This was a topic posted by "trz" from Deptford, NJ, on October 5, and while we were doing our research the topic was unfortunately removed from the forum. I will restate the question:
"In 1953 Imperial made the newly designed Pilot Survival Knife for the US Navy Bureau of Aeronautics. It's design number was MIL-K-8662. These knives have been seen in surplus stores and knife shows over the years with "bent" thumb rest guards identical to the M3 knife of world War Two and also with straight guards. Which of the guards was the first type used? Trying to figure out which design was the original. Thanks. Frank."
Response: After extensive research and review of old engineering drawings and catalogs, we believe that the straight guard was first. The bent guard probably was post 1966.
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Tim Faust
Product Manager
www.schradeknives.com
"In 1953 Imperial made the newly designed Pilot Survival Knife for the US Navy Bureau of Aeronautics. It's design number was MIL-K-8662. These knives have been seen in surplus stores and knife shows over the years with "bent" thumb rest guards identical to the M3 knife of world War Two and also with straight guards. Which of the guards was the first type used? Trying to figure out which design was the original. Thanks. Frank."
Response: After extensive research and review of old engineering drawings and catalogs, we believe that the straight guard was first. The bent guard probably was post 1966.
------------------
Tim Faust
Product Manager
www.schradeknives.com