An Air Force survival knife question...

V

V Shrake

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Dec 13, 2000
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I remember seeing a picture (possibly in the Survival and Combat book series) of a Vietnam-era Huey pilot with a SIX inch Pilot's survival knife hanging off of his M-7 shoulder holster strap. I've read about them occasionaly, as well. Apparently, not many were made.

My question is, who made them, the same contractors that Uncle always uses? And if, by chance, Camillus made them, what would be the possibility of a limited-run re-issue? I like the pilot's knife for what it is, but thought a slightly longer version might be neat to try. Also, does anyone know why they were discontinued in favor of the smaller blades?

Thanks for any answers.
 
Marble's made the first 6-inch pilot survivals but Camillus made the majority of this model for the military.
 
Thanks, Steven.

I received a reply via e-mail from Tom Williams with a LOT of great info, icluding the fact that Marbles made the orginals. He also said that a commerative re-issue wasn't a bad idea. Anybody else that thinks it would be neat to have a six inch pilot's survival, speak up. Maybe we can convince the "powers that be" over at Camillus to make these fine blades again. I know I'd want one. How about you?
 
So, let me get this straight. The pilot`s knife is a wee 5" blade.
 
FNG,

That wee 5" is a helluva blade....it takes a lot of abuse. Scroll down to my thread about real world toughness of Camillus Pilot's knives...follow the link and read my story...

Peace,

Brian.
 
Brian Jones, don't be mistaken, FNG has used and abused a few "5 inch Pilot survival knives in his day. His response was one of sarcasm for those that know him.

Bruce Woodbury
 
HeeHee...

I just read another thread that talked a little about his background...I now see (and love) the sarcasm...

Best,

Brian.
 
I'd like one, especially if they keep in in the $50 range. It's always looked like a real workhorse to me.
 
To answer the question, the AF does not expect to engage in combat except with their gun platforms. The 5" with its leather sheath is more suited to the close enviornment of aircraft yet will do the job.
Well, more comfortable to wear.
For non pilots, an air base chore is not beyond a 5"; in fact a longer blade can be unwieldy. They have kitchens if they need a longer knife.
The S&W Air Crewman is an example of this thinking.
I bought one in 1966 to save my combat knives from abuse. It had a pommel that was painted grey, and no metal tip guard.
I think I paid $9.50 for it at Ton Son Nhut.
I gave Bo Randal $25-$30 for the #1 for comparison.
I didn`t carry it in the field until we got APC`s and a cooler of beer became feasible, much less an extra knife.
It cut and pried ammo crates,C-Rats and the like.
I don`t remember what happened to that one, but I bought another.
Which says what I thought of it.
The Army did not have its own FB at the time.
They still don`t, so far as I know.
 
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