Outlaws/Gangsters and WWI Trench Knives

[Big Al]

Does anyone know if WWI trench Knives, such as the wood handled M1917 and brass handled 1918 Mark I, saw use by criminals in the '20s and '30s? You always here about the guns they used, but what about knives?

[OCM]

That's an interesting question-

 

What's the old saying, " don't bring a knife to a gun fight " . Can't see John Dillinger walking in a bank with a knife and say, " stick em up " . ( only kidding )

 

No, at least I haven't heard of, any knife involved in a outlaw relationship, other then maybe an early street fight or something in prison ?

 

OCM

[Big Al]

Thanks OCM. I find it strange that such knives were never used by the criminal element (they used pretty much everything else), or if they were used, that it was not noted by anyone.

 

On the subject of bringing a knife to a gunfight, guns do run out of ammo at some point. Here is an article that suggests that maybe we should start rethinking the conventional wisdom: http://www.warriortalknews.com/2011/02/dont-bring-a-gun-to-a-knife-fight.html

[OCM]

Do recall that Pancho Villa used knives, but that's way out of my area of history. Just thought of that.

AND Dillinger carried a small pocket knife, believe Bill Helmer owns that still, may have sold it ?

 

OCM