Knives of the airmen

[kirch]

I was reading a book tonight and, in referring to an Air National Guard helicopter crew gearing up for a water rescue mission, it said the crew was issued "mesh combat vests" with a knife, signal flares, and other survival gear attached. The book stated that it was the same one "U.S. airmen around the world wore." Being the knife knut that I am, I was wondering what kind of knife this is. Is it the traditional kabar designed for pilots or some other type of blade? Can any of you active duty or reserve knuts out there shed some light on this?

 

[AR15fan]

Airforce survival knife. curently produced for the US Govt by Camillus, sells for about $23.95.

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-Marine, Peace Officer, Gunsite EW1 Graduate.

 

[amalgam]

Used to get issued the orange pocketknives.
I think Camillus made those, too.

 

[bruce]

AR15fan is right. It is the pilot's survival knife that fits the mesh vest. Camillus has the current contract, I believe. It is the 5 inch blade, sawteeth, leather handle with the hex buttcap. You can see it in the Camillus catalog and also on their website, I think.

It became standard for pilots of all services (Army, Navy, Marines, AirForce, not sure about Coast Guard). How do I know? I used to issue the thing.

Bruce Woodbury

 

[kirch]

Thanks for the replies. I can once again sleep at night.