Designated for issue to soldiers not armed with the bayonet, this knife (marked on the guard and blade 'U.S. M3' and on the chape 'U.S. M8A1') was especially designed for such shock units as parachute troops and rangers. The production of the Mark 3 knife began in 1943 and ceased in August 1944.

This is the Bolo knife designed more as a tool than a combat weapon for the 'Doughboy' (slang name for US GIs in WW1) machine gunners in France. There is a maker's mark on the base of the blade, which appears to be double stamped, possibly Plumb. There is a scabbard maker's mark on the leather chape - something like Grauer 1918.