The M3 Field knife or M3 knife was an American military knife first issued in March 1943.
Designed for rapid production using a minimum amount of strategic metals and machine processes to maximize efficiency, the M3 knife used a relatively narrow 171 mm bayonet-style spear-point blade with a sharpened 89 mm) secondary edge (Replica has a false "Blunt" secondary edge).
The M3 blade was made of carbon steel, and was either blued or parkerized (Replica blade steel is 8Cr14MoV).
Production of the grooved leather handle was later simplified by forming the grip of stacked leather washers that were shaped by turning on a lathe, then polished and lacquered.
The M3's steel crossguard had an angular bend at one end to facilitate a thumb rest.
Scabbards
The M3 was initially issued with a stitched and riveted leather M6 scabbard with a protective steel tip designed to prevent the point from piercing the sheath and injuring the wearer.
A rawhide thong on the end of the sheath allowed the user to tie the sheathed knife to his leg to prevent it from flapping when running.
U.S. paratroopers frequently wore an M3 and sheath tied to a boot for emergency use in cutting parachute lines or close-quarters defense.
Overall 370 mm
Knife 295 mm
Blade 170 mm
Weight 357 g
Original was made in the USA
Replica is made in China