Nicholas Italiano in Gear

Three Tools from WWII

Three Tools Forged in War That Are Thriving in the Modern Age

In This Article

The Champ, Ol’ Reliable
M-1943 Entrenching Tool
WWII Gurka Kukri
Read More From Issue 72

World War II created more than history. It created tools that soldiers trusted with their lives. Knives, shovels, and fighting blades weren’t just gear. They were lifelines. Three standouts — the KA-BAR, the M-1943 Entrenching Tool, and the Gurkha kukri — earned legendary status used in the mud and fire of war. Seventy-five years later, they’re still here — naturally, updated with modern materials but carrying the same spirit and legacy.

The Champ, Ol’ Reliable

The KA-BAR 7-inch carbon steel-bladed knife may be the most iconic fixed-blade knife in the history of knives. And the world. That clip-point blade, metal handguard, and stacked leather handle couldn’t be mistaken — nor could the flat, round pommel used for thumping skulls or general hammering. It is a utility knife, after all. I say is because this ol’ reliable military tool is still in service. That’s right, career military with no discharge day, very reminiscent of the famed Bowie knife.
KA-BAR is a company with many knives under its belt. However, around a group of soldiers, survival guys, or knife folks in the know, KA-BAR will do. Everyone already knows it’s the 7-inch utility knife. However, nobody needs to say more than KA-BAR.
Not Only KA-BAR

The WWII “KA-BAR” wasn’t made by just one company. While Union Cutlery (later KA-BAR) gave the knife its name, the U.S. Military contracted several manufacturers — Camillus, Pal, Robeson, and Ontario among them — to produce the same Mark 2 Fighting Utility Knife. All were issued to Marines, Navy, and other branches during the war. I dare you to strike up a conversation with some old salty and say, “Aye, that Pal, Robeson cutlery sure was a good knife,” and enjoy the sound of crickets. Heck, there may be a fight.

Camillus Cutlery also made a prominent version, naming it the 1219C2 adopted by USMC in 1942. The Ontario Knife Company had its version, Ontario Marine Combat #498 (or just #498 Combat Knife). During WWII, the knife we now call the “KA-BAR” wasn’t produced by just one company. While Union Cutlery (later renamed KA-BAR) gave the blade its famous name, the U.S. Military contracted several manufacturers to meet demand. Camillus Cutlery was the largest producer, designing the 1219C2 model that became the USMC’s standard fighting utility knife. Other companies, including Pal Cutlery, Robeson (ShurEdge), and Ontario Knife Company also supplied versions under military contracts. Regardless of maker, the knives shared the same specifications: a 7-inch clip-point blade, full-tang construction, and a stacked leather handle, issued as the USMC Fighting Utility Knife.

In the trenches, soldiers didn’t care whose factory stamp was on it. The knife was used by soldiers for utility, throwing competitions during downtime, combat, and helping with camp. The enduring silhouette of the Bowie shape proves that good design, battle-tested, never fades.

M-1943 Entrenching Tool

This wartime gem was a soldier’s workhorse. Built to be more than just a shovel, it’s a folding tool that could lock into place at a 180-degree angle to use as a spade or at 90 degrees as a pick or hoe. It underwent several variations during the war, with the 1945 model incorporating a folding pick. It was just like my grandfather toted to camp.

Compact and sturdy, it carried a steel head and wooden handle, folding to lock straight for digging or angled for chopping. By the end of the war, a folding pick was added, giving troops a way to break through rock and stubborn ground. Day to day, it handled the dirty jobs like digging foxholes under fire, cutting drainage trenches, clearing brush, chopping roots, and even prying open crates.
In close quarters, it could be swung like Babe Ruth — but as a weapon. However, in rare, lighter moments, soldiers threw it for sport to test their aim. In the chaos of war, its versatility made it a constant working companion.

A New Digging Breed

Modern expedition shovels, such as the Brautigam Expedition Works (BEW) Titanium Pack Shovel, capture the spirit of adventure. It’s featherweight yet tough as woodpecker lips. Peter (the owner) designed it for those who need a reliable tool to tackle any challenge. The shovels weigh 10.8 ounces with a straight handle and 11.2 ounces with a T-handle. Both options measure 21 inches in length and feature a 6-inch-wide shovel head, designed to fit perfectly inside or attach to your backpack for easy transport. It’s all-welded construction and high-strength titanium alloy allow for the most durable construction imaginable.
With no hardware to work loose, the beveled edges assist with digging, chopping roots, limbs, and light splitting. Designed and made for a new breed of campers and adventure seekers, this shovel is not just about strength; it’s about versatility. If you’re breaking trail or digging out a snowbound vehicle, this shovel does it all.

I don’t own one. However, I got to use it and watch the rightful owner dig up rocks, cut through roots, and pat the dirt down to make his camp a little flatter. It really shone when we decided to transfer our fire from a large titanium camp stove to the ground. I shoveled hot coals with the BEW Titanium Pack Shovel until I thought it would melt. It didn’t.

Before this modern feat of a tool, several companies developed their version of the M-1943 Entrenching Tool. Some folded, some didn’t. Some failed, too. I’ve handled an old-school WWII adaptation used by the USSR Armed Forces after the Great Patriotic War. It had a straight, short handle that did OK, but eventually bent when chopping. However, possibly the most popular shovel/entrenching tools come from Cold Steel. It’s known as the Special Forces Shovel. The Spetsnaz shovel is inspired by a historical Soviet military entrenching tool used by the Spetsnaz. This robust and efficient shovel sports a solid hardwood handle, a wide flat steel blade, and three sharp sides. This cool guy tool is still in use, keeping the spirit alive.

WWII Gurka Kukri

The WWII kukri was a legendary combat and utility knife used by the Gurkhas. The kukri, a traditional Nepalese blade, earned international renown thanks to the mighty Gurkha soldiers who wielded it. It’s a wicked chopper with piercing power, excelling at utility, survival, and combat.
Gurkhas were elite soldiers from Nepal serving in the British and Indian armies. Although there were several models, the most recognized models from this era include the Mk II and Mk III kukris. Much like the KA-BAR knife, these weren’t made by one company. Instead, they were produced by a mixture of Indian arsenals and contractors like Windlass Steelcrafts, making sure Gurkha regiments had good steel throughout WWII.

Mk II/Mk III Kukri Breakdown

The Mk II was revived from WWI patterns at the onset of WWII, the same wide-bellied, pointed blade with that extreme weight-forward drop to it. It had wooden scales with two large steel rivets and washers holding them on. There was no bolster, yet it still retained the wide center ring that traditional kukris are known for. Both had a full-tang design with the tang tapering drastically toward the pommel. Manufacturers added a metal butt cap for extra utility on the Mk III.

Introduced between 1943 and 1945, the Mk III was put into service as a more polished design version of the Mk II. It was made with a simplified grip for mass production and engineered for durability. The blade was beefed up for a bit more strength and weight. Most likely, they looked more intimidating to the enemy. If you can be so fortunate to find one in circulation, grab it.
Homage of the Legends

Knives by Hand and Condor Tool & Knife make solid, reliable kukris that honor the soldiers and tools of yesteryear. These aren’t the only companies making a version of the kukri. However, they are truer to the design and function of the legendary tools.
I’ve used kukris for several years. At first, I didn’t get it what the appeal of this almost boomerang-looking cutting tool was all about. I avoided it for a long time. After seeing quite a few review videos of the Cold Steel Kukri Machete and the low price, I got curious. As a longtime fan of tomahawks, I always noticed the leverage of the heavier head impacting before my chopping hand — power, leverage, and safety, together. In kukri videos, I kept hearing the kukri compared to a hatchet or axe for the same reasons. With the blade preceding the hand, it leaves the hand in a natural position and not awkwardly bent like chopping with a straight blade.

I pulled the trigger, got a kukri machete, and understood how it worked. From then on, I shunned all straight-bladed and straight-handled chopping tools. I still feel it is the superior chopping utility long blade out there and feel that much closer to the Gurkha soldiers’ mindset.

Three Tools Forged in War That Are Thriving in the Modern Age

The Champ, Ol’ Reliable

M-1943 Entrenching Tool

WWII Gurka Kukri

Read More From Issue 72

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