WW1 Bolos

[rice 123]

THe WW1 Bolo Knives manafactured in 1917/18 by plum. What was the purpose? intrenching tool? weapon? what type of troops were they issued to engineers? infantry?

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Bayonetman]

They were considered a general purpose tool, not classified as a weapon although of course they may have been used for such in an emergency. The Model 1910 and Model 1917 bolos were sometimes referred to as the "small bolo" (the large bolo being the Model 1909) or at times the Infantry Bolo as the large bolo was issued to artillery, machine gun units, mortar units and others to clear setup areas and to clear fields of fire for the weapons.

They were issued at the rate of 1/2 per squad - that is, the bolo was issued to the number 3 of the rear rank of each odd numbered squad of the company, while the hand axe was issued to the number 3 of the rear rank of each even numbered squad of the company.

[gunbarrel]

Here was one use for the Bolos:

http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/Bolo_Rest.JPG

[FFAM1]

Here was one use for the Bolos:

http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/Bolo_Rest.JPG

Thats a great way to use a bolo. A really good way to dull it. I'm sure thats been done with my 1917CT before, they are one hell of a knife

[Iceman66]

I am restoring a M1917 Bolo and need the screws and escutcheons for the new handles. Anybody know where I might find a set or possibly have a scavenger grade for parts?
Thanks
Semper Fi
OFC

[FFAM1]

Is it in good shape? If so look at a gun show for a clunker, there are some real rust buckets out there anymore, or just mahine new screws and make new handles. A local machin shop should be able to make new screws, just left them get the measurments of the treads. They may have to drill and tap a new whole but it wouldn't hurt it to bad.
If its not in good shape probably the best thing you could do though is just buy one in good shape and make something out of that one. I don't mean bubba rig it but i have seen some beautiful hunting knives made out of old bolos. Thats just my 2 cents.