1967 Gerber MKII Fighting Knife with Sheath #002089

Product Description: A superb early example of the legendary Vietnam-era combat knife, this 1967 Gerber MKII Fighting Knife with Sheath showcases the rare CT1 “Cat’s Tongue” textured handle with the distinctive 5-degree cant — a hallmark of the earliest MKII production runs. Bearing the low serial number 002089, the knife is in excellent condition, with only minor wear and subtle discoloration to the handle, consistent with careful handling over time.

The original RT1 leather sheath is correct for this model, featuring the proper throat staples and leather tie-downs at both the top and bottom. Light spotting is visible on the back of the sheath, as noted in the photographs.

This 1967 Gerber MKII Fighting Knife with Sheath represents a rare and highly collectible piece of American military history, combining iconic design, combat-proven functionality, and early-production provenance.

Historical Description: Introduced in 1967 during the height of the Vietnam War, the Gerber MKII Fighting Knife quickly became one of the most iconic and widely recognized combat knives of the 20th century. Designed by Army Captain Bud Holzman and manufactured by Gerber Legendary Blades in Portland, Oregon, the MKII was conceived as a modern fighting knife tailored to the needs of U.S. soldiers in Southeast Asia.

The original 1967 production run is especially significant to collectors and historians, as it marked the debut of the MKII’s distinctive features: a 6.5-inch double-edged blade with a 5-degree cant (angled offset), intended to align the knife naturally with the user’s forearm for improved thrusting effectiveness. Early examples also featured the rare CT1 “Cat’s Tongue” textured handle — a gritty, sandpaper-like finish designed to provide grip in wet or muddy conditions — and were paired with RT1 leather sheaths, often secured with throat staples and tie-downs at both ends for versatile carry in the field.

The knife was originally controversial due to its aggressive appearance and dual-edge blade, which led the U.S. military’s Post Exchange (PX) system to temporarily remove it from distribution. However, its reputation among soldiers — particularly Special Forces and MACV-SOG operatives — quickly cemented its status as a trusted combat tool. Many early MKIIs were privately purchased and carried into combat, becoming enduring symbols of the Vietnam War’s unconventional and close-quarters nature.

Early MKII knives are distinguished by their low serial numbers (with some of the first 1,000 highly prized), their canted blades, and their unmarked or lightly marked hilts. Production variations over the years included changes to blade finish, guard shape, handle texture, and sheath design, but the 1967 models remain the most desirable due to their rarity and connection to the war’s earliest years.

Today, the 1967 Gerber MKII Fighting Knife is recognized not only as a functional piece of military gear but as an artifact of American combat history — a symbol of the era’s innovation, craftsmanship, and the personal stories of those who carried it.

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