U.S. MK2 K-BAR FIGHTING KNIFE WITH NORD 8114 SCABBARD

This is an original MK2 knife and scabbard. The markings on the blade cross guard are KA-BAR. And under the blade it is marked:  USN MK2. 

The Mk2 Knife, commonly called the "Ka-Bar", was developed as an improvement over the Mk1 design.  Working with Union Cutlery, USMC Colonel John M. Davis and Major Howard E. America contributed several important changes, including a longer, stronger blade, a small fuller to lighten the blade, and changes also to the pommel, cross guard and handle. 

In 1944, the US Navy put through a change order to have the markings moved from the blade to the cross guard, so this knife was produced after that change. 

The scabbard is the Mk2 version, very similar in construction to the M8 scabbard for the M3 fighting knife, with a thermoplastic impregnated cotton fabric body, metal throat, and canvas frog and securing strap. The front of the throat is marked U.S.N. / MK 2, and the rear is marked NORD - 8114 / B.M. Co. ½ with a stylized V P logo. The NORD number is for the US Navy contract it was produced under, which was delivered between March to May, 1945.  It was manufactured by Beckwith Mfg Co. a division of Victory Plastics. (VP)