The price includes the credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $1,250 delivered within the contiguous United States.
 
The Vince Forge variation of the U.S. Navy Standard Dive Knife is one of the most distinctive and desirable military diving knives produced during the Second World War. While the overall design follows the familiar U.S. Navy pattern, the knives manufactured by the Vince Forge Company of Easton, Pennsylvania, incorporated several unique features that set them apart from every other wartime contractor.
 
Three characteristics immediately identify an authentic Vince knife. The most recognizable is the swivel ring mounted at the end of the handle, a practical feature never specified by the U.S. Navy and not found on knives from any other manufacturer. Vince also used a distinctive sawback with 13 teeth per inch instead of the standard 12, giving the blade a noticeably different appearance. Finally, the company boldly marked its name directly on the blade, another detail unique to Vince production. None of these features were required by U.S. Navy specifications, making Vince knives instantly recognizable and highly sought after today.
 
The reason Vince departed from the official Navy pattern remains something of a mystery. Surviving examples suggest the company likely received relatively small wartime contracts, resulting in significantly lower production than many of the better-known manufacturers. Whatever the explanation, these uncommon design features, combined with limited production and decades of attrition, have elevated the Vince knife to one of the most difficult World War II U.S. Navy dive knives to acquire. Examples retaining their original swivel ring are especially prized by advanced collectors.
 
This particular example is in very good original condition. The varnished maple handle remains exceptionally well preserved, while the brass sheath has developed an attractive, even patina with only light handling wear accumulated over the decades. The blade displays only minor scattered spots of light surface oxidation, and the "Vince Easton, PA U.S.A." maker's marking remains clearly visible, a detail often worn away on surviving examples. Most importantly, the distinctive swivel ring is completely intact and in excellent condition, adding substantially to both the knife's originality and desirability.
 
Whether displayed alongside a U.S. Navy Mark V diving helmet or added to a serious collection of military diving equipment, this rare Vince Forge knife represents an increasingly difficult opportunity to acquire one of the most distinctive and elusive World War II U.S. Navy diving knives. After more than eighty years, examples this complete and well-preserved are becoming exceptionally difficult to find.
 
The price includes the credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $1,250 delivered within the contiguous United States.