USA, Vietnam War Era, Field Modified M7 Fighting Knife with M8A1 Bayonet Scabbard

*USA, Vietnam War Era, Field Modified M7 Fighting Knife with M8A1 Bayonet Scabbard*

A U.S. military M8A1 bayonet scabbard—standard issue from the Korean War through the Vietnam War—paired with a modified M7 fighting knife. The scabbard features the characteristic olive-drab fibreglass body, steel throat stamped “U.S. M8A1”, and its original canvas webbing frog secured with mixed brass and steel rivets and a functioning press-stud retaining strap.

The knife itself is not a regulation M7 bayonet but rather a field-adapted modified fighting knife. It employs an M7-style black plastic grip, tightened with a pommel screw, fitted to a cut-down or re-profiled blade. The blade displays a straightened spine, a deep central fuller, and a rounded spear point now showing a chip to the tip. The crossguard exhibits service oxidation consistent with extended field use.

This form of improvisation—often referred to as “barracks-shop” modification—is typical of many non-standard fighting knives carried during the Vietnam War, where servicemen regularly adapted damaged bayonets or salvaged blade stock to create personalised working knives.

Approx Measurements: Overall knife length: 29.2 cm. Blade length (visible cutting edge): 16 cm. 

History:
The M8A1 scabbard was introduced during the latter stages of the Second World War and became the universal U.S. bayonet scabbard for both Korea and Vietnam, issued with the M4, M5, M6 and M7 bayonets. Its durable fibreglass body and replaceable webbing frog made it a preferred field item well into the 1960s–70s. Modified knives such as the present example are strongly associated with the Vietnam theatre, where soldiers frequently customised equipment according to personal needs. Many such knives originated from armoury-discarded bayonets or blades damaged in service, subsequently reshaped for utility, bush work, or close-quarters use. These adapted fighting knives formed a genuine part of the practical kit carried by many U.S. troops.

Condition:
Blade with heavy oxidation, pitting and a chipped tip; crossguard rusted and worn from field use. Pommel screw rusted but secure. Scabbard with honest operational wear, corrosion to the steel throat section, and verdigris at the webbing rivets. Canvas frog faded but stable and intact.
Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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