlike the AHF Miami Models 2 and 4. There are two sets of 7 wraps of brown lacing, one set at each of the narrow sections of each thrower.

These throwing knives were issued in a green velvet covered clamshell box with a Woodland Pattern camouflage pattern lining. A Certificate of Authenticity was included. No sheaths were issued with these throwers.

I believe these limited edition throwing knives were issued sometime between 1982 and 1986.

Note that there is an error in the engraving of this set 26. Both throwers marked -B rather than -A and -B.

The AHF U.S. AIRBORNE FORCES knife is a limited edition of 2500 knives and one of 6 types of knives of the AHF American Elite Forces Fighting Knife Collection. It was the first of the 6 types to be issued.

These Elite Forces knives were issued with a Certificate of Authenticity, a Care and Preservation of Edged Weapons pamphlet, white cotton gloves and a delivery ticket. No sheaths were issued with these knives.

An optional mahogany display case with acrylic cover was also available and are seen with most knives. When the display case was ordered, a sewn patch and sometimes additional items such as the Ek branded cleaning cloth or an American flag decal were included.

There was also an optional wall display plaque that could be ordered to allow the display of all six of the Elite Forces Fighting Knife Collection.

The picture shows a typical AHF U.S. AIRBORNE FORCES knife with the maroon-rosewood laminated handle and engraved blade. The engraving reads "In Honor of ...(Airborne All the Way) U.S. Airborne Forces". The rear side of the blade is not engraved but has the 3 wars logo with the Richmond marking and is serialized under the marking with a number from 0001 to 2500.

The AHF U.S. ARMY SPECIAL FORCES knife is a limited edition of 2500 knives and one of 6 types of knives of the AHF American Elite Forces Fighting Knife Collection. I believe it was the second of the 6 types to be issued.

These Elite Forces knives were issued with a Certificate of Authenticity, a Care and Preservation of Edged Weapons pamphlet, white cotton gloves and a delivery ticket. No sheaths were issued with these knives.

An optional mahogany display case with acrylic cover was also available and are seen with most knives. When the display case was ordered, a sewn patch and sometimes additional items such as the Ek branded cleaning cloth or an American flag decal were included.

There was also an optional wall display plaque that could be ordered to allow the display of all six of the Elite Forces Fighting Knife Collection.

The picture shows a typical AHF U.S. ARMY SPECIAL FORCES knife with the dark green laminated handle and engraved blade. The engraving reads "In Honor of ...(To Free the Oppressed) U.S. Army Special Forces". The rear side of the blade is not engraved but has the 3 wars logo with the Richmond marking and is serialized under the marking with a number from 0001 to 2500.

The AHF U.S. ARMY RANGERS knife is a limited edition of 2500 knives and one of 6 types of knives of the AHF American Elite Forces Fighting Knife Collection. I believe it was the third of the 6 types to be issued.

These Elite Forces knives were issued with a Certificate of Authenticity, a Care and Preservation of Edged Weapons pamphlet, white cotton gloves and a delivery ticket. No sheaths were issued with these knives.

An optional mahogany display case with acrylic cover was also available and are seen with most knives. When the display case was ordered, a sewn patch and sometimes additional items such as the Ek branded cleaning cloth or an American flag decal were included.

There was also an optional wall display plaque that could be ordered to allow the display of all six of the Elite Forces Fighting Knife Collection.

The picture shows a typical AHF U.S. ARMY RANGERS knife with the black laminated handle and engraved blade. The engraving reads "In Honor of ..." "Lead"(Ranger Tab)"The Way" "U.S. Army Rangers". The rear side of the blade is not engraved but has the 3 wars logo with the Richmond marking and is serialized under the marking with a number from 0001 to 2500.

The AHF U.S. NAVY SEAL UDT knife is a limited edition of 2500 knives and one of 6 types of knives of the AHF American Elite Forces Fighting Knife Collection. I believe it was the fourth of the 6 types to be issued.

These Elite Forces knives were issued with a Certificate of Authenticity, a Care and Preservation of Edged Weapons pamphlet, white cotton gloves and a delivery ticket. No sheaths were issued with these knives.

An optional mahogany display case with acrylic cover was also available and are seen with most knives. When the display case was ordered, a sewn patch and sometimes additional items such as the Ek branded cleaning cloth or an American flag decal were included.

There was also an optional wall display plaque that could be ordered to allow the display of all six of the Elite Forces Fighting Knife Collection.

The picture shows a typical AHF U.S. NAVY SEAL UDT knife with the light yellow laminated handle and engraved blade. The engraving reads "In Honor of ...(Sea Air Land) U.S. Navy SEALS UDT". The rear side of the blade is not engraved but has the 3 wars logo with the Richmond marking and is serialized under the marking with a number from 0001 to 2500.

The AHF U.S. MARINE RECON knife is a limited edition of 2500 knives and one of 6 types of knives of the AHF American Elite Forces Fighting Knife Collection.

These Elite Forces knives were issued with a Certificate of Authenticity, a Care and Preservation of Edged Weapons pamphlet, white cotton gloves and a delivery ticket. No sheaths were issued with these knives.

An optional mahogany display case with acrylic cover was also available and are seen with most knives. When the display case was ordered, a sewn patch and sometimes additional items such as the Ek branded cleaning cloth or an American flag decal were included.

There was also an optional wall display plaque that could be ordered to allow the display of all six of the Elite Forces Fighting Knife Collection.

The picture shows a typical AHF U.S. MARINE RECON knife with the brown laminated handle and engraved blade. The engraving reads "In Honor of ...(Swift Silent Deadly) U.S. Marine Recon". The rear side of the blade is not engraved but has the 3 wars logo with the Richmond marking and is serialized under the marking with a number from 0001 to 2500.

The U.S.A.F. AIR SPECIAL OPERATIONS - MODEL 1 knife is a limited edition of 2500 knives and one of 6 types of knives of the AHF American Elite Forces Fighting Knife Collection. I believe it was the sixth of the 6 types to be issued.

These Elite Forces knives were issued with a Certificate of Authenticity, a Care and Preservation of Edged Weapons pamphlet, white cotton gloves and a delivery ticket. No sheaths were issued with these knives.

An optional mahogany display case with acrylic cover was also available and are seen with most knives. When the display case was ordered, a sewn patch and sometimes additional items such as the Ek branded cleaning cloth or an American flag decal were included.

There was also an optional wall display plaque that could be ordered to allow the display of all six of the Elite Forces Fighting Knife Collection.

The picture shows a typical U.S.A.F. AIR SPECIAL OPERATIONS - MODEL 1 knife with the dark green laminated handle and engraved blade. The engraving reads "In Honor of ...(Any Time Any Place) Air Special Operations". The rear side of the blade is not engraved but has the 3 wars logo with the Richmond marking and is serialized under the marking with a number from 0001 to 2500.

So it seems that while Blackjack Knives began the manufacture and sale of Ek "production" knives in Effigham, IL, some "custom" Ek knife fabrication continued in Richmond, VA.

Blackjack Knives produced Ek knives from 1993 to sometime in 1995. Most of the Blackjack branded Ek knives were marked "MADE IN U.S.A. / EFFINGHAM, IL.". However a lot of the Richmond unsold knife stock was purchased by Blackjack Knives in the deal. And although almost all Blackjack Ek knives were Effingham marked, some of the early Blackjack knives were Richmond made and then Effingham marked.

When Blackjack started producing Ek knives they were the equal of the Richmond knives with regards to quality. But as the Blackjack Knife company went through internal problems, quality control began slipping. Towards the end, there were some very poorly finished Ek knives being made.

There was a lot of conjecture about the cause of the companies internal problems. It seems blame fell into two camps. One camp blamed Mike Stewart, the head of Blackjack Knives during the Ek period. The other camp blamed the investors and former controller. The discord resulted in Blackjack declaring bankruptcy in 1997.

Blackjack's name for the Richmond DIVER-UDT knife was N-11 UDT. The N may have been a reference to the Neoprene rubber grips. I don't know why 11 was chosen for a model number.

None of the N-11 UDT knives were made by Blackjack. All are from the unsold Richmond DIVER-UDT knife stock that was bought by Blackjack. They were simply rebranded with the Effingham mark on the blade.

There are several different versions of these knives. The first Blackjack N-11 UDT knives were identical to the Richmond DIVER UDT knives. They had the same neoprene handle and were issued with the same Kydex dive sheath and 2 rubber leg straps. The only differences were the Effingham blade marking and the Blackjack Ek box.

However the molds to make the neoprene handles were never transfered to Blackjack. When Blackjack ran out of handles with a significant number of blades remaining, they put on gray micarta handles and enclosed a small slip of paper that stated "The rubber handle and extra screw set for your UDT follow upon completion of our mold". Later the decision was made not to continue offering N-11 UDT, so no further rubber handles were made.

These early gray micarta handled knives were issued with the same Kydex dive sheath and 2 rubber leg straps. Still later, they ran out of the Kydex dive sheaths and all the remaining knives were issued with the gray micarta handles and with black Eagle Brand sheaths with a hard plastic liner.

Mike Stewart was the head of Blackjack Knives during the Ek period. On Knifeforums.com he stated in part "The knives were only offered for one catalog period. I had zero interest in making any more and just dropped it from the line as soon as we exhausted the parts on hand. With that said--it would seem that they are actually a very rare model and should be very desirable to EK collectors."

The first picture shows a Blackjack N-11 UDT with neoprene handle and the second with the gray micarta handle. Note that the micarta handles had only 2 rather than the previous 3 cross head screws.

None of the G-4 D-DAY knives were made by Blackjack. All are from the unsold Richmond knife stock that was bought by Blackjack. Some may lack stamped serial numbers. This knife is a model 4 and one of 2 models commemorating the 60th Anniversary of D-Day, the 6 June 1944 Allied Invasion of Normandy. It has a gunstock grade checkered American walnut handle with 3 Brass Cross-Head Screws and brush finish on the blade. It has a bright brass crossguard with a serial number stamped on one of the guard outside flat edges.

The Certificates of Authenticity for these knives state that they were a limited edition of 1945 knives. I have never noted a D-Day knife with a serial number greater than 40 so I would guess that fewer than 100 of this version of the D-Day knives were made.

Both sides of the blade have extensive laser marking. On the blade front side is the 5 wars logo with Richmond Mark and the words "ACCEPT NOTHING LESS THAN FULL VICTORY" on a wavy folded scroll along the blade. There is also a 2 digit serial number stamped on the center of the crossguard edge on the front side.

On the reverse side there is an image of the "Rainbow over Flaming Sword" U.S. Army Europe shoulder patch on the ricasso and the words "IN HONOR OF THE D-DAY INVASION SIXTH OF JUNE, 1944" on a wavy folded scroll along the blade. The pictures shows a typical D-DAY knife with the checkered walnut handle.

This knife is a model 4 and is a D-DAY Museum Version knife with a high polish blade without any engraving. It has a gunstock grade checkered American walnut handle with 3 brass cross-head screws. The brass crossguard and cross-head screws are beautifully engraved with an acorn and oak leaf pattern but are not gold plated.

These knives were made up from checkered walnut handles and engraved guards and cross-head screws, parts that were used on the D-Day Museum Version knives. These parts were mated with both high-polish and satin blades to form this knife model.

Some of the knives have engraved guard and handle screws paint filled with black paint to enhance the engraving.

The pictures shows a G-4 D-DAY No-Engraving knife with the checkered walnut handle and engraved guard and handle screws. Probably few of these knives were made.

These 10 knives are a mix of model 3 and model 4 Ek knives. They have a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord in a tan color and a bead blasted finish on the blade and brass crossguard.

These knives were issued with a brown (not light tan) leather sheath. However, I've also noted one knife issued with an OD web sheath with the lower section wrapped with tan paracord. Possibly more than 10 of this model were made.

The picture shows a typical Limited Edition 1 of 10 model knife with bead blasted blade and a tan paracord wrap handle.

Some of the Blackjack M-3 Ek knives were from the unsold Richmond knife stock that was bought by Blackjack.

The M-3 knife has the micarta handle with brass crossguard. All of these knives have the Effingham marking on the reverse blide side. All were issued with black or OD web sheaths.

The picture shows a typical Blackjack M-3 knife with the black micarta handle and 3 Wars logo.

The model M-3NR (Non Reflective) is Blackjack's name for an M-3 model with a bead blast finish. The entire knife has a non reflective finish. Note the micarta handles which also have a dull appearance. The handles have been bead blasted as well. Some of the knives have been observed with fine white bead residue in the hollows of the handle screws.

The M-3NR knife has a dull finish on the micarta handle with bead blasted blade and brass crossguard and handle screws. None of these knives have the Effingham marking on the reverse blide side. All were issued with black or OD web sheaths.

The picture shows a typical Blackjack M-3NR knife with the black micarta handle, bead blast finish and 3 Wars logo.

The Blackjack M-3 Victory in Europe knives were made in 1995 and one of two models to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. The blade has a high polish and extensive etching on the logo blade side. An eagle with spread wings, a B-17 Flying Fortress, a portrait of General Dwight Eisenhower and a group of solders are all intertwined with a folded scroll. The scroll reads "VICTORY IN EUROPE" near the top "D-DAY"at the bottom and is surrounded by an acorn and oak leaf pattern. The scroll and eagle are gold filled.

I have never noted any paperwork on Blackjack's two types of WW-II Commemorative knives. These commemoratives seem more in line with Richmond knives. I suppose they could have been stock that was bought by Blackjack. It is unknown how many were made.

The picture shows a typical M-3 VICTORY IN EUROPE knife with the black micarta handle gold filled etching and 4 wars logo.

None of the MACV-SOG knives were made by Blackjack. All are from the unsold Richmond knife stock that was bought by Blackjack.

This knife is the second of 2 types of the MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command Vietnam - Studies and Observations Group) knives sold by Blackjack. It has a black micarta handle rather than the original issue which had a black paracord wrapped handle.

The knife has a brush finish on the blade. The brass crossguard has grooves around the edges and is blackened. The reverse blade side has extensive laser marking. The front side has the 3-wars logo. I've never noted a serial number on any of the black micarta handled MACV-SOG knives.

The picture shows the M-3 type Blackjack MACV-SOG knife with the black micarta handle.

The Blackjack M-4 knife is nearly identical to the Richmond model. The knives have the black micarta handle with brass crossguard. All of these knives have the 3 wars logo with almost all having the Effingham marking on the reverse blade side. All were issued with black or OD web sheaths.

The picture shows a typical Blackjack M-4 knife with the black micarta handle and 3 Wars logo.

Blackjack called this knife the M-4 Guardless. More correctly it is a Model 2 without an extended tang. Some boxes are marked "M-4 Guardless" and some are marked "M-4 No Guard".

This Ek knife has the micarta handle without a crossguard and without an extended tang. None of these knives have the Effingham marking on the reverse blade side. Most were issued with the black web sheath.

The picture shows a typical Blackjack M-4 Guardless knife with the black micarta handle, no guard and 3 Wars logo.

The model M-4NR (Non Reflective) is Blackjacks name for an M-4 model with bead blasted finish. The entire knife has a non reflective finish. Note the micarta handles which also have a dull appearance. The handles have been bead blasted as well. Some of the knives have been observed with fine white glass bead residue in the hollows of the handle screws.

The M-4NR knife has a dull finished on the micarta handle with bead blasted blade and brass crossguard and handle screws. None of these knives have the Effingham marking on the reverse blide side. All were issued with black or OD web sheaths.

The picture shows a typical Blackjack M-4NR knife with the black micarta handle, bead blast finish and 3 Wars logo.

The Blackjack M-4 Victory in the Pacific knives were made in 1995 and one of two models to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. The blade has a high polish and extensive etching on the logo blade side. An eagle with spread wings, an image of 2 ships of Task Force Fleet 58, a portrait of Admiral Chester Nimitz and an image of U.S. Marines raising a U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi are all intertwined with a folded scroll. The scroll reads "VICTORY IN THE PACIFIC" near the top, "IWOJIMA"at the bottom and is surrounded by an acorn and oak leaf pattern. The scroll and eagle are gold filled.

I have never noted any paperwork on Blackjack's two types of WW-II Commemorative knives. These commemoratives seem more in line with Richmond knives. I suppose they could have been stock that was bought by Blackjack. It is unknown how many were made.

The picture shows a typical M-4 VICTORY IN THE PACIFIC knife with the black micarta handle, gold filled etching and 4 wars logo.

Blackjack's name for this knife is PB-3 (Black Paracord). It is esentially the same knife as the Richmond SWAT-3 knife. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of black 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord, brush finish on the blade and bright brass crossguard.

The Blackjack knives were issued with a black web sheath with an Effingham label.

The picture shows a typical PB-3 model knife with the black paracord wrap handle.

This knife is named the MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Studies and Observations Group) and is a model 3. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord and a brush finish on the blade. The brass crossguard has grooves around the edges and is blackened. Some have an engraved serial number nnn/500 under the Ek logo. Reverse blade side has extensive laser marking.

None of the MACV-SOG knives were made by Blackjack. All are from the unsold Richmond knife stock that was bought by Blackjack.

There are two types of the Blackjack MACV-SOG knives. This is the first type and is identical to the Richmond issue with black paracord wrap handle. Some even have engraved serial numbers. The second type have an identical blade but have black micarta handles. I've never noted any of this second type with a serial number.

Most of these knives were issued with a black web sheath.

The pictures show the PB-3 type Blackjack MACV-SOG knife.

There are several different Blackjack models that were marked with the motto"BLACKJACK / ONE OF A KIND". This model is identical to the PB-3 model knife but with the blade laser marked with the motto. For the PB-3 model I've noted two different forms of the motto.

The PB-3 ONE OF A KIND knives have a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of black 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord, brush finish on the blade and bright brass crossguard. They were issued with a black web sheath with an Effingham label.

The pictures show the two different forms of the PB-3 with "BLACKJACK / ONE OF A KIND" markings. I don't know which marking was used first. Note that one of these knives has the motto on the blade side opposite the 3 Wars logo.

This is the PB-3W (Black Paracord Warrior) one of several Blackjack Warrior models. It has a bead blast finish on the blade and square steel crossguard. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of black 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord.

The Blackjack PB-3W knives were issued with a black web sheath with an Effingham label.

The picture shows a typical PB-3W model knife with the black paracord wrap handle and bead blast finish.

This is the PB-3WB (Black Paracord War Black) model. It has a black coating on the blade and square steel crossguard. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of black 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord.

Some have the 3 Wars Logo in a light color others do not. None of the black coated knives are Effingham marked.

The Blackjack PB-3WB knives were issued with a black web sheath with an Effingham label.

The picture shows a typical PB-3WB model knife with the black paracord wrap handle and black coating on the blade and crossguard.

Blackjack's name for this knife is PB-4 (Black Paracord). It is esentially the same knife as the Richmond SWAT-4 knife. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of black 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord, brush finish on the blade and bright brass crossguard.

The Blackjack knives were issued with a black web sheath with an Effingham label.

The picture shows a typical PB-4 model knife with the black paracord wrap handle.

This is the PB-4WB (Black Paracord War Black) model. It has a black coating on the blade and square steel crossguard. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of black 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord.

Some have the 3 Wars Logo in a light color others do not. None of the black coated knives are Effingham marked.

The Blackjack PB-4WB knives were issued with a black web sheath with an Effingham label.

The picture shows a typical PB-4WB model knife with the black paracord wrap handle and black coating on the blade and crossguard.

This knife is one of two Blackjack knives that are similar to the Richmond issued SOF (Soldier of Fortune) marked knives. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of Desert Camo 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord, a bead blast finish on the blade and crossguard and a laser marked SOF logo.

There are several differences which distinguish the Blackjack SOF versions from the Richmond SOF versions: 1) The Blackjack Desert Camo paracord wrap wasn't one of the 3 Richmond handle wrap types. 2) The Blackjack SOF logo is on the same side as the 3 Wars logo while the Richmond SOF logo is on the blade side opposite the 3 Wars logo. 3) The Blackjack SOF knives don't have serial numbers.

Most of these Blackjack SOF knives were issued with a black web sheath with an Effingham label.

The picture shows a typical PD-3W SOF model knife with the Desert Camo paracord wrap handle bead blast finish and SOF marking.

The PG-3 (Paracord Green) model knife is basically the same as the Richmond S/F-3(Survival/Fighter) model. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord in Olive Drab color, brush finish on the blade and bright brass crossguard.

Most of these knives were issued with the OD web sheath.

The picture shows a typical PG-3 model knife with the OD paracord wrapped handle.

This is the PG-3W (Green Paracord Warrior) one of several Blackjack Warrior models. It has a bead blast finish on the blade and square steel crossguard. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of black 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord.

The Blackjack PG-3W knives were issued with a green web sheath with an Effingham label.

The picture shows a typical PG-3W model knife with the green paracord wrap handle and bead blast finish.

This knife is a PG-3W (Green Paracord Warrior) but has an additional laser marking. It has a bead blast finish on the blade and square steel crossguard. The blade is laser marked on the 3 Wars logo blade side with the letters "U.S.M.C" (United States Marine Corps) on an unrolled scroll with surrounding leaves. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of black 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord. None of the PG-3W USMC knives I've seen has the Effingham marking.

The Blackjack PG-3W USMC knives were issued with a green web sheath with an Effingham label.

The pictures show a typical PG-3W USMC model knife with the green paracord wrap handle, bead blast finish and U.S.M.C. laser mark.

This knife is a PG-3W (Green Paracord Warrior) but has an additional Special Forces laser marking. It has a bead blast finish on the blade and square steel crossguard. The blade is laser marked with the U.S. Army Special Forces De Oppresso Liber Crest just under the 3 War logo. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of black 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord.

Supposedly only 200 of these Blackjack PG-3W SF knives were made. They were issued with a green web sheath with an Effingham label.

The picture shows a typical PG-3W SF model knife with the green paracord wrap handle, bead blast finish and U.S. Army Special Forces Crest laser marking.

The PG-4 (Paracord Green) model knife is basically the same as the Richmond S/F-4(Survival/Fighter) model. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord in Olive Drab color, brush finish on the blade and bright brass crossguard.

Most of these knives were issued with the OD web sheath.

The picture shows a typical PG-4 model knife with the OD paracord wrapped handle.

There are several different Blackjack models that were marked with the motto"BLACKJACK" / "ONE OF A KIND". This model is identical to the PG-4 model knife but with the blade laser marked with the motto.

The PG-4 ONE OF A KIND knives have a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of OD 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord, brush finish on the blade and bright brass crossguard. They were issued with a green web sheath with an Effingham label.

The picture shows a PG-4 ONE OF A KIND knife with the "BLACKJACK / ONE OF A KIND" markings.

This knife is one of two Blackjack knives that are similar to the Richmond issued SOF (Soldier of Fortune) marked knives. They have a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of Dark Jungle Camo 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord, a bead blast finish on the blade and crossguard and a laser marked SOF logo.

There are several differences which distinguish the Blackjack versions SOF knives from the Richmond SOF versions: 1) The Blackjack dark jungle camo paracord wrap is much darker than that of the Richmond jungle camo handle wrap. 2) The Blackjack SOF logo is on the same side as the 3 Wars logo while the Richmond SOF logo is on the blade side opposite the 3 Wars logo. 3) The Blackjack SOF knives don't have serial numbers.

Most of these Blackjack SOF knives were issued with a black web sheath with an Effingham label.

The picture shows a typical PJ-3W SOF model knife with the Dark Jungle Camo paracord wrap handle bead blast finish and SOF marking.

The 50TH ANNIVERSARY Model 4 knife is the Blackjack name for the Richmond DELUXE 150 model knives. These knives have a Stag handle made from imported India Stag Horn. The blade has a high polish and a gold-filled engraved, waving scroll with the words "1941 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 1991". The brass crossguard and cross-head screws are beautifully engraved with an acorn and oak leaf pattern and are gold plated.

None of the 50TH ANNIVERSARY knives were made by Blackjack. All are from the unsold Richmond knife stock that was bought by Blackjack. There is no engraved serial number on the side opposite the scroll or engraving on the exposed long edges of the blade tang on any of these knives.

The pictures show a typical Blackjack 50TH ANNIVERSARY knife with a high polish and a gold-filled engraved scroll along with the Stag handle. These knives are rare as there were only 150 of them made. Unknown as to how many are unmarked.

The large thrower is has a length of 10 inches and is identical to the Richmond 10 inch Large Thrower. It has a brush finish and has a lanyard hole in the blade handle end. They have the Ek 3 Wars logo in the center of the blade. They have the Effingham marking in the center of the blade on the side opposite the 3 Wars logo.

Some of these large throwers came with a web belt sheath but some were sold without sheaths.

The field grade thrower is has a length of 8-1/4 inches and is identical to the Richmond 8-1/4 inch Professional Throwing knife. It has a bead blasted finish. It does not have a lanyard hole in the blade handle end. They have the Ek 3 Wars logo in the center of the blade. They have the Effingham marking in the center of the blade on the side opposite the 3 Wars logo.

I've never noted one of these throwers with any type sheath.

The WD-3 (Wood) is a Blackjack knife with a smooth walnut handle. There is no equivalent knife in the Richmond models. All the Richmond walnut handled knives (G and W series) have checkered handles.

Although shown in the Blackjack 1994 Catalog, these WD-3 knives are relatively rare. I've noted far more WD-4 models than WD-3 models. Most of the WD-3 knives were issued with the OD web sheath.

The picture shows a typical WD-3 knife with the smooth walnut handle. Most are Effingham marked.

The WD-3 (Wood) is a Blackjack knife with a smooth walnut handle. There is no equivalent knife in the Richmond models. All the Richmond walnut handled knives (G and W series) have checkered handles.

Although shown in the Blackjack 1994 Catalog, these WD-3 knives are relatively rare. I've noted far more WD-4 models than WD-3 models. Most of the WD-3 knives were issued with the OD web sheath.

The picture shows a typical WD-3 knife with the smooth walnut handle. Most are Effingham marked.

The model WD-3NR (Non Reflective) is Blackjack's name for a WD-3 model with the entire knife having a non reflective finish.

Even the walnut handles have a rough appearance. The handles have been bead blasted as well. Some of the knives have been observed with fine white bead residue in the hollows of the handle screws.

Some of the WD-3NR knives have the Effingham marking on the reverse blade side. Most were issued with OD web sheaths.

The picture shows a typical Blackjack M-3NR knife with the entire knife having a non reflective finish and with the 3 Wars logo and Effingham marking.

The model WD-3NR 1 of 100 (Non Reflective) is a limited edition of 100 WD-3 model knives with the entire knife having a non reflective finish. Even the walnut handles have a rough appearance. The handles look to have been bead blasted as well.

These knives are laser marked "John Ek Limited Edition" / "one of one hundred" on the logo side of the blade. Most were issued with OD web sheaths.

The picture shows a typical Blackjack WD-3NR 1 of 100 knife with the laser marking and the entire knife having a non reflective finish and with the 3 Wars logo and Effingham marking.

This is the WD-3W (Wood Warrior) one of several Blackjack Warrior models. It has a bead blast finish on the blade and square steel crossguard. The knives have a maple handle fastened with 3 brass rivets. This knife is very similar to the Richmond WAR model but uses smaller 2-piece, double cap, brass rivets rather than the large copper ones used on the Richmond WAR model knives. The maple handle slabs are a little wider than the blade tang, a feature that helps keep the bare skin of the palm from touching very hot or very cold metal of the blade tang.

The WD-3W model knives were issued with the OD web sheath.

The picture shows a typical WD-3W model with the standard maple handle and brass rivets. Most of these knives have the U.S. handle stamp and Effingham marked blade.

There are several different Blackjack models that were marked with the motto"BLACKJACK" / "ONE OF A KIND". This model is identical to the Blackjack WD-3W model knife but with the blade laser marked with the motto.

The knives have a maple handle fastened with 3 brass rivets. This knife is very similar to the Richmond WAR model but uses smaller 2-piece, double cap, brass rivets rather than the large copper ones used on the Richmond WAR model knives. The maple handle slabs are a little wider than the blade tang, a feature that helps keep the bare skin of the palm from touching very hot or very cold metal of the blade tang.

The WD-3W ONE OF A KIND knives were issued with a OD web sheath with an Effingham label.

The picture shows an image of the "BLACKJACK" / "ONE OF A KIND" laser marking on a WD-3W ONE OF A KIND knife. Note that this model has the motto on the blade side opposite the 3 Wars logo.

This is the WD-3WB (Wood Warrior Black) one of several Blackjack Warrior models. Except for the brass handle rivets, this knife is all black. There is a black powder finish on the blade and square steel crossguard. It has the US stamp on the black wood handle. The blade has the 3 Wars logo but there is no Effingham mark. This is a rare Blackjack model as I have noted only 2 of these knives.

The knives have a maple handle fastened with 3 brass rivets. This knife uses the smaller 2-piece, double cap, brass rivets rather than the large copper ones used on the Richmond WAR model knives.

The WD-3WB model knives were issued with the black web sheath.

The WD-4 (Wood) is a Blackjack knife with a smooth walnut handle. There is no equivalent knife in the Richmond models. All the Richmond walnut handled knives (G and W series) have checkered handles.

Most of the WD-4 knives were issued with the OD web sheath with an Effingham label.

The picture shows a typical WD-4 knife with the smooth walnut handle. Most are Effingham marked.

The WD-4NR (Wood Non-Reflective) is a Blackjack knife with a bead blast finish on all metal parts and a smooth walnut handle. There is no equivalent knife in the Richmond models. All the Richmond walnut handled knives (G and W series) have checkered walnut handles.

Most of the WD-4NR knives were issued with the OD web sheath with an Effingham label.

The picture shows a typical WD-4NR knife with the smooth walnut handle. Most are Effingham marked.

This knife is named the ACU Ranger and is a model 1. The ACU is an acronym of "Army Combat Uniform". The camo paracord handle wrap has the colors of the UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern) a digital military camouflage pattern introduced by the U.S. Military in 2005. The overriding appearance of the camo paracord used on these knives is a medium gray.

The ACU knives can be marked with either the 4, 5 or 6 Wars Logo, have the Richmond marking and the ACU-UCP camo paracord wrap handle. They were issued with an ACU-UCP web sheath.

The picture shows a ACU-1 knife with ACU-UCP camo paracord wrap handle.

This knife is named the ACU Ranger and is a model 2. The ACU is an acronym of "Army Combat Uniform". The camo paracord handle wrap has the colors of the UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern) a digital military camouflage pattern introduced by the U.S. Military in 2005. The overriding appearance of the camo paracord used on these knives is a medium gray.

The ACU knives can be marked with either the 4, 5 or 6 Wars Logo, have the Richmond marking and the ACU-UCP camo paracord wrap handle. They were issued with an ACU-UCP web sheath.

The picture shows a ACU-2 knife with ACU-UCP camo paracord wrap handle.

This knife is named the ACU Ranger and is a model 3. The ACU is an acronym of "Army Combat Uniform". The camo paracord handle wrap has the colors of the UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern) a digital military camouflage pattern introduced by the U.S. Military in 2005. The overriding appearance of the camo paracord used on these knives is a medium gray.

The ACU knives can be marked with either the 4, 5 or 6 Wars Logo, have the Richmond marking and the ACU-UCP camo paracord wrap handle. They were issued with an ACU-UCP web sheath.

The picture shows a ACU-3 knife with ACU-UCP camo paracord wrap handle.

This knife is named the ACU Ranger and is a model 4. The ACU is an acronym of "Army Combat Uniform". The camo paracord handle wrap has the colors of the UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern) a digital military camouflage pattern introduced by the U.S. Military in 2005. The overriding appearance of the camo paracord used on these knives is a medium gray.

The ACU knives can be marked with either the 4, 5 or 6 Wars Logo, have the Richmond marking and the ACU-UCP camo paracord wrap handle. They were issued with an ACU-UCP web sheath.

The picture shows a ACU-4 knife with ACU-UCP camo paracord wrap handle.

The CW in the knife model stands for "Checkered Walnut". Basically it's the same as the Richmond Gunner model 1. It has a checkered American walnut handle with 3 Brass Cross-Head Screws and brush finish on the blade. It doesn't have a crossguard. These knives were issued with either OD or black web sheaths.

The checkering of the CW model handles varies somewhat. Early knives have the same checkering pitch as the Gunner model handles, about 20 lines per inch. Later CW model handles appear to have a more coarse pitch at about 15 lines per inch. These later handles also have a clear finish on the handles.

The picture shows a typical CW-1 knife with the checkered walnut handle, the brush finish and no crossguard.

The CW in the knife model stands for "Checkered Walnut". Basically it's the same as the Richmond Gunner model 2. It has a checkered American walnut handle with 3 Brass Cross-Head Screws and brush finish on the blade. It has a bright brass crossguard. These knives were issued with either OD or black web sheaths.

The checkering of the CW model handles varies somewhat. Early knives have the same checkering pitch as the Gunner model handles, about 20 lines per inch. Later CW model handles appear to have a more coarse pitch at about 15 lines per inch. These later handles also have a clear finish on the handle slabs.

The picture shows a later Richmond II CW-2 knife with the 6 Wars Logo and a checkered walnut handle with a polyurethane protective coating, a brush finish and no crossguard.

The CW in the knife model stands for "Checkered Walnut". Basically it's the same as the Richmond Gunner model 3. It has a checkered American walnut handle with 3 Brass Cross-Head Screws and brush finish on the blade. It has a bright brass crossguard. These knives were issued with either OD or black web sheaths.

The checkering of the CW model handles varies somewhat. Early knives have the same checkering pitch as the Gunner model handles, about 20 lines per inch. Later CW model handles appear to have a more coarse pitch at about 15 lines per inch. These later handles also have a clear finish on the handles.

The picture shows a typical CW-3 knife with the checkered walnut handle, a brush finish and bright brass guard.

The CW in the knife model stands for "Checkered Walnut". Basically it's the same as the Richmond Gunner model 4. It has a checkered American walnut handle with 3 Brass Cross-Head Screws and brush finish on the blade. It has a bright brass crossguard. These knives were issued with either OD or black web sheaths.

The checkering of the CW model handles varies somewhat. Early knives have the same checkering pitch as the Gunner model handles, about 20 lines per inch. Later CW model handles appear to have a more coarse pitch at about 15 lines per inch. These later handles also have a clear finish on the handle slabs.

The picture shows an early Richmond II CW-4 knife with the 3 Wars Logo and a checkered walnut handle without polyurethane protective coating, a brush finish and bright brass guard.

This knife is named the Desert Patrol and is a model 3. Basically this Richmond II DP-3 is the same knife as the later model Richmond DP-3 except for logo. This Richmond II model has the later 4, 5 or 6 Wars Logo and Desert camo paracord wrap handle.

The picture shows a DP-3 knife with Desert camo paracord wrap handle and 6 Wars logo.

This knife is a Desert Patrol model 3 with a U.S.M.C. laser mark. Basically this Richmond II DP-3 is the same knife as the later model Richmond DP-3 except for logo. This is a later Richmond II model that has the 6 Wars Logo and Desert camo paracord wrap handle. It was issued with a USMC marked desert tan web sheath.

The picture shows a DP-3 USMC knife with Desert camo paracord wrap handle and 6 Wars logo.

This knife is named the Desert Patrol and is a model 4. Basically this Richmond II DP-4 is the same knife as the later model Richmond DP-4 except for logo. This Richmond II model has the later 4, 5 or 6 Wars Logo and Desert camo paracord wrap handle.

The picture shows a DP-4 knife with Desert camo paracord wrap handle and 6 Wars logo.

The HE-1 (Historical Edition) knife is a limited edition of 300 model 1 knives. They are one of two reproduction models made to emulate the WW-II Hamden "Style" knives. The HE-1 is a reproduction of the WW-II "Style 1" knife.

The HE-1 model knives have a rock maple handle with lead rivets and no crossguard. The knives were issued with a reproduction of the WW-II Hamden short slip-type sheath in a reproduction of the WW-II type box.

The picture shows a typical HE-1 knife with the rock maple handle with 3 lead rivets and Richmond Ek Commando Knife marking.

The HE-2 (Historical Edition) knife is a limited edition of 300 model 2 knives. They are one of two reproduction models made to emulate the WW-II Hamden "Style" knives. The HE-2 is a reproduction of the WW-II "Style 2" knife.

The HE-2 model knives have a rock maple handle with lead rivets and no crossguard. The knives were issued with a reproduction of the WW-II Hamden short slip-type sheath in a reproduction of the WW-II type box.

The picture shows a typical HE-2 knife with the rock maple handle with 3 lead rivets and Richmond Ek Commando Knife marking.

This knife is named IO (International Orange) and is a model 4. It has an International Orange paracord wrap handle with palm swell, brush finish on blade and bright brass crossguard.

This Orange Paracord handle knife was accompanied by a letter on Ek letterhead from Bob Buerlein which reads as follows:

The knife was issued with the OD web sheath with International Orange paracord wrapped on the lower half and pigtailed on the leg tiedown ring.

The pictures show this special order IO-4 model knife with the International Orange paracord wrap handle and sheath wrap.

NOTE: This knife would be easy to counterfit by replacing the paracord of one of the more common models with the International Orange paracord. Buyer beware.

The IM (Ivory Micarta) handles were introduced in January 2008. Knives with ivory micarta rather than the standard black micarta handles could be purchased on a special order basis. The IM handle knives are rare.

The picture shows an IM-3 knife with the ivory micarta handle and 6 Wars logo.

The IM (Ivory Micarta) handles were introduced in January 2008. Knives with ivory micarta rather than the standard black micarta handles could be purchased on a special order basis. The IM handle knives are rare.

The picture shows an IM-4 knife (bottom) with the ivory micarta handle and 6 Wars logo.

The Richmond II micarta series knives are similar to the Richmond era micarta series knives. The differences are that the Richmond II M- knives have handles with wider/deeper gripping grooves and have the 6 Wars logo rather than the Richmond era 3 Wars logo.

The Richmond II M-1 knives have no crossguard and are a reintroduction of the Richmond era guardless micarta knives (Richmond discontinued the M-1 and M-2 sometime before 1990).

An additional difference exists in the Richmond II M-1 in comparison to the Richmond M-1. That is that the Richmond II M-1 is missing the 3/4 inch section of thumb grooves on the blade spine just forward of the handle that the Richmond era knives had.

Most of the Richmond II M-1 model knives were issued with the black web sheath.

The picture shows a typical M-1 knife with the black micarta handle with the wider/deeper gripping grooves and 6 Wars logo.

The Richmond II micarta series knives are similar to the Richmond era micarta series knives. The differences are that the Richmond II knives have handles with wider/deeper gripping grooves and have the 6 Wars logo rather than the Richmond era 3 Wars logo.

The Richmond II M-2 knives have no crossguard and are a reintroduction of the Richmond era guardless micarta knives (Richmond discontinued the M-1 and M-2 sometime before 1990).

An additional difference exists in the Richmond II M-2 in comparison to the Richmond M-2. That is that the Richmond II M-2 is missing the the two 3/4 inch sections of thumb grooves on the blade spine just forward of the handle that the Richmond era knives had.

Most of the Richmond II M-2 model knives were issued with the black web sheath. However this knife was issued with an Ek marked leather sheath. I have never seen another of these sheaths.

The picture shows a typical M-2 knife with the black micarta handle with the wider/deeper gripping grooves and 6 Wars logo.

The Richmond II micarta series knives are similar to the Richmond era micarta series knives. The differences are that the Richmond II knives have handles with wider/deeper gripping grooves and have the 6 Wars logo rather than the Richmond era 3 Wars logo.

Most of the Richmond II M-3 model knives were issued with the black web sheath.

The picture shows a typical M-3 knife with the black micarta handle with the wider/deeper gripping grooves and 6 Wars logo.

The Richmond II micarta series knives are similar to the Richmond era micarta series knives. The differences are that the Richmond II knives have handles with wider/deeper gripping grooves and have the 6 Wars logo rather than the Richmond era 3 Wars logo.

Most of the Richmond II M-4 model knives were issued with the black web sheath. However this knife is paired with an OD sheath.

The picture shows a typical M-4 knife with the black micarta handle with the wider/deeper gripping grooves and 6 Wars logo.

The Richmond II PL/M (Poured Lead/Micarta) series knives have handles made of black micarta with 3 lead rivets and are similar to the Richmond era P series knives, the differences being a micarta rather than a Pakkawood handle and 5 Wars logo rather than the earlier Richmond 3 Wars Logo.

An additional difference exists in the Richmond II PL/M-1 in comparison to the Richmond P-1. That is that the Richmond II PL/M-1 is missing the 3/4 inch section of thumb grooves on the blade spine just forward of the handle that the Richmond era knives had.

Most of the Richmond II PL/M-1 model knives were issued with the black web sheath.

The picture shows a typical PL/M-1 knife with the Micarta handle with lead rivets, no crossguard and 5 Wars logo with Richmond marking.

NOTE: The knife shown was made in March 2006 before handles with wider gripping grooves were introduced in October 2006. PL/M-1 models with the wider gripping groves may exist.

The Richmond II PL/M (Poured Lead/Micarta) series knives have handles made of black micarta with 3 lead rivets and are similar to the Richmond era P series knives, the differences being a micarta rather than a Pakkawood handle and 5 Wars logo rather than the earlier Richmond 3 Wars Logo.

An additional difference exists in the Richmond II PL/M-2 in comparison to the Richmond P-2. That is that the Richmond II PL/M-2 is missing the two 3/4 inch sections of thumb grooves on the blade spines just forward of the handle that the Richmond era knives had.

Most of the Richmond II PL/M-2 model knives were issued with the black web sheath.

The picture shows a typical PL/M-2 knife with the Micarta handle with lead rivets, no crossguard and 5 Wars logo with Richmond marking.

NOTE: The knife shown was made in March 2006 before handles with wider gripping grooves were introduced in October 2006. PL/M-1 models with the wider gripping groves may exist.

The Richmond II PL/M (Poured Lead/Micarta) series knives have handles made of black micarta with 3 lead rivets and are similar to the Richmond era P series knives, the differences being a micarta rather than a Pakkawood handle and 5 Wars logo rather than the earlier Richmond 3 Wars Logo.

Most of the Richmond II PL/M-3 model knives were issued with the black web sheath.

The picture shows a typical PL/M-3 knife with the Micarta handle with lead rivets, no crossguard and 5 Wars logo with Richmond marking.

NOTE: The knife shown was made in March 2006 before handles with wider gripping grooves were introduced in October 2006. PL/M-1 models with the wider gripping groves may exist.

The Richmond II PL/M (Poured Lead/Micarta) series knives have handles made of black micarta with 3 lead rivets and are similar to the Richmond era P series knives, the differences being a micarta rather than a Pakkawood handle and 5 Wars logo rather than the earlier Richmond 3 Wars Logo.

Most of the Richmond II PL/M4 model knives were issued with the black web sheath.

The picture shows a typical PL/M-4 knife with the Micarta handle with lead rivets, no crossguard and 5 Wars logo with Richmond marking.

NOTE: The knife shown was made in March 2006 before handles with wider gripping grooves were introduced in October 2006. PL/M-1 models with the wider gripping groves may exist.

This knife is named the S/F (Survival/Fighter) and is a model 1. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord in Olive Drab color and no crossguard.

Knives were issued with an OD web sheath with the lower section wrapped with OD paracord.

The picture shows a typical S/F-1 model knife with a bead blasted blade, the OD paracord wrapped handle with palm swell and 5 War Logo with Richmond marking.

This knife is named the S/F (Survival/Fighter) and is a model 2. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord in Olive Drab color and no crossguard.

I don't believe the S/F-1 AND S/F-2 models were very popular as they are seldom seen. Although the one model S/F-1 I have examined has a very tightly wrapped handle, without a guard to prevent the paracord from sliding forward, I wonder how the handle would hold up in the field.

Knives were issued with an OD web sheath with the lower section wrapped with OD paracord.

The picture shows a typical S/F-2 model knife with the OD paracord wrapped handle .

This knife is named the S/F (Survival/Fighter) and is a model 3. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord in Olive Drab color, and a brass crossguard.

Knives were issued with an OD web sheath with the lower section wrapped with OD paracord.

The picture shows a typical S/F-3 model knife with the OD paracord wrapped handle.

This knife is named the S/F (Survival/Fighter) and is a model 4. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord in Olive Drab color, and a brass crossguard.

Knives were issued with an OD web sheath with the lower section wrapped with OD paracord.

The picture shows a typical S/F-4 model knife with the OD paracord wrapped handle.

This knife is named the T/O (Tac/Ops for Tactical Operations) and is a model 1. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of black 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord, and no crossguard.

These T/O-1 knives have the later 4, 5 or 6 War Logos but don't have an equivalent SWAT model of the Richmond era.

I don't believe the T/O-1 AND T/O-2 models were very popular as they are seldom seen. Although the knives have a very tightly wrapped handle, without a guard to prevent the paracord from sliding forward, I wonder how the handle would hold up in the field.

Knives were issued with an black web sheath with the lower section wrapped with black paracord.

The picture shows a typical T/O-1 model knife with a bead blasted blade, the black paracord wrapped handle with palm swell and 5 War Logo with Richmond marking.

This knife is named the T/O (Tac/Ops for Tactical Operations) and is a model 2. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord in Olive Drab color, brush finish on the blade and no crossguard.

These T/O-2 knives have the later 4, 5 or 6 War Logos but don't have an equivalent SWAT model of the Richmond era.

I don't believe the T/O-1 AND T/O-2 models were very popular as they are seldom seen. Although the knives have a very tightly wrapped handle, without a guard to prevent the paracord from sliding forward, I wonder how the handle would hold up in the field.

Knives were issued with an black web sheath with the lower section wrapped with black paracord.

The picture shows a typical T/O-2 model knife with the black paracord wrapped handle .

This knife is named the T/O (Tac/Ops for Tactical Operations) and is a model 3. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord in Olive Drab color, and a brass crossguard.

Other than the later 4, 5 or 6 War Logos, the T/O model knives are basically a renamed SWAT-3 model from the Richmond era.

Knives were issued with an black web sheath with the lower section wrapped with black paracord.

The picture shows a typical T/O-3 model knife with the black paracord wrapped handle.

This knife is named the T/O (Tac/Ops for Tactical Operations) and is a model 4. It has a wrapped handle consisting of 18 feet of 550 lb. MILSPEC paracord in Olive Drab color, and a brass crossguard.

Other than the later 4, 5 or 6 War Logos, the T/O model knives are basically a renamed SWAT-4 model from the Richmond era.

Knives were issued with an black web sheath with the lower section wrapped with black paracord.

The picture shows a typical T/O-4 model knife with the black paracord wrapped handle.

This knife is simply called the EK #2 and is a model 2. The knives were issued with a sewn, black leather sheath reinforced with 3 grommets and with two retaining straps with snap fasteners. The came in a white box with a small label that reads "Ek Commando #2"

I believe these Ek knives were made in 2001 in Bark River, Michigan before the company moved to Escanaba, Michigan.

NOTE: The EK #2 knives all have a small "TM" (Trade Mark) at the one o'clock position on the Ek 3 Wars Logo. They are also refered to as the Ek #2C although the Ek#2C knives have a paracord wrap handle.

The picture shows a typical EK #2 model knife with the gray micarta handle.

This knife is called the EK #2C (#2 Compact) and is a model 2. It comes with braided paracord wrap handles in two colors. The knives were also issued with a sewn, black leather sheath reinforced with 3 grommets and with two retaining straps with snap fasteners.

The boxes are labeled "EK #2C / Commando Knife". Some of the box labels have an additional line giving the paracord color e.g. "Black Paracord" or "Green Paracord". They were made for Xpedition Knives (Expedition Knives, Inc. Carbondale, IL 62901).

The EK #2C knives were probably also made in 2001 but I'm not sure. Also not sure if they were made in Bark River, or in Escanaba, Michigan.

NOTE: The EK #2C knives all have a small "TM" (Trade Mark) at the one o'clock position on the Ek 3 Wars Logo. The two pictures show typical EK #2C model knives, one with OD paracord and one with black paracord braided handles.

This knife is simply called the EK43 and is a model 3. The knives were issued with a US-made Celcon® sheath with a self locking function.

Note that the Ek 43 was dropped from production sometime in 2016. I can only assume the Ek 43 wasn't selling as well as the Ek 44.

The picture shows a typical EK43 model knife with the Glass Filled Nylon handle.

This knife is simply called the EK44 and is a model 4. The knives were issued with a US-made Celcon® sheath with a self locking function.

The picture shows a typical EK44 model knife with the Glass Filled Nylon handle.

This EK44 knife is a model 4 and consists of a limited edition of 100 knives celebrating the 10th. aniversary of MARSOC (Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command). The blade is inscribed "THE U.S. MARINE RAIDERS CELEBRATE THE" / "10TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARSOC 2006 - 2016"/ Also Engraved on Blade is the Raiders' "Death's-Head" patch. The knives were issued with a US-made Celcon® sheath with a self locking function. An optional Display Case of American Dark Oak, with locking glass lid and OD and Desert Tan cloth liner was also available at additional cost.

The picture shows a typical EK44 MARINE RAIDER/MARSOC model knife with the Glass Filled Nylon handle.

This model EK13 knife is a Presentation Grade KA-BAR EK44 and is a model 4. The EK13 differs from the EK44 in several ways. The blade is 440C Stainless rather than 1095 Cro-Van Steel and has a brush rather than a parkerized finish. The guard is Copper Coated Stainless Steel rather than 12 Gage Commercial Grade steel. The knives also have a lacquered walnut handle rather than the Glass Filled Nylon handle.

These presentation knives are issued with a US-made brown leather sheath marked with the Ek Logo and with a single strap with a snap for knife retention.

The picture shows a typical EK13 model knife with the brush finish SS blade and walnut handle.

This knife is a reproduction of the John Ek Commando WWII Style 5 Navy knife. It is a faithful representation with the major difference being the use of aluminum rivets rather than the poured lead rivets of the original knives. It was made in KA-BAR's custom shop, State & Union. This is a limited production knife of only 50 copies. The State & Union designation is "6411" / "Model 5 Navy".

These reproduction knives are issued with a US-made dark brown leather sheath marked with the Ek Logo and with a single strap with a snap for knife retention. Included is a Certificate of Authenticity numbered to the knife.

The picture shows a typical KA-BAR Model 5 Navy knife with the brush finish SS blade and walnut handle.

The serial numbers were hand stamped at the base of the blade flat next to the handle and the digits are read with the blade pointing down. The serial number and Hamden blade marking are almost always on the same side of the blade.

However, the "Serial Number" actually consists of two separate elements, a "Style Number" and an "Alphanumeric Serial Number". For example, take a John Ek knife marked 2D567. The first number is the Style number, a Style 2. The letter following the style number, if present, indicates a unit of 1000 knives (e.g. A=1000, B=2000, etc.) so the D indicates 4000. Add in the 567 and the knife is the 4567th. knife made by John Ek Knives. Note that occasionally the style number is stamped above the serial number so the same serial number could read 2 / D567. where the 2 would be stamped closest to the handle and the D567 serial number would be stamped below. But the two line serial numbers are uncommon.

IMPORTANT: In the example above, note that the example knife 2D567 was the 4567th. Ek knife produced, not the 4567th. Style 2 knife produced. Contrary to some claims, there were not separate serial number sets for each Hamden knife style. There was just one continuous serial numbering system for all Hamden models. e.g. If a model 4 was made right after a style 1 with a serial number 1B135, the style 4 would be stamped 4B136. The highest Hamden stamped serial number I've observed is a style 1 serial R273. R273 indicates only 18,273 knives. Plus there are an unknown number of knives without serial numbers. So rather than the estimate that over 100,000 Hamden knives were produced, it was probably less than 30,000.

However the style numbers are almost always separate from the serial numbers and the serial numbers are always numeric rather than alphanumeric.

So a style 2 knife with a serial number of 123 would have the 2 stamped closest to the handle and the 123 serial number would be stamped below it. On later knives (500 series), the reverse will be true where the serial number is stamped closest to the handle.

But unlike the Connecticut knives which have a single sequential serial number for all knife styles, the Florida knives are numbered consecutively but have a separate serial number set for each knife style. For example I have records of both a model 1 and a model 3 with a serial number of 123 as well as a model 5 and model 6 both with a serial number of 141.

For the Miami knives, I have encountered 5 separate stamped series of numbers. In addition there are numerous knives etched with a hand-held vibrating engraver as well as that done by a Hermes engraver using both double-line serif as well as script typefaces.

100 Series - The numbers are small, approx. 3 mm in size, consist of three digits and began with the serial number 100 for each model. The style number is stamped separately above the serial number. The Series 1 are the earliest and most consistent serial number set. Most were stamped with one of the two type ink stamps. It is believed this set was started around 1966-1968.

200 Series - Two size numbers. Initially, the numbers are larger, approx. 5 mm in size (later slightly smaller 4 mm numbers are found), consist of three digits, and began with the serial number 200 for each style.

300 Series - The numbers are mostly 4 mm in size, consist of three digits, and began with the serial number 300 for each style. Some have the small Miami Stamp. Two of the 300 series knives are 5th. Special Forces knives which all have the 4mm size numbers.

400 Series - A lot of the 400 series are presentation knives with polished blades. The 400 series knives are the first I've noted that have the Hermes double-line typeface engraving. Some of the stamped versions have the style and serial number positions reversed so the serial number is closest to the handle with the style below. There are four 400 series 5th. Special Forces knives which all have the 4mm size number stamp.

500 Series - There is a lot of variability in the 500 series knives. Again, some of the 500 series are presentation knives with polished blades. Some have stamped serial numbers with engraved "EK" or "EK" / "MIAMI"on the opposite blade side. A lot of the stamped versions have the style and serial number positions reversed so the serial number is closest to the handle with the style below. These versions have a 4mm serial number and a 5mm style number. Some others have 5 mm sized numbers engraved with the Hermes double-line type but done lengthwise on the blade, e.g. 2-578. There is one 500 series 5th. Special Forces knife which all have the 4mm size number stamp.

The information I have relating serial numbers to dates of production for the Miami knives tend to raise more questions than they answer. However my records indicate that most of the 300, 400 and 500 series knives were the styles 1 and 2. Since each style number had it's own serial number range and styles 1 and 2 were the most popular, it stands to reason that the 1's and 2's would have higher serial numbers.

But the fact that 7 of the 5th. Special Forces knives, which you might assume would have been serial number stamped at the same time, are spread over the 300, 400 and 500 series, is odd. Plus all of the 5th. Special Forces knives serial numbers have the same 4mm size which is inconsistent with the differences in serial number size between the 3 stamp series. Very puzzling.

The overall result is that some of the Miami serial numbering is confusing and dating knives without sales receipts is nearly impossible.

Some of the Pembroke Park knives carry Miami engraving or are not engraved. And many of the St. Augustine knives do not have the St. Augustine blade engraving.

The St. Augustine knives are rare and I only have a few records with the double-line St. Augustine location engraving, 5/164, 5/225, 503/1 and 504/1. Possibly some leftover Miami blades were used for the serial 164 and 225 style 5's.

Note also that there is a reversal of stamping order from style/serial to serial/style on some of the 500 series Pembroke Park / St. Augustine knives.

The only information I have relating serial numbers to dates of production for the Pembroke Park/St. Augustine knives are 2 knives. This is not enough to draw any conclusions.

The above being said, the St. Augustine marked knives are the rarest of Ek Knives as relatively few were made.

• G-4 FIRST 500 knife is a limited edition of 500 checkered walnut handled Model 4 knives
  
• DELUXE 150 knife is a limited edition of 150 stag handled engraved Model 4 knives
  
• SOF-BLACK knife is a limited edition of 100 black paracord handled Model 3 knives w/ SOF logo
  
• SOF-GREEN knife is a limited edition of 100 green paracord handled Model 3 knives w/ SOF logo
  
• SOF-JUNGLE knife is a limited edition of 100 jungle paracord handled Model 3 knives w/ SOF logo
  
• MACV-SOG knife is a limited edition of 500 black paracord handled Model 3 knives w/ extensive SOG marking
  

• HE-1 (Historical Edition) knife is a limited edition of 300 WW-II Hamden Style 1 knives
  
• HE-2 (Historical Edition) knife is a limited edition of 300 WW-II Hamden Style 2 knives
  

But the 50 copies of the Model 5 Navy are serial numbered in the form of WA5nn.