PAL Combat Knives of WW2, RH 35, RH 36, & RH 37
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 พ.ย. 2016
- In this video we will look at some more historic U.S. military knives from the Second World War. We will look at the PAL RH 35 USN Mark 1 knife, the PAL RH 36 combat knife and the PAL RH 37 USN and USMC Mark 2 fighting knives. The PAL Cutlery Company of Plattsburg, New York, began producing razors in 1931. In 1941 PAL bought the knife manufacturing equipment from Remington and established a new factory in Holyoke, Massachusetts. They retained Remington's model designations and that is why you see PAL knives with model numbers that begin with RH, which means Remington Hunting, just as Remington did.
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The RH36 was the knife (and sheath) my Army father carried in 1944-45 from Normandy to Germany, and gave me as a kid. The sheath has a sewn-on fitting for carrying it on a standard Army web canteen/utility belt. Heck of a tough knife, obviously used hard for everything from hammering tent pegs to opening cans. Thanks for the info, adds to my memories of my dad.
It is interesting to hear that he added a wire hanger for the pistol belt. That is not a common modification. In many cases sheaths with wire hangers had the pistol belt hangers removed and the knives were worn on the trousers belt under the pistol belt. I saw one modification in which the leather sheath was riveted to the back of the M1911A1 leather holster and they were worn together on the pistol belt.
So since I was a kid I had known about my Dad's "K-Bar". He passed in 08' and recently my Mom, Uncle, and myself had to really clean up and throw away as much stuff as possible. Somehow my Mom found this knife after me thinking it was gone forever. I thought I had left it in a suitcase type bag in my friends house and his in-laws sold the house and I thought the knife was gone fast forward 15 years. My Mom presents the knife to me. I almost lost it. The joy I had at seeing this one thing from my Dad was just the best. It's an RH 37 and he was a SeaBee so of course it says U.S.N. on the sheath and U.S. NAVY on the blade. It wasn't stored in the best of places so I did some research on how fix it up a bit and I found a suggestion and all that was needed was baking soda and water. You put the b.s. in a bowl as water and stir until it starts to get evenly paste like. The you put this paste all over the blade and it gets rid of any rust or other oxides and what not. You leave it on there untouched for thirty minutes. Then with and damp rag and a dry rage on stand by, you get yourself an old or new toothbrush and you begin to gentry brush all over the knife with the paste, trying to not totally get the paste of per say, but it will start looking reddish. After a fair job of brush you can wipe it of with the damp gag getting as much paste of as possible. Then use the damp one. Go to a sink and with lukewarm water rinse of any excess crap quickly, then with the damp rag you should be able to wipe off all the dirt, rust, and oxides. Your blade should like like night before and day now. It works great if you do a good job. Never use steel wool or anything that would scratch the blade. There is also a vinegar method, but I didn't have any on hand and I really wanted to try this method anyway. This knife is 60 to 70 years old and it looks good. The sheath has seen better days and the button snap doesn't work as those pieces are gone, but it's fine just the way it is.
That is such an amazing gift! Having you dad's knife is priceless and it looks like you have done the research to preserve that important piece of your family history. I am very happy for you Carlo!
I have my Dads RH-36. It was issued to him from the stores of the USS New Orleans where he was an Ensign SOC pilot from January 1942 through November 1942. He carried it through two combat tours.
What a great piece of family history you have! Take good care of it and it will last for many generations.
The RH-36 has my favorite weight balance of any fixed blade. It’s I such a pleasure just to hold it.
I have to agree. I have a small number of RH 36s and I did a video about the variations. Check it out! studio.th-cam.com/users/videoh1gFOyPdQTs/edit
Just got a RH 36 pretty cool knife.
Welcome to the club!
Beautiful group
We agree! Thanks for watching!
Inherited a US Navy RH 37 from my grandfather issued by US coast guard when he went to Vietnam. Super cool to hear some history on the knife, thanks for the video
God bless your grandfather, Joe, and thanks for watching!
Outstanding video 👍🏻🇺🇸
Glad you enjoyed it
I bought a knife from eBay described as a wwii knife for 12 bucks. It looked like an RH 36, but i wasn’t sure since it had no markings. Glad I stumbled upon this video. It looks just like your second knife, except it has a lefty sheath.
Dude, $12 is a serious score! Good job!
@@FreeAmericaChannel plus shipping, came to about $16 and change maybe? But yeah, I hit the jackpot on that one
They weren't just issued, they also sold them in the p.x. My father was in subs in wwII and he said they were encouraged to buy them, great knife.
Thank you, Dalton, for sharing that. I have heard they were sold in exchanges but never from a vet that bought one. It makes perfect sense, of course. They still sell combat knives in the exchanges.
Ive got a 36 unfortunately my grandfather wanted to turn it into a bushcraft knife after he got out of the service and he ground down the point into a drop point.
While that may have a bad effect on the knife's collectable status, a drop point made from a RH 36 is probably a damn fine field knife and made from awesome American steel. Enjoy your grandfather's knife. His wisdom may be a lesson for us all.
@@FreeAmericaChannel I recently watched an interview with a British WW2 veteran, who made a point of bringing along his RH36 knife that had been issued to him by the British army. He was in some sort of special unit and they all received the same identical one. Apparently, his outfit rejected the S & F commando in favor of ours. Can't say as I blame them for that.
@@williamgunnarsson The S&F was definitely designed for a single purpose and the RH36 was far more versatile. Since making this video in 2016 I have seen an RH36 with Sheffield England markings on the blade! I'm still trying to track one down for my collection.
Thanks for showing these. I have
I have a RH-36 blue blade, USMC 1942 marked. Mint blade/knife and USMC marked leather scabbard. Never seen another one like it.
That sounds very interesting. I've never seen one marked like that. Thanks for sharing that data. I would love to see pictures of it.
Very educational. I subscribed!
Thanks Borneo Agathis! Welcome. Let me know if you are interested in specific knives. If I have one I'll make a video.
I have my Fathers RH36 knife with a left handed sheath. Always knew that RH36 stood for Remington Hunting three inch handle and six inch blade. The almost looks shiny like it's chromed.
It is great to have a family heirloom like that. Thanks for watching!
My uncle Jack was issued and carried a Pal while in the Navy during WW2 and in the Pacific . He told me it was against regulations / the rules not to be wearing a knife while on deck . They had to be able to cut rigging and cut lifeboats loose if necessary .
My dad carried a HUGE butcher knife made by my great uncle while parachuting into France . He used that knife more than once ... and not for peeling potatoes . I carried a Randal model 14 in Laos - 1971 - 73 .
Thanks for a great video Free America and all the best .
That's awesome family history, warrior! I friend of mine left a Randall stuck in an NVA soldier in Vietnam. That story will curl your toe hairs. I would love to know more about your dad's custom butcher knife. Thanks for watching and for your kind words!
That butcher knife was made from an old wagon spring . 10 inch blade - 3/16 inch thick spine & flat ground . The guard was made of bronze and the handle was oak from our old family property in Kansas . 3 bronze pins in the handle and "DC" burned in to the handle . Dads first and middle name was Dean Clarence and every body called him DC . The sheath is heavy harness leather and was still in fairly good shape the last time I saw it . My brother has it now and a cigar box full of medals .
The ole man passed away in 1981 . Thanks for your interest .
@@QuantumMechanic_88 That sounds like an amazing blade. It scares me just to read about it, I know it scared the crap out of any German he encountered. God bless you and your family of warriors! God bless America!
Hey, Quantum ! The Randall mod.14 is one of my all-time favorite knives and to my estimation the best that Randall came up with. I sent mine back to them and they made me a sheath without the stone on the front, because I kept getting it caught on things and it drove me nuts. Getting it back, I added a braided kangaroo leather thong with slip knot on the handle. I loaned it to a guy who belonged to a collector's club for " show and tell " and never got it back. Can't do anything about it yet, because his sister is a great friend of mine and I can't trash him where she would know it was me. But.."It ain't over til it's over.". Thank you, Yogi, for that one.
Good info my man. Thank you from OZ
Thanks Joseph!. Stay free my friend.
Thanks for info... I have the RH Pal 36.
Thanks for watching!
I have a PAL Fabrique En Allemagne. It's not military but it has a stacked leather handle. It's the shape of those old Marbles Gladstone wood cutting/skinner knives. It's nice. I guess it was made in the 1940s or 1950's. Great upload! Thanks!
I don't think I've seen a knife like that, it sounds really neat. Thanks for watching!
@@FreeAmericaChannel I'll upload a video of the knife in a couple days. I'd like for you to see it. I'll let you know when I get it ready. Thanks again!
@@Biblicalgiants That sounds great! I can't wait to see it, thanks!
@@FreeAmericaChannel Hey bro! I uploaded my PAL knife video on my channel but I forgot how to send the link to you. But you're welcome to view the video.on my channel of you ever get time. It'll be the latest most recent video on the top of my video list. Hey thanks again!
Great info. I have a PAL like the second one you showed. For a long time it drove me crazy not knowing what company it was made by after doing as much research as possible because mine isn't marked either. Finally got some info a couple of years ago that verified that not all PAL knives were marked.
Robby Ritter, thanks for watching and I'm glad you liked this video. I have more knife videos on the way.
Thanks for replying. Yes I have considered doing that. I did bid on a mk 1 sheath but it went for more than my top bid. I'm in Australia and our dollar and shipping makes it expensive.
Missing the pal dagger made with rh35 handles and Springfield bayonets. I can’t remember if it’s a rh35 D or the exact RH model but it’s in the Mike Silvey's book Knives of the United States Military--World War 2 page 202
Yes, I have that book as well. There are so many cool old knives out there, but I have never seen one like you mentioned in person, at least not yet.
My Pal RH 36 has it written on the knife
I have one that is marked as well, and the vast majority are clearly factory marked. I bought this unmarked knife because it seemed unusual.
Good to see some of the other makers of that knife design, other than Ka Bar , although l like Ka Bar ,it is rare to see the the ones made by other companies that had that design and contracted to make military Fighting Utility Knives for the US Military. Nice 👍
Thanks for watching and commenting Money Stewart! I think these old knives are fascinating and I enjoy researching them.
thanks for sharing. I have a 34, didnt see it there. It was my grandfather's im about to restore it. Hoping I can do justice for it
RH34s were pre-war knives and were not contracted for US Military production, although I believe many were purchased for military issue as "Commercial off the shelf" items. It is not uncommon to find RH34s knives among military gear. Good luck restoring your Grandfather's knife!
I need a 37 to complete my collection, my collection started with a 34...
They are out there if you keep your eye out. Good luck and thanks for watching!
I've had one of these for decades and never knew what it was
Wow! Thanks for watching jeremy! I hope this video was helpful.
found and old "marked" Remington Hunting Rh oval PAL-36 knife in pretty good shape.
Awesome, Norm! They are still out there. Good job!
Is it a shiny blade or Parkerised
Sorry was going to say I have an RH 35 mk1 but without the sheath The mk 1 sheaths seem to be scarce to get on their own. Have been looking for awhile for the fibreglass hard one. Look forward to seeing more. Andrew
Thanks Andrew! You can find the sheaths from time to time, but they are often expensive. I have been known to buy a knife in poor condition just to get the sheath.
I've only found docs that tell me the 37 was designated combat/utility. The 35,36s were issued as personal items but I haven't seen the referred to as combat knives, except by modern ideas..
I know the 35 and the 37 were both military contract knives, but the 36 was a "commercial off-the-shelf" solution to a lack of fixed blade knives.
@@FreeAmericaChannel I know for a fact that some RH36s were sent overseas during WW2. To the Brits, for sure, and probably elsewhere, more than likely through the prevailing Lend-Lease prógram of the day.
Two of yours are Parkerised but the rh 36 knife is shiny and the one that is just marked pal is a shiny blade
Ok thanks for the reply the Camillus looks like the mark 2 to me USN on one side of tang Camillus ,N.Y.on the other, stacked leather washer grip , 5 deep groves about 1 inch apart in handle, the pommel is rusty steel ( Looks like half of small yo-yo)steel threaded thimble holds pommel onto knives ( takes notched screw driver to remove)6 3/4 inch blade may have once been 7 , blade height is 1 3/16 . Knife looks old
Ah so, it sounds like you have a first pattern Camillus MK2 made for USN. Those knives were rejected by the Navy and the entire batch went back to the factory. They were later sold off as surplus. It is a historically significant knife because it was the first model, but because the batch was rejected they were (are) available in great condition, because they were never issued.
Free America thanks that is good to know, but seems odd that the quality was subpar to Navy standards. I do believe you tho. As my late bootlegger friend used to say " it ain't eatin or drankin so I'll keep it"
I picked up a Pal Rh 36 at a WW2 auction in great shape for 40 bucks ( modern ) sheath also a Camillus USA survival- fighter but there is no mark 2 marking on the blade , do you have any knowledge of the Camillus?
I do Randy Blackburn, but I would need a better description to help you identify it. Camillus made a lot of knives during WW2 and over the years.
It's probably made of 1095 crovan high carbon steel or made of 01 high grade carbon steel
Since I made this video I have learned that it is most likely 1095.
I have a 7 inch blade PAL knife ... it is stamped PAL only on one side of the blade ... and it has a PAL 36 style aluminum style pommel ... any idea what it is ??? ... thanks ... Mike
Hello Alan, it is hard to say without seeing the knife, but it could be an early PAL 37 that was made with the aluminum pommel, if so you have a very rare and expensive knife indeed. Be careful, however. They are so expensive that some knowledgeable but unscrupulous sellers will fake them.
I've always liked the fiberglass sheaths better than the leather
They both have their place, I think, but I tend to agree.
I have a Pal with a 7 inch blade its 11 3/4 over all its only marked Pal has a kabar type blood groove not the small one like a 36 but has the 36 type handle mine looks like a pal 36 but has 7 inch blade .
Very cool! You may have a very rare version of the RH 37 that was tried but not adopted for military service. If it has the same aluminum pommel like the 36 but the 37 blade, you could have a really great knife!
Great video. Just had a family find in my deceased father-in-laws toolbox was a USN PAL RH 36 in a black leather sheath with a tooled vine or floral pattern. Not sure if someone stained the sheath black or if it’s even the original, although it has age. The blade is nether shiny or Parkerized but is not rusted either. Very little material loss due to over sharpening. Can’t find a similar sheath anywhere. Any ideas? Thanks
Hi Ed. Of course, it is hard to answer your question without seeing the sheath, but I can say that I have seen a number of customized leather sheaths that include professional looking leather working and being dyed black. If the sheath is otherwise the same as the issued sheaths, 7 - 9 rivets or staples, thong hole at the bottom, etc., it could be a modified sheath. If it does not seem like an issued sheath, it could be a replacement private purchase sheath. Sounds like a great find!
Hey, Mr.Knaak ! There is a Mexican outfit called " Viking " that is still in business today, but I called them up, only to find out that they aren't working with leather anymore. I sold a Cattaraugus that had a beautiful handcrafted sheath made by them. About 12 years ago, I sold it for $149. As I gave my customer his change and receipt, he said that, to him, the knife was really nice, but the Viking custom, handmade sheath going with it was, in and of itself, worth the entire price. Mexico has always done excellent leather work. Boots, chaps, gloves, gun holsters and rigs, knife sheaths, belts....you name it. Wish they would keep it up, because I absolutely refuse to wear Western style boots made in friggin' CHINA for instance. All I can suggest to you is to keep on looking. Good luck.
would love to know cost and value i have a sweet rh pal 36 ....loose needs a spacer can you tell me who can fix it
That's a tough question, Colin. To have it replaced properly would include driving out the pin the holds the pommel on, removing the leather washers and replacing the spacers. Refitting it and replacing the pommel pin so its all tight takes some expertise and the right tools. Any bladesmith that uses leather washer handles should be able to do the job.
@@FreeAmericaChannel thank you .... Know anyone
Does your Rh 35 have any play in the pommel? I recently bought one just like yours.
Thanks for watching! No, mine is tight. Overall the knife is in very good shape.
Hey, Knife Addict ! I had that problem with an old KA-BAR. Don't be afraid to fill a drinking glass with water and place your knife in it, handle first, and let it stand overnight. Next day, take it out and dry it with a cloth somewhat and then apply LEXOL leather conditioner to it according to their instructions. That will tighten up your knife for you, as long as you don't have missing leather washers. Good luck
Just acquired an rh35 that was my grandpas service knife. Can you tell me anymore about it? I imagine since the pommel is pinned on its probably a full tang? Im going to be using it for when I go camping with the kids and would love to have some history to tell them around a campfire
The aluminum pommel is pinned to the steel tang, which is usually called a stick tang because it is encased by the leather washer handle. RH 35s are PAL's version of the USN MK1 utility knife, sometimes called a "Deck Knife". MK1s were commonly issued throughout the Navy and were used by aircrews as survival knives. In my opinion, the RH 35 is one of the nicest looking and well made versions of the MK1. So many MK1s were made during WW2 that they were still issuing them new from old stock well into the 1970s. Do you know what your grandpa did in the military?
@FreeAmericaChannel I'm not certain, I seem to remember hearing he worked on the targeting system for hellfire missiles, but I can't even remember which family member I heard that from or know if it'd accurate. And even then, not sure if that was from an engineering or implementation standpoint. I'll see what I can dig out of my Uncle next family gathering
I have a unmarked "rh36" type that I'm sure wasn't made by pal. Blade steel isn't same. About everything else is
Over the years I learned that some of these knives were sub-contracted to English knife makers in Sheffield, England, and that some of the British knives were marked and some weren't. You may have one of those, and they are very interesting to collectors. I am still looking for one with Sheffield markings.
I just purchased that first knife. the rh35 at an antique store. I don't know why I bought it, never purchased a knife before. something just called out to me when I looked at it. the gentleman behind the counter gave it to me for 20 dollars (didn't think that sounded unfair). He said this knife was given to US soldiers stationed in Brazil in WW2. is this true?
Hi Taylor! You did well at 20 bucks. That knife was issued to sailors all over the world during WW2 so it probably got to Brazil as well.
Hi, this video isn't playing correctly for me. It said it was something to do with the connection speed. But I don't have any problems watching other videos on TH-cam. Can you reload this video please thank you
I'm sorry you are having problems, Logan. I looked into the video and it seems to be fine on the YT side. Other I know can watch it with no problems. I would guess the connection speed it a problem on your side. I hope you can see the whole thing now. If you have any questions about the knives please ask and I will share what I know with you.
@@FreeAmericaChannel thanks...
I thought it was a good video I have been to have a pal RH 36 that is in fact marked I was hoping it would be worth a lot of money but it was a good friend of my dad's so I'll always be grateful to have this knife thanks for the info is there a way to find out what era mine came from I suspect Vietnam but I'm not sure
PAL stopped production of the RH 36 knives around the end of WW2, but many thousands remained in US military inventory for years to come. These knives were still common during the Vietnam war. Even today you can find very nice examples that appear unissued - those are the ones that command a premium price.
the 35s sharpen easy to a razor edge
Yes, they do, Erik. It is very high quality high carbon steel.
How much should I expect to pay for a WW2 vintage USN MK1 with original sheath in good condition?
The question depends almost entirely on the manufacturer of the knife. The PAL USN Mark 1 knives, like the RH 35 in the video, can start anywhere from $35.00 - $40.00. The condition of the sheath and the type of sheath matter a lot as well. I have seen RH 35s going for over $250.00 in mint condition, but I would not pay that much. The PAL Mk1s are pretty common, the most I have paid for a really nice PAL Mk1 is in the $70.00 - 80.00 price range. Geneva Forge knives in great shape probably command the highest prices.
Is this the same company call pal 2000 and yeah if so what’s a good knife company
Hi Kayla Galley, thanks for your question. The PAL company that built these knives is not the same as PAL 2000, which is a Pakistani company that specializes in Damascus steel knives. There are plenty of good US knife companies, like Buck Knife, Kershaw, KA-BAR, etc.
But my pal rh 36 is shiny as well
The numbers of variations are what fascinate me, considering they were manufactured by the thousands during a crisis.
U seem to know a lot about these pals. I started collecting ww2 pals mainly but all ww2. I got a US contract box of 6 rh36 unissued. Still grease on blades. I got a parkerized 1. I got a couple I need help with. 1 Is a 36 blacked out. Wrapped black handle. Looks plastic but not. Has black pal seath also. I got a 37 that had someone put screw down pommel on end. I was wondering if I can buy a repair kit somewhere. The knifes are expensive now. Ill sav this video and look every now and then. Ik its 3yrs old but I don't do social media. Thanks if U do
Wow, sounds like you have some really good pieces! I have never seen a black RH36 but would love to. It sounds pretty intriguing! Unfortunately, I don't know of anyone making handle repair kits for MK2/RH37s. I have been able to locate MK2 parts from time to time on ebay and at gun shows. If you go to my channel page you can locate my e-mail under the "About" tab. I would love to see pictures of your black RH36.
if I give you my email, would you mind if I sent you a photo of my knife? maybe you could teach me something about it? While my knife may look like the rh35 (first knife in this video), it doesn't have any identifying markings.
I'm happy to look at pics of your knife and help you identify it. If you go to my channel page, click on "About" and my e-mail address is on that page.
Thank you soooo much. I really appreciate it, I will send you pictures now!
Free America I found a link to your website and from there I found the email address. it was something like Tackett farms I believe. sincerely I hope this reaches you because I am excited to learn something new.
Taylor, thanks for sending the pics! I responded to you in e-mail. If you have any questions please ask.
I have th pal 36 made in usa, what is it worth?
Condition is the driving factor on worth, but they sell anywhere from $35.00 up to way too much. In nice shape with a WW2 sheath you should expect to pay around $75.00-$80.00. Mint condition knives tend to demand really high prices. I just saw one for sale for $250.00
@@FreeAmericaChannel It is a little beat up, but I have the sheath. I have it listed for around $60. Is it a bad Idea to try to clean it?
@@catfishwillie4885 I wouldn't clean it too much because many buyers are looking for a historic knife, so having it really clean is a turn off. I would make sure it has no rust on it but otherwise just wiped off clean with an oily cloth. Good luck!
I have a rh-36 but the handle has been taped over how can I restore it
Good question, william martinez. Depending on the kind of tape you may be able to soak it in WD40 and then peel it off slowly. The leather washers underneath may be damaged, but there is no way to know with the tape on. If you have to, you can remove the pommel and replace the leather washers. You can find them in knife making supply catalogs and web sites, I've even gotten some from eBay before.
Sorry if I am misunderstanding but did you say its called the RH37 because it has a 37 inch blade???
Haha! No, because it has a 7 inch blade.
I just listened to it again. Yep, I said it has a 37 inch blade. Oops! Good catch.
I have a knife i cannot identify can one help
It's an all metal handle blade everything 12.5 inches 19th 1910-1960 I think bowie but zero makers marks and distinct round steel ball on end of handle
Probably, if you can send me some pictures of it. If you go to my channel page and go to the About tab, scroll down and you will see "View email address". Send the pics to that address and I will see if I can ID it for you. Close ups of any markings will be key features.
@@FreeAmericaChannel is it the blogspot link sir?
@@devindavis187No, the email link.
@@FreeAmericaChannel th-cam.com/video/Is5h-sb7xuc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=zAJy2JH4wGsq1-lL
What’s the value of my pal RH35 the top is wooden. Its engraved USN. THE HANDLE MAKES THE KNIFE FLOATS Perhaps Navy seal combat knife
Alton Miller It is impossible for me to judge the value of the knife without seeing it. Condition is very important, as is whether it has the sheath or not. These knives were made at least 20 years before the Navy SEALs existed. Back then they were known as Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) and they carried MK2 knives mainly, although I'm sure some MK1s were with them as well.