Seeking Info on USMC Robeson Shuredge Knife/Boyt Sheath

[goodneighbor]

Greetings. I have joined this forum as part of my efforts to learn more about the knife/sheath you see in the pictures. The knife is stamped on both sides of the blade, just above the hand guard. One side is stamped with "USMC" and the other "ROBESON SHUREDGE". The sheath is also stamped with "USMC" as well as "Boyt" and "43".

This knife does not belong to me. The owner is 90 years old and it was her husband's. He was a Marine in WWII and fought in the Pacific Theater. She would appreciate any information you are able to share.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

That is an early WW2 Mark 2 knife, what is usually referred to as a "Kabar". An assortment of knife companies made this type of knife during the war. The pommel was a weak spot due to that small threaded end of the tang. It would break off and then was often re-attached which lead to a design spec mod later in the war. That appears to be original which is not often seen.
It is in great shape from what I can tell and the having the issue sheath with it is a big plus. You could lightly oil the blade but please keep it as it is.
A nice piece of history.

 

[goodneighbor]

You could lightly oil the blade but please keep it as it is.

Thank you for your reply! Caring for it is a big concern for her. What is the recommended oil? I found it while helping her clean part of her basement which has flooded several times over the years. Can anything be done to clean/treat the leather? The sheath was stuck to a wooden shelf, as evidenced by the marks on the backside of the sheath.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

I am not a qualified restorer but there are some knife forums as well as a usmilitaria forum that could help you out. I can sort of see where the stacked leather handle is dried out and cracked and if the sheath is dried out it needs to be handled carefully to prevent cracking. We used to have a member here who could of helped you much better than I but, sadly, he passed away last year.
Best of luck in getting the proper care for this knife.

 

[hso]

You can use any number of different oils on the blade and pommel, but first address the handle.

Treating the leather can be done with Neatsfoot oil. Liberally apply it and monitor the leather as it soaks it in. A little over several days is preferable. When the leather just begins to feel soft stop applying the oil and allow to sit for a few more days. All this is done in a 60-70 degree dry room. The leather washers should "blump", but may space may remain between them. Decide if you're going to stop at preservation or dive into replacing washers as restoration. Melt beeswax and warm the handle with a hair dryer (no heat guns). When it feels like a warm body temp brush the melted beeswax on and let it soak into the leather. You can use the hair dryer to keep the wax melted and soaking in. Treat all the leather. Repeat once or twice until it won't absorb any more wax.

You can use Mobil 1 on the metal.

Keep the knife out of the sheath, perhaps in a display.

 

[goodneighbor]

You can use any number of different oils on the blade and pommel, but first address the handle.

Treating the leather can be done with Neatsfoot oil. Liberally apply it and monitor the leather as it soaks it in. A little over several days is preferable. When the leather just begins to feel soft stop applying the oil and allow to sit for a few more days. All this is done in a 60-70 degree dry room. The leather washers should "blump", but may space may remain between them. Decide if you're going to stop at preservation or dive into replacing washers as restoration. Melt beeswax and warm the handle with a hair dryer (no heat guns). When it feels like a warm body temp brush the melted beeswax on and let it soak into the leather. You can use the hair dryer to keep the wax melted and soaking in. Treat all the leather. Repeat once or twice until it won't absorb any more wax.

You can use Mobil 1 on the metal.

Keep the knife out of the sheath, perhaps in a display.

Thank you for these instructions. Just to make sure I understand correctly:

- Neatsfoot oil for the leather sheath
- Beeswax for the knife handle
- Mobil 1 for the metal/blade

I am definitely not going to be replacing washers or anything else. Cleaned and slightly restored will suffice here

 

[hso]

Neatsfoot for the sheath and washers of the handle. Just until they're beginning to hint at filling out and hopefully before they soften. THEN the wax on both.

 

[rondog]

Man, what a cool heirloom! Priceless.