Original WW I US Edged Weapons

Expand Your Collection of Original WWI US Edged Weapons

The U.S. military used a variety of edged weapons for combat and other purposes during different skirmishes. You can find a nice selection of reasonably priced original edged weapons from World War I for sale on eBay. Learning about the different kinds of affordable WWI knives you will see can help you find the pieces you need to complete your collection of memorabilia.

Different kinds of blades were designed and produced for set tasks during WWI. Some U.S. edged weapons were intended to be versatile, and other items had specific purposes. Here are a few of the most common types of WWI knives you can find on eBay:

• Trench knife - The standard WWI 1918 trench knife for sale is meant as a close-quarters implement for direct contact with enemy forces. Most designs incorporate a special guard that covered the fingers while the U.S. soldier was gripping the handle. This guard is meant to provide a barrier between an enemy blade and the soldier's hand.
• Bayonet - Bayonets are usually narrower and longer than standard WWI trench knives. They have mounting attachments that are compatible with various rifles in the U.S. military. See the manufacturer site for details.
• Bolo - The bolo knife is usually wider than other kinds of U.S. edged weapons and designed to help clear brush.

Some of the WWI knives and other preowned edged weapons that you find on eBay may come with accessories that complete the ensemble. Here is a sampling of the accessories you might find with the pieces you seek:

• Grips - WWI bayonets and other knives may come with additional scales made from different hardwoods that you can exchange as needed.
• Sheaths - Many WWI knives include the protective sheaths that came with the blades. If you find WWI officer's swords, they may include bolstered scabbards.
• Ammo belts - You can also find complete WWI edged weapons with original ammo belts.

Most edged weapons for the U.S. military during WWI include pot steel that was cheap and easy to manufacture in large quantities for soldiers in the field. You might find ceremonial officers' weapons that include sleek stainless steel that was intended to be easy to sharpen. Some blades might feature carbon steel with a unique patina that developed with age. Some blades may have steel that is blackened or blued for a different pattern and protection against corrosion.