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British Army Knife
- Thread starter embeth
- Start date
- Joined
- May 13, 2007
- Messages
- 328
I've always been fond of this pattern. You can find 1950's era military surplus knives on ebay, in the US$20 range or sometimes less. New-made British knives of this pattern, helpfully etched 'British Army Knife', are available in one, two, and three implement versions, for about twice that price.
I've seen some very cheap knockoffs sell for less (beware the ones stamped '1968' with a 'J' at the base of the blade). Even the well-made ones use blades which are a bit soft, but perfectly usable.
If the knife you are considering seems to be of decent quality and you like it, give it a try. Life is short.
FWIW, I understand the liner is not a screwdriver, but was intended for lifting lids, like you might find on a paint can. Dunno if this is really true or not, but it does make for a pretty awkward screwdriver blade...
I've seen some very cheap knockoffs sell for less (beware the ones stamped '1968' with a 'J' at the base of the blade). Even the well-made ones use blades which are a bit soft, but perfectly usable.
If the knife you are considering seems to be of decent quality and you like it, give it a try. Life is short.
FWIW, I understand the liner is not a screwdriver, but was intended for lifting lids, like you might find on a paint can. Dunno if this is really true or not, but it does make for a pretty awkward screwdriver blade...
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2006
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- 2,718
Yup, I've got a few of those. It's often described as a sailor/marlinspike/rigging/rope knife. From what I've read, it also was issued to soldiers as they had as much of a need to ply rope as a sailor. They're interesting collectibles and very stout and usable...but common, not necessarily valuable. I think most of the ones you see on the bay are from the 1950's, not WWI or WWII as often advertised. Some will have a year stamped on the blade.
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- Joined
- May 13, 2007
- Messages
- 328
Just realized we might be talking about two different knives... I was thinking of the ones with flat, stainless steel handles. There is another version with rounded, checkered plastic handles, some really were British issue but most offered now are Italian or Belgian. These knives are heavy and very sturdy, and will last about forever. Some had handles that were made of an inferior plastic which have shrunk or warped over the years, others look like they were made yesterday.
I use one for a shop knife, they were available for $10 or so not too long ago.
I use one for a shop knife, they were available for $10 or so not too long ago.
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- Jun 5, 2006
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Those are what I was thinking of.
this is one heavy duty folder built entirely around a very much useful marlinspike.
in all honesty, it's a tad frightful experience in havin' to open 'n close such a ridged and tough slip-lock mechanism.
what's more, the applied opening pressure on the slip lock varies with each piece mainly because of how deep the rivets are secured!
hopefully the blade steel on that sheeps foot blade might turn out to be far far more softer than already imagined in an accidental slip 'n oops closure...
besides these short comings, they are actually quite wonderful relics denoting the highest merits of a very manly confidence building tool worthy of the armies which provide them.
only to be used with nothing but the fullest of personal confidence!
in all honesty, it's a tad frightful experience in havin' to open 'n close such a ridged and tough slip-lock mechanism.
what's more, the applied opening pressure on the slip lock varies with each piece mainly because of how deep the rivets are secured!
hopefully the blade steel on that sheeps foot blade might turn out to be far far more softer than already imagined in an accidental slip 'n oops closure...
besides these short comings, they are actually quite wonderful relics denoting the highest merits of a very manly confidence building tool worthy of the armies which provide them.
only to be used with nothing but the fullest of personal confidence!
- Joined
- May 13, 2007
- Messages
- 328
I have yet to figure out how that can opener works.
I'd love to see a youtube video of an actual can being opened by one of those monsters!
I'd love to see a youtube video of an actual can being opened by one of those monsters!
Funny, A guy I know prefers the old style tin-opener to the new style. He has a Case 6445, and a Camillus mil-k, he prefers the old Case. The opener on the BAK looks like the Camillus.
I'll ask him to show me how to use it when I see him.
I prefer one without the marlin spike, it's much more pocket-able.
I think you may find these two piece ones harder to find though.
I don't see many here in the UK.
The ones with British Army Knife engraved on them are in my opinion
very good, but they are not army issue. They take a very sharp edge.
The other type mentioned with the black Bexoid scales can be real nail-breakers.
I had one and though a well made knife I gave it away.
Too much like hard work to open.
This is one of my favorite knives to EDC
I think you may find these two piece ones harder to find though.
I don't see many here in the UK.
The ones with British Army Knife engraved on them are in my opinion
very good, but they are not army issue. They take a very sharp edge.
The other type mentioned with the black Bexoid scales can be real nail-breakers.
I had one and though a well made knife I gave it away.
Too much like hard work to open.
This is one of my favorite knives to EDC
If you're a lefty like me the old style canopener is easier to use. If anyone has a 6445 they don't want I'll be glad to take it.
I did quite a few for the Brits in Iraq they took a good edge, a bit softer than a Vic SAK but I liked them.
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- Jun 5, 2006
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I don't know what you mean by nail breakers....buncha girly men
(just kidding)I say they're collectibles, not necessarily EDC users.
I like the marlinspike because I use the marlinspike for rope work, also makes me feel salty and nautical. By the way, that spike can be used as a pocket clip. Some also have a shackle breaker which can be used for popping open beer bottle caps
Actually, my favorite for EDC is an old Kabar, stamped KABAR RIGGING KNIFE, with the previous owner's name scratched onto the scales (M.M. Mills). Maybe he was a navy sailor or merchant marine. The blade is worn but it takes a darn good edge. :thumbup:
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