WWI US Army Bolo Knife

WWI Bolo Knife Reproduction

This is a Windlass Steelcrafts reproduction of the US Army bolo knife, a heavy, forward-weighted blade built for chopping. The Army first issued the bolo to its Hospital Corps during the Philippine Insurrection to clear vegetation and cut bamboo, and later issued it to fighting troops as a utility and combat knife. The reproduction suits WWI collectors, reenactors who need a correct-looking belt knife, and anyone who wants a working chopper with a historical pattern.

Features

• 10 1/4 Inch High-Carbon Steel Blade — The wide, belly-heavy bolo profile puts its weight toward the tip so each swing chops like a small machete.
• Full Tang Construction — The steel runs the full length of the handle under the wood scales, which makes the knife much stronger than a blade with a short stub tang.
• U.S. MOD 1917 C.T. Marking — The ricasso, the flat unsharpened section just ahead of the guard, carries the period-style "U.S. MOD 1917 C.T." stamp.
• Contoured Wood Handle — Two slotted screws secure the wood grip, and its swell and finger contour help your hand stay put during hard chopping.
• Blackened Guard And Pommel — A flat crossguard protects the hand, and the hooked pommel at the butt stops the knife slipping forward out of your grip.
• No. 1 Style Scabbard — The scabbard has a woven burlap body, a stitched leather tip to protect the point, and a brass throat at the mouth.
• Brass Belt Hook — A wire hook on the scabbard clips into the eyelets of a standard web belt, the same way period gear attached.
• 15 Inch Overall Length — At about 2.1 pounds, the knife has enough heft to chop brush while remaining manageable on a belt.

Scabbard And Build

Windlass Steelcrafts makes this knife in India, pairing a high-carbon steel blade with wood handle scales and a blackened guard and pommel. High-carbon steel takes and holds a good edge, but it will rust if left wet, so wipe it dry and give it a light coat of oil after use. Production of the original bolo ran from 1897 to 1918 with design changes along the way, and this version follows the later WWI pattern, issued with an antique brass-trimmed burlap and leather scabbard.