KA-BAR Knives is proud to reintroduce Ek Knives, a legendary WWII American knife brand made in the USA. KA-BAR is proud to be the living link between the tradition of John Ek and the Ek Commando Knife Co.

Ek Knives was created by John Ek in 1941. Ek wanted to contribute to the American war effort during World War II and did so from his shop in Hamden, CT. Ek crafted custom knives exclusively for American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. He employed disabled Americans to aid him in building six models of knives during WWII. Ek called these “Ek Commando Knives”, a reflection of their intended close quarter use. The Ek Commando Knife would become a hallmark of the US Marine Raiders and other American special operation units during WWII.

American troops have carried Ek Commando Knives in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and countless other hotspots around the globe. John Ek’s knives live on today through KA-BAR.