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How to Repair a WW2 Paratrooper Knife

World War II American paratroopers were issued M3 trench knives. The knives were sheathed in a leather scabbard and strapped to their ankles. Paratroopers perfected the use of this knife for hand-to-hand knife fighting and throwing. It had a carbon steel blade nearly 7 inches long with a sharp, plain edge. Leather handles on these knives often get dry rot as they age, and the blades can be dull or damaged and need repair.

Things You'll Need

  • Power drill
  • Leather cutting tools
  • Shoe sole leather
  • Brown dye
  • Square puncher
  • Glue
  • Sandpaper
  • Bead blaster
  • Metal grinder
  • Welder
  • Nickel steel
  • Beeswax
  • Felt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a power drill to remove the blind pin on the end of the knife.

    • 2

      Remove the old leather handle. Cut 1 inch by 1 inch discs out of solid shoe sole leather and dye them to match the sheath, if it is still in good condition.

    • 3

      Use a square punch to punch a hole in the center of the leather discs the size of the knife tang. Glue them on one at a time to create the new handle. Sand them by hand to even out the countours.

    • 4

      Bead blast the blade to remove rust. Grind out any nicks or chips in the blade edge. If the blind pin is loose, weld the blind pin hole and drill out a new one.

    • 5

      To secure the leather handle, fit the blind pin into the end cap. Polish the handle with beeswax and felt to waterproof it.


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