EK COMMANDO KNIFE CO. USA
716-372-5952
200 Homer Street
Olean, New York 14760 USA
JOHN EK
founder/knife-maker
John Ek wanted to contribute to the American war effort during World War II. From his shop in Hamden, Connecticut, Ek built custom knives specifically for soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. He even built a knife for the Commander-in-Chief, American President Franklin Roosevelt.
Mr. Ek, who also employed disabled Americans, produced six models of knives beginning in 1941. He referred to these knives as “Ek Commando Knives” as they were purpose built for close quarter use that would become a hallmark of the US Marine Raiders, US Army Rangers, First Special Service Force, and Office of Strategic Services’ Operational Groups.
To purchase an Ek Commando Knife one had to send in proof of military service. The knives were numbered and a log was kept to tie the number to the owner.
Americans have carried Ek Commando Knives in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and countless other locations in between. John Ek’s knives live on today through Ek Commando Knife as a testament to his ideas, skills, and unflinching patriotism.
FAMOUS SINCE 1941
EK COMMANDO KNIFE CO.
EK COMMANDO KNIFE CO.
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
1949
Production moves to Miami, Florida. Knives marked "John Ek Knives, Miami, Fla."
1982
John Ek Knives is sold and production moves to Richmond, Virginia. "X-Head Fastener System" developed.
1993
Blackjack Knives Ltd manufactures "production" knives for two years.
1997
Model No 1 & Model No 2 knives re-introduced.
2004
Marine Raider / MCMAP knife & Marine Raider Stiletto MkII™ is introduced.
1976
John Ek passes & Ek family moves production to St Augustine, Florida.
2005
Ek Bowie - Model 5 was re-introduced.
2008
The Fairbairn-Sykes MkII™ is introduced.
2015
KA-BAR Knives, Inc. acquires John Ek Commando Knife Co. Production begins in Olean, New York.
1944
Hamden, Connecticut production expands to 3 shifts, 24/7 producing 10 different models.
1943
Production in the Hamden, Connecticut factory increases to 6 models.
1939
First John Ek Commando Knife is designed & named the Model No. 1
1942
First Special Service Force V-42 Stiletto is designed.
1941
John Ek starts producing knives in quantity in Hamden Connecticut, near Lake Whitney.
2015
The Ek Model 3, Model 4 & Model 5 are first knives released under KA-BAR production.
2016
The Ek/Spartan Dagger (EK101) jointly released - Limited production and serialized.
The Ek/Jarosz Boot Knife (Ek102) is introduced as another collaborative product release.
2017
The Ek Commando Presentation Knife (EK13) is released under KA-BAR production.