How to tell if a 1918 trench knife is real

The 1918 trench knife is a weapon that was designed to help in close-range trench fights. Since trenches were still widespread during World War 1, this knife allowed soldiers to attack enemy trenches while maintaining stealth. This knife holds great value for collectors and enthusiasts due to its historical significance. 

While many adaptations and replicas of the iconic trench knife are available today, finding an authentic 1918 trench knife is challenging. Many enthusiasts still look for a legitimate example of the classic trench knife to add to their collection. One issue anyone looking to buy a 1918 trench knife runs into is confirming the knife’s authenticity. 

If you can’t tell if a trench blade is legit, we suggest you keep reading because this article will explain some simple yet effective methods to distinguish between real and fake 1918 trench knives. 

What makes a trench knife so unique?

Trench knives were not just in use by the US military during WW1. These knives were also used by the German, French, and British forces to raid trenches and silently kill enemy soldiers. The design of the MK 1 trench knife of the 1917-1918 era was based on French trench knives.

These trench knives are unique because of their distinct finger loops and double-edge design. Soldiers could use this weapon to stab enemy soldiers with lethal efficiency. Some versions of the trench knife didn’t have finger loops but instead had a metal guard to protect the fingers. The 1918 trench knife is almost identical to the 1917 version; however, the 1918 version had improved features such as a better hand guard and an improved blade profile. 

The late 1918 models of trench knife models were developed too late to be used in the trench warfare of 1918 and were used years later during WW II. Since the 1918 version of the trench knife is considered the improved version, it has increased significantly. So naturally, the 1918 version is the one that is being faked the most, and you should pay close attention when buying it. 

Exploring the Design of the M1918 Trench Knife

The M1918 Trench Knife is unique for several reasons. Firstly, unlike many traditional military knives, it was not a multi-purpose tool but was primarily designed as a weapon. It featured several distinctive design elements:

Triangular Stiletto Blade: The M1918 Trench Knife has a unique blade design. Unlike conventional straight blades, it features a triangular stiletto blade. This design was meant to inflict deep and serious wounds that were difficult to treat, providing a significant advantage in the life-or-death situations common in trench warfare.

Knuckle Duster Handle: The handle of the M1918 Trench Knife incorporates a knuckle duster. This hardened portion of the handle could be used to deliver a powerful punch, providing another combat option in close-quarters engagements.

Skull Crusher Pommel: At the base of the handle is a ‘skull crusher’ pommel. This rounded metal cap could be used as a blunt force weapon when necessary.

Due to these design elements, the 1918 Trench Knife was a formidable weapon in the harsh conditions of trench warfare.

Ways of telling whether a 1918 trench knife is real

A 1918 trench knife’s replicas can be surprisingly convincing as most counterfeit experts artificially age them to look like the real thing. However, there are ways you can tell if a trench knife is real or not by carefully looking at some of the markings, fonts, and some external indicators. Without further ado, here are some tricks to get an idea about the authenticity of a 1918 trench knife:

Pay close attention to fonts: An authentic trench knife made in 1918 will have the text “US 1918” carved into it. This text is carved in the handle region of the knife in almost the same spot for each example. Since this mark of identification is present on every trench knife, it is an excellent way to gauge the authenticity of a knife. 

If a knife doesn’t have this text on its blade, it should be an instant red flag. However, if the font is carved into the knife’s handle, then you should look at the finishing of the font. An authentic knife will have a well-finished, smooth font carved into it. On the other hand, a knockoff will have rough and uneven carvings that indicate that it wasn’t made to military standards. 

Lastly, the font carved on a real knife will also be worn out to some extent due to the age of the item. However, the worn out font shouldn’t be confused with a fake rough font. Age affects the shine and depth of the carving, but a real knife will retain the font’s smoothness. 

Look at the trademark of the knife: The 1918 trench knife usually came in two variants one was called the Au Lion, and the second one was the L. F & C variant. These variants have their trademarks stamped at different locations on the knife. 

While the Au Lion had the trademark at the blade’s ricasso, the L. F & C had it on the handle below the “US 1918” font. The Au Lion trademark is supposed to be lighter than the surrounding color on the blade. However, the LF & C trademark is darker than the surrounding color on the handle. 

Another thing to notice about the trademark placement is that original knives have the trademarks in the center of the ricasso and the handle. Whether it is the L. F & C. mark or the Au Lion one, it will be aligned in the middle in the case of an authentic knife. 

Signs of wear: An authentic 1918 trench knife will likely have seen at least some action on the battlefield. Therefore, an original example will likely have signs of wear, such as scratches, chips, and grooves along the blade or the handle. However, a replica recently made to mimic the real knife will be pristine. The natural oxidation process will cause an original knife to develop at least some dark spots. On the other hand, a replica will likely look polished and shiny, indicating that it was made recently. 

Material of the blade: 1918 trench knives were known for their strength and rigidity. These knives owe their durability to their carbon steel construction, which makes them resistant to damage. The high-strength carbon steel requires expertise and time to forge. Therefore, you should always ensure that a 1918 trench knife is made of high-carbon steel when evaluating its authenticity. 

Unlike modern steel alloys, high carbon steel has a slightly dull finish that can turn matt after the knife is worn out. So if you see a trench knife made out of any steel other than carbon steel, you should steer clear of it. Most replicas with shiny, smooth metal finishes are made of modern steel, making them easy to spot. 

High price tags: One straightforward method of determining whether a trench knife is real is by looking at its price tag. A 1918 trench knives are rare; therefore, you won’t find an authentic example listed for anything less than $1000. Considering their collectability and rich history, it wouldn’t be surprising to find these knives listed for even more. 

On the other hand, a cheap replica of the trench knife can go for as low as $30, and if you find a knife listed for such low prices, it is a fake. 

The 1917 trench knives are less sought after than the 1918 version, and even they are listed for thousands of dollars. So if a trench knife deal seems too good to be true, it is likely fake. 

Get expert help: Sometimes, a fake can be difficult to spot, and the only solution is to turn to the experts for a definitive answer. Luckily, you can post the images and other details of a 1918 trench knife in online forums dedicated to antique knives. The knife experts on these forums can help you identify whether the knife you are dealing with is fake or real. US Militaria Forum is one reputed forum that can offer help regarding a 1918 trench knife. 

In addition to online forums, you can contact knife experts to help identify a fake trench knife. 

FAQs

What is a 1918 trench knife worth?

Vintage objects, especially wartime ones, can be quite expensive. If you’re looking for a trench knife replica, you can find them for prices ranging from $25 to $120. However, if you’re looking for an original 1918 trench knife, the prices are much higher. The original variants can cost anywhere from $900 to $1200 .

Why are trench knives illegal?

Trench knives are considered dangerous weapons in many states and countries for various reasons. Some places prohibit them because they have double-sided blades, while others focus on the knuckle dusters or the length of the blade as reasons to ban them.

Who made the 1918 trench knife?

The Mark I trench knife was issued with a special proprietary metal scabbard that could accommodate the new knife and its oversized knuckleduster grip handle. In 1918, Captain Rupert Hughes of the U.S. Army submitted a patent application for his own design of a specialized automatic-opening trench knife, the Hughes Trench Knife.

Conclusion

A 1918 trench knife is a valuable addition to any knife collection thanks to its history and its significance. Its valuable nature has made the trench knife a prime target for replication and copying. So if you are dealing with a fake trench knife, the tips given in this article should help you pick an authentic 1918 trench blade.