World War I Navy Issue Knife

cbr1000 said:
What's goin' on with the bail? Looks like a rope.. Braided metal?
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Not exactly, but it is forged to look like twisted rope, similar to the bolster detail.
But I have not seen one in person yet - sigh . . . . . . .
Like I said, I can't wait!!
 
Stunning! I have never seen something like this but it is just amazing! I will be keeping my eyes open to find something like this for sale! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful piece of history
 
I have a larger sailor's knife similar the the larger one you posted Charlie but not as old, certainly not 1st WW vintage.
It's a Millers Brothers but she's missing the bail but it does have nice bone!! :D
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Dave
 
Oooooweee! That's a Honey of a knife Dave.

That Bail detail will be interesting Charlie! What I am planning is if the Bail does come out the norm- to see if I can get one manufactured to look like a twisted Rope. Maybe I'm dreaming I may not be able to get hold of one of these yet?
 
Real nice Miller Brothers, Dave!!
Hoo Haa!
 
OMG!! All the way back to page 4!:eek:
See if you can follow this thread! I don't mean to string you along! The sailor's knives are in the works!!
I am hoping to get your knowledge and accord!
What was it like to be a sailor around WWI?
Leading up to that war, large steam turbine-driven steel battleships required less and less rigging and rope work. Consequently, the sailor's personal knife shrank in size, and changed purpose.
For instance, a grooming/manicure blade was added.
What do you think?
Have I roped you in? Do these questions tie in with your interests?

Help me whip this body of knowledge into ship-shape! Dance the Hornpipe!
Eat your Spinach!!:D
 
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The manicure blade seems an odd addition at first. My uncle was a sailor in the British Navy shortly after WW2, mainly on HMS Bulwark. I remember when I was a kid, him telling me that part of their daily inspection was showing their nails, they had to pay particular attention to them. I have absolutely no idea why, maybe it was some hangover from the days of checking for scurvy, as they checked the appearance of the 'moons', who knows? Maybe it was one of those things, like whitening stones, just something to take up time. In the British Army today, there are still very formalised rules about certain aspects of personal hygiene, all part of being in the forces.Perhaps one of our naval veterans might have an idea?



 
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[video=youtube;c7WYKJaCrg8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7WYKJaCrg8[/video]
 
The uniforms are pretty spiffy!
Thanks for the pics, Jack.
It would be tough finding an issue folder in old Navy pictures!
 
waynorth said:
The uniforms are pretty spiffy!
Thanks for the pics, Jack.
It would be tough finding an issue folder in old Navy pictures!
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Yes indeed! You're welcome Charlie, hoped they might be of interest :thumbup: The Popeye cartoon was only released to the general public in 2003! :eek: I'm still looking, but yeah, it's a struggle! :D :thumbup:
 
Apparently Stokers, Coal Passers, and others working with coal frequently had stained fingernails! Possibly the reason for the manicure blade?

As for the carrying of the knife, the 1897 US Navy uniform regulations state that a knife lanyard was to be issued to all sailors for the purpose of carrying the issue knife. It was to be:

Of bleached white cotton. To be flat sennit, one-half (1/2) to nine-sixteenths (9/16) of an inch wide, tightly laid up; to have a turk's head slide; and to be long enough, when around the neck, to allow the knife to be used with arm extended.
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The lanyard was worn around the neck, and the knife tucked into the front breast pocket.

You can see them being carried on the USS New York, during an evening's entertainment in 1900.



And even one in use! :eek:

 
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These other photos from the same period show the lanyards more clearly.



 
Any excuse to show off my British Admiralty Pattern 301 from the same period! ;)

 
Great old photos Jack. Thanks for posting! Those were undoubtedly some hardy, hardworking men laboring intensely under all sorts of conditions.

The man standing second from left looks to be wearing a campaign hat, so I assume he's a Marine?

The man standing on the left looks like he has stitches along his left jaw. I'm sure ghastly injuries weren't only associated with fighting.



Jack Black said:
These other photos from the same period show the lanyards more clearly.



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