Gifted a knife from a Veteran/Friend.

Icky Thump

Icky Thump

Joined
Dec 8, 2011
Messages
4,071
My dads best friend. Former Navy pilot, F8 driver w/ over 180 combat missions (186, if I remember correctly). Involved in the destruction of a key bridge as well as the bombing of the Hanoi power plant. (two of his most proudest missions). Shot down and (Covering wing-man, who had been shot down, both by "air to ground" .He was evacuated within the hour, wing-man had been captured, whom he was there to meet seven years later in CA on his release and return).

Awarded many medals, including the Purple Heart. Flew for major airline upon leaving the Navy and since retired. Shared many great, some very sad stories that he shares with few. Still flies today, beautiful little Jabiru, Light Sport, been up many times w/ him. A very humble, intelligent American warrior and hero. Very proud to know him and call him a friend.

Upon entering the theater Navy pilots were sent to the Philippines for jungle survival/escape/evade training. (He referred to the coarse by name, I cant remember exactly) 10 days or two weeks, trained by a Filipino(s) instructors. Upon finishing the coarse, he was given a knife similar to the one he used and been trained w/ during his time there. I believe he said he had some input on the design. He flew w/ this knife on every mission along w/ his standard issue. (as well a Browning Hi Power w/ silencer "unofficially")

He found out that I was into knives. Brought it over one day, asked if I could clean it up. I couldn't bring myself to clean it up too much, too cool the history. Upon trying to return the blade he absolutely insisted I keep it..I refused many, many times..and he refused to take it back, w/ a grin. He knew he had tactical advantage, would not take is hands from his pockets..I graciously accepted.








Apologies for the horrible pics (rush job).

The blade feels very solid and balanced. Extremely honored to have been gifted the piece.

Thank you to all who have served.

Honor Memorial Day
 
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That's a Knife! Very nice story too. Thank You Vets for all the freedoms we take for granted everyday.
 
im sure you'll treasure that one Icky!!
Great story and thanks for telling it!
Joe
 
That's a priceless blade you have there. Thank you for the story and photos. Very cool design, too. Let us know if you find any more details about its specs and origins.
 
Powerful story & history behind this cool looking knife, & the warrior who carried it. I can't even begin to imagine, what must've been going through his mind once he realized he was shot down, & that adrenaline filled hour waiting to be recused. And the 7 years of hell that his wingman suffered, as a POW.

Thanks for sharing this, & thank you, to this Veteran pilot friend of yours, for his brave service in Viet Nam!

Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
 
Spartan00 said:
Does that knife have negrito bolo on it anywhere?
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It does not. Just "Philippines" Looks like it was done w/ an electric hand engraver.




Looks like 1/4' stock. (steel unknown, appears stainless?) Mics @ .250 at guard. (Distal taper, convex, 0 grind) .162 @middle spine, .055 @tip,, .030 just behind edge. Weighs at about 12 oz w/ sheath.

Balance is about 1.5-2' in front of guard.


Thanks for the words, fellas. Yes, I cherish this blade.
 
Looks like a Collins or case bowie . Looked it up and that's why I asked if it had stamped on it
 
Spartan00 said:
Looks like a Collins or case bowie . Looked it up and that's why I asked if it had stamped on it
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I had no idea of that history. I just spent some time researching, very cool stuff.

I dont think it is a Collins or Case or an original "Marine Raider" (how cool would that be). There is a lot of grinding on the blade, markings may have been removed, may very well have been a western produced blade left or traded between WW2 and Korea, modified by locals..High hopes maybe. Handle seems wooden, not horn or plastic.

Could be Asian produced blade, modified. Originally thought it was made in Philippines, ...now, I just dont know..but now am very curious.

Thanks for the heads up, Spartan.
 
Ickythump said:
I had no idea of that history. I just spent some time researching, very cool stuff.

I dont think it is a Collins or Case or an original "Marine Raider" (how cool would that be). There is a lot of grinding on the blade, markings may have been removed, may very well have been a western produced blade left or traded between WW2 and Korea, modified by locals..High hopes maybe. Handle seems wooden, not horn or plastic.

Could be Asian produced blade, modified. Originally thought it was made in Philippines, ...now, I just dont know..but now am very curious.

Thanks for the heads up, Spartan.
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I think it was probably hand made , because it's way to long or broad for a western w49 or marine raider Bowie.
Anyways that's a nice knife with a lot of history and a great story behind it, it seems a little big for a pilot to wear on his belt but still a nice capable blade.
 
Hickory n steel said:
I think it was probably hand made , because it's way to long or broad for a western w49 or marine raider Bowie.
Anyways that's a nice knife with a lot of history and a great story behind it, it seems a little big for a pilot to wear on his belt but still a nice capable blade.
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Thank you, sir.

No, I dont think its a western W?? anything, Could be wrong, but..And an original Marine Raider Bowie (machete)..No way, no how..Im not that lucky lol..Honestly, couldnt be worth more to me if it was..Honored to be its steward, all the same.

I believe he wore it on his inside lower leg. Im going to confirm that next time we get together. Im sure I did ask at one time... I was gifted this awhile ago, was waiting for the right time to share the knife story, if to share it at all..

Thanks again
 
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I have a twin to the OP knife, given to me by Naval Aviator who was the son of dear friends of my parents. He brought it home and gave it to me after his first tour to Vietnam. He was shot down in 1967 and was MIA for many years. In 1986 or thereabouts his remains were turned over to the US by the Vietnamese. He told me the knife was made from steel salvaged from WWII vehicles in the Philipines.
 
You know what I was saying was back in ww2 you had the same rifles and knives manufactures by different companies , sears even made some rifles just like Collins and case made that bowie. Possible maybe some place in over there was contracted to make it or maybe some pilot or soldier had the original and someone over there made replicas or the same style .

It's not backed up by anything I'm just brainstorming
 
explorer13421 said:
I have a twin to the OP knife, given to me by Naval Aviator who was the son of dear friends of my parents. He brought it home and gave it to me after his first tour to Vietnam. He was shot down in 1967 and was MIA for many years. In 1986 or thereabouts his remains were turned over to the US by the Vietnamese. He told me the knife was made from steel salvaged from WWII vehicles in the Philipines.
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Thank you for the post, info and validation explorer13421.

Sincere condolences for the loss of your family friend.

Naval Aviator. Indeed, would be the correct way to state that. Apologies for the faux pas.

I almost didnt post this as to the personal nature of a friends experiences, his stories to tell, so to speak. Seemed fitting this weekend. Stories of brave men who don't consider themselves so.
 
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