John Ek began his career in 1941 as a patriot who wanted to help the war effort by his contribution of making fighting knives. "Made in America; by Americans" was the motto of his company. 1) John Ek knife, 7 1/4" blade with no handguard, contoured grip panels with a brown sheath. Right blade marked "John Ek KNIFE/ HAMDEN. CONN." and numbered "K242". 2) Similar to #1 with 7 1/4" blade plus handguard and slightly different sheath. Same marking as #1 except numbered "6/J595" on right blade. 3) 6 3/4" black blade with handguard, contoured grip panels, no sheath and marked "6/R336" on the right blade.

1) knife is very good with mild spotting and grip wear, sheath is good. 2) knife is good with some mild grey patina and light pitting with some grip wear, sheath is good. 3) knife is excellent with minor handling marks. Grips are excellent with few handling marks.