Dating from the brief ‘Effingham’ production period of the Ek Commando Knife Co., this John Ek Model 5 Bowie knife offers a fascinating insight into the eventful history of one of the most iconic brands in American military cutlery.

Founded in 1941 by John Ek, the company very quickly made a name for itself with its deliberately simple, robust and functional combat knives. The brand has thus accompanied several generations of American servicemen, a legacy directly reflected on the blade by the inscriptions ‘WORLD WAR II – KOREA – VIETNAM’ surrounding the famous EK Commando 1941 logo.

This example belongs to the Blackjack Knives / Effingham, Illinois period, produced during a relatively short window in the mid-1990s. The reverse of the blade also bears the explicit marking ‘MADE IN U.S.A. – EFFINGHAM, IL.’, which helps to identify this generation.

The Model 5 features an imposing Bowie blade measuring approximately 19.7 cm, with a long Clip Point and a matt finish that is particularly in keeping with the knife’s military purpose. 440C steel, commonly found in Effingham’s EK range, was at the time a high-grade stainless steel particularly prized for its cutting performance and corrosion resistance.

The full-tang construction is deliberately minimalist. Rather than using conventional scales, Ek has here wrapped the tang in thick, OD Green military paracord. This solution offers a good grip whilst remaining true to John Ek’s original philosophy: to minimise superfluous elements and prioritise functionality above all else.

The straight steel guard effectively protects the hand, whilst the exposed end of the tang forms a solid pommel with a hole to thread a lanyard through.

The knife comes with its original OD Green military sheath, made from reinforced canvas/nylon and heavily riveted. An Ek Commando Knife Co. 1941 patch also completes this specimen.

The knife offered here is in a very fine 9/10 condition, which is particularly impressive for a piece that is now around thirty years old.

Tellknives comment

The Model 5 perfectly exemplifies the philosophy that has made John Ek knives famous: a design free of unnecessary sophistication, an imposing blade, and an absolute priority given to robustness and reliability.

This version is also of particular interest as it dates from the brief Effingham period of 1993–1995. Its OD Green paracord handle, matching military sheath and the famous ‘3 Wars’ logo give it a particularly strong identity and make it a piece of great interest today to collectors of American military knives and historic Ek productions.

Technical specifications of the John Ek Commando Model 5 Bowie 440C Effingham USA:

Total length of the knife: approx. 32.4 cm
Blade length: approx. 19.7 cm
Blade steel: 440C
Blade profile: Bowie / Clip Point
Blade finish: matt / Bead Blasted
Knife construction: Full tang
Handle material: military paracord
Handle colour: OD Green
Guard: steel
Pommel: exposed tang end with lanyard hole
Knife sheath: OD Green military canvas/nylon
Accessory: Ek Commando Knife Co. 1941 patch
Markings: EK Commando 1941 – World War II / Korea / Vietnam
Manufacturer’s marking: Made in U.S.A. – Effingham, IL.
Period of manufacture: 1993–1995
Manufacturer: Blackjack Knives / Effingham period
Country of manufacture: USA
Condition of the knife: 9/10
Manufacturer: Ek Commando Knife Co.
Model: Model 5 Bowie