Description
DO YOU HAVE A NICHOLS FIGHTING KNIFE TO SELL? OR SEVERAL? https://stcroixblades.com/contact-us/
Overview
1 vintage US WW2 Nichols fighting knife with Alfred Cornish sheath. This fine Nichols knife, paired with its desirable Cornish sheath, would make an important addition to any U.S. or world militaria collection.
Provenance & Markings
Nichols made this knife for the soldier Edward Stransky of Dwight, Nebraska, U.S.A., and the sheath bears his name accordingly. The guard is marked “EDWARD STRANSKY..37451503,” while the reverse side of the guard reads “DWIGHT: NEBR. U.S.A.”
Pommel & Identification
The curved pommel displays the “NICHOLS” stamp above an inlaid 1937 U.S. Buffalo nickel coin.
Dimensions & Features
The blade measures 7 7/8 inches, and the knife measures 13 inches overall. The wrist thong remains attached to the guard’s rings!.
Sheath
The top of the sheath carries the stamp “ALFRED CORNISH OMAHA, NEB.”
Historical Background
Floyd Nichols knives rank among the most collectible hand-forged fighting knives made for U.S. servicemen during World War II. A WWI veteran and metal sculptor, Nichols crafted approximately 1,200 personalized knives for soldiers, often serving men from his home county in Nebraska.
Key Characteristics
Historical Significance
Nichols began producing these knives in response to the early WWII shortage of military-issue fighting knives. Families frequently ordered them for loved ones serving in combat.
Customization
Nichols handmade each knife, resulting in slight variations. Many examples feature the soldier’s name and service number engraved on the handguard.
Design
These knives feature a hand-forged, high-carbon steel blade—often with a Persian or swan-neck profile—paired with a cast brass handle.
Unique Detail
Early examples often include an Indian Head or Buffalo nickel embedded in the pommel, a clever nod to Nichols’ surname. Government officials later discouraged defacing currency, which led Nichols to omit this feature on later knives.
Sheath Construction
Alfred Cornish, a saddlemaker from Omaha, Nebraska, produced the custom leather sheaths and frequently inscribed them with the soldier’s personal details.
Condition
This US WW2 Nichols fighting knife remains in exceptional condition.
