Thirty-five years after it was manufactured, finding a John Ek Commando Bowie ‘Operation Desert Storm’ in this condition is truly exceptional. Produced in Richmond in 1991, this example has never been used and still has its original sheath, box and documentation.
The 440C stainless steel Bowie blade features a matt grey finish characteristic of John Ek’s productions from this period. Its ricasso bears two distinctive markings: the ‘Operation Desert Storm’ emblem on one side and the ‘Korea – World War II – Vietnam’ medallion on the other. Unlike standard Commando Bowie knives, this commemorative edition also features a sharpened back edge.
The full-tang construction, the sand-coloured metal guard and the camouflage paracord-braided handle are testament to the straightforward, functional military design for which John Ek knives are renowned. The matching wrist strap completes this configuration, which remains in its original condition.
More than just a vintage military knife, this specimen constitutes a genuine collector’s set dedicated to Operation Desert Storm. The inclusion of the original box, documents and sheath, together with a brand-new knife, makes it a particularly rare find in such excellent condition.
Technical specifications of the John Ek Commando Bowie Operation Desert Storm 1991 Full Set:
Manufacturer: John Ek Knives
Model: Commando Bowie
Edition: Operation Desert Storm
Year of manufacture: 1991
Place of manufacture: Richmond, Virginia, United States
Construction: full tang
Blade steel: 440C
Blade profile: Bowie
Blade finish: matt grey coating
Back edge: sharpened
Blade thickness: 5.0 mm
Overall length: 32.0 cm
Blade length: 17.5 cm
Handle length: 14.5 cm
Handle: camouflage paracord
Guard: metal, sand-coloured finish
Wrist strap: matching paracord
Weight: 282 g
Case: original military case
Accessories: original box and documents
Condition of the knife: 10/10 – brand new, never used
Condition of the set: exceptional
Tellknives’ review:
Vintage John Ek knives already have a strong identity, but this Operation Desert Storm edition takes it a step further. Its dual historical markings, its sharpened back edge and its clearly identifiable year of production make it a particularly sought-after variant.
The true value of this example, however, lies in its condition. A knife from 1991 that has remained in mint condition, complete with its original sheath, box and documentation, offers exactly the level of completeness expected by a discerning collector. A rare, authentic and remarkably well-preserved piece of US military history.
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