British Army Knives

looking at the British army jungle knife, and 3 clasp knives, one of which is dated 1945.

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

Your British MOD # 4 fixed blade is made from 1095 steel / Sheffield steel and is the best military issue true survival blade ever made as well as one of the best production survival knives ever made . You may want to try a fine tooth file to establish the initial edge and you should be able to maintain that edge with a good stone or butchers sharpening steel . Glue some 80 grit sandpaper to a board to establish the edge and make the handle flush with the steel which will be far more comfortable on your hand after long use . Handle material is typically walnut and there are later models which use a synthetic "fiber" material . The issue sheath is shit in my opinion and mine has a sheath made from heavy harness leather . The original "wear on the left side with the retaining loop facing backwards " was so the retainer would not get snagged on brush or other objects , keeping the knife secure . A handgun was worn on the right side of the web belt . I have the other folders which you have and the can opener has been filed razor sharp and works fine for opening cans / "tins" and as a wire stripper and other uses . Your older folder is an EXCELLENT blade to this day . The can opener has been referred to as a "sail ripper" which was used to cut heavy canvas material as well as opening tinned food . Once again ... small file . Marlin spikes -> It isn't just naval personnel who had / have to undo knots in rope / cordage and wire . A lot of army guys have to as well . I enjoyed your video Scotsman 762 and ATB from an old Yank .

[@scotsman7626]

Master Tracker wow thanks a lot dude! I that's a lot of info, I'm pretty surprised you say walnut, I wouldn't have thought it to be walnut, glad you in joyed the video🙂

[@theplayer2286]

Excellent points made by SAR Tracking Re: The term ‘jack knife.’ This denotes the fact that the knife was originally used by the ‘senior service,’ ie the Royal Navy. No doubt it was also used in the Merchant Navy. This is given away by the design. The Sheep’s Foot blade is ideal for cutting rope (and equally well designed so as to avoid accidentally stabbing in a rough sea or deliberately stabbing in a rough bar). The term ‘jack’ refers to the colloquial term for sailor (ie ‘jolly jack tar’) The British army were also issued with this same knife. One of the most important elements of the knife for the solider was the can opener. It was used for opening the cans issued ‘bully beef’ (of which more later). Re: Knots. You mentioned that the purpose of the marling-spike was for dealing with knots. This is on the right lines. It was actually designed (for the navy) for the purpose of splicing rope. It is to recalled that rope is made for different strands of cordage. Splicing is a method of lengthening a rope by entwining its strands with another rope of the same size (ie thickness). In order to make a ‘short splice’ the strands were unlaid, married and passed through with the assistance of a marling-spike, over one strand, under the next, twice each way. The loose ends were then cut loose. By such a method two ropes were joined as one. The above has an obvious application for rigging. Hence also the meaning of the old expression ‘to get spliced’ (ie to get married). Marling (also stated as ‘marline’ or ‘marlin’) was originally from the Dutch ‘marren’ - to bind and ‘lign’ meaning ‘line.’ Splicing was also of great use in the British army. Prior to WW1 transportation of wagons, artillery etc was horse drawn. Ropes (and their binding) were a key part of this process. However, not all soldiers necessary dealt with horses. Hence two service jack knives were introduced. One with a marling-spike, one without. Re: Can openers. One should not forget that the can was invented a long time before the (regular) can opener. The first can of food can be traced to around 1772. The first UK patent for a can opener was in 1855 and in the US it was 1858. The first type of can-opener is a small blade. You can see a good example of this ‘Type 1’ of the Second World War SOE-OSS escape knife (qv). Many thought that it was designed for slashing tyres! No, it was for opening tins of bully beef dropped or landed from allied aircraft. The knife-blade can -opeiner was replace by the ‘split blade’ (‘Type 2’) which is found on all the other knives in your collection. It is also found on the original Swiss Army Knife of 1891. This, in turn, was replaced (post-war I believe), by the ‘Type 3,’ which was a split blade combined with a bottle opener. This can be found on British army jack knives produced in the 1950s. The ‘Type 4’ is the ‘Wenger’ style can opener. This is found on the current model of the jack knife and I believe it was introduced in the 1960s. The steel is pretty comparable to AUS6. The only problem is that the hardening (which, in many ways, is just a as important as the steel) is pretty awful. Still, I completely agree with what SAR Tracker states about the 1095 MOD Survival Knife. Once you have customised it, a fantastic bit of kit. Boring...... but true!

[@AbuHajarAlBugatti]

The current german one is definitely the best. Has great saw, able to open onehanded, better steel, liner lock, ergonomic handles, halfway lightly toothed mainblade vor cookingtasks, better can opener

[@baobo67]

@@AbuHajarAlBugatti Yes the German one is good but they left the tweezers and tooth pick of the army issue model. A major shortcoming is the Philips screw driver which has no reach and would be more useful mounted at either end. The single handed opening lock blade is brilliant. but the can/tin opener is too small for other than emergency use. Cheers.

[@billballbuster7186]

"Beat Survival Knife Made" that is bullshit ! Its a short machette or wood chopper rather than true survival knife it. is made of 1095 steel but is only hardened to about 53-54 Rockwell Best sharpened with a file. The handle is very uncomfortable and you hands would ta ke a beating if using this junk for any length of time. Less said about food preparation, bushcraft and other tasks expected from a true survival knife

[@albertgrover2735]

When I was a kid (I was born in 1950 . . . ) Army knives were everywhere - my Dad had a couple of the ones with the cross-hatched black grips - and everybody used them. When I was maybe 10, I bought one of the flat stainless steel knives in your first demo from a government surplus shop in Brook Street in Chester; if memory serves they cost about 2/6d (12.5 of our modern pence) and still had their packing grease on them - evidently never issued. It had the cutting blade and the can-opener but no marlin spike - I wasn't aware that they had that option. The can opener did work very well - it seemed to have a finer edge than yours - but the blade was blunt, as is yours. I spent many hours with oilstones getting an edge on that blade and did indeed get it to razor sharpness - it lived in my fishing tackle box for many years and if I'm not mistaken it's still in with my fishing gear even though I haven't fished for years. Many thanks for an informative video, and especially for bringing those memories of happier times back to me; the days when kids could carry a knife without helicopters and SWAT teams descending from the skies, and when shopkeepers would sell a knife to a 10-year-old without the notion that he would turn into a serial killer . . . :D

[@gionncaomhinmorpheagh4791]

I've heard that "jack-knives" are no longer issued to British Army squaddies. However, that wasn't the case when I joined the RAMC at the beginning of 1966. The knife I got (and all the rest of our troop) was the same as the second one you showed. It had the Bakelite handles and that strange-looking can opener, which actually worked surprisingly well. Incredibly, my knife was wrapped in greased paper, in pristine condition and was dated 1941! The blade was very dull and, when I got to a working unit, the fellas in the LAD stroked it across a bench-grinder a few times, then told me to take it to our Sapper carpenter who finished off the job, putting a razor edge on it which the knife held for a very long time. I never used the marlinspike, which we all initially thought was for digging stones out of horses' hooves, but the tough, sharp blade and the robust can-opener provided sterling service and never let me down once out on scheme. I passed the knife on to my son in 1979 when he went camping for the first time and he refused to give it back to me, so I guess he's "inherited" it now and he still has it. Thanks very much for the interesting and informative video. It brought back a lot of memories. MsG

[@krissyramsey3934]

Thank you for your service

[@notwocdivad]

I was given a couple of knives by my Father in law, an ex Royal Marine. One is the same as the black British knife the other is the same as the completely metal knife, the one I have is dated 1916 and has Canada inscribed on it. He told me his Father who was in the first world war swapped it with a Canadian soldier? I don't know what he gave for it. He used to say the spike was used by the cavalrymen to clean out the horses hooves as well as puncturing cans, wine bottle corks, Germans etc, etc.

[@MrPlownds26]

I still have in my tool bag, what my Dad called a "Ministry of supply knife".Apparently the W.W.1 version was bigger.

[@rattytattyratnett]

A marlin spike is used primarily for separating strands of rope or wire when splicing.

[@diogenesegarden5152]

Rattytatty also handy for undoing D shackles when your hands are cold and wet, or when the shackle has been done up tight, bent or damaged.

[@jonathanwalker8730]

It's weird how few people know that. But it is good for making holes in things generally. And getting stones out of the treads of your boots.

[@gunner678]

I thought it was for getting boy scouts out of horses hooves!

[@gunner678]

@@jonathanwalker8730 no, it for getting boy scouts out of horses hooves. Lol

[@jimreilly6933]

Growing up in Scotland in the 1950 to 60's every kid on the block or housing scheme seemed to have one of these black handled jack knives on his belt. A lot of them were in good knick but most were on the rusty side. They could be purchased from the local army surplus store. But as kids we mostly found them on garbage sites etc. I lost all five of mine over the years but found on at a local garage sale here in Ontario Canada for around 50 Cents. Totally rusted up so I had to do a bit of deoxidizing and polishing.

[@jimmylincoln4082]

I’m 52 years old and I got my first pen knife at 8 years old , if you bought a knife for a kid now you’d have the police round your house . And they say kids grow up quicker now

[@jimreilly6933]

@@jimmylincoln4082 At eight years old at the end of the fifties all the kids games were based on the war which had just ended fifteen years prior. Every kid wanted to kill a German. The other great theme for kids games at that time was of course the old cowboy and Indian's lark. I meant to add that when we all grew up in the seventies and eighties we all wanted to "be a German" owing to the fantastic life style most West Germans had in comparison to the abject poverty in the west of Scotland.

[@KuukkeliBushcraft]

I have a Belgian army knife from the 50s that looks just like your old British army folder. Nice video buddy.

[@jimmyrustler8983]

I have a Belgian one too, dated 1951. Great knives. 👍

[@aeromech8563]

The Royal engineers, REME and signals were issues the knives the Marlin spike used as others have said for working rope and cables the can opener used mainly for oil cans not food cans hence the size! Great knives I still have a couple and my everyday one has a razor sharp edge seriously you can shave with these. They are made by Sheffield based Joseph Rogers. The screw driver was used on the WW2 knife for the Lee Enfield screws. A very versatile knife and great EDC blade.

[@simonh6371]

I was in R Signals early 90s and only Linemen were issued clasp knives. Believe it or not at that time most soldiers - including infantry - didn't take any knife into the field, only issued bayonets, and our Signals detachments had a machete on each vehicle for clearing vegetation to enable us to drive into a location. I purchased an old style German Army knife (a Victorinox) privately and carried that but most guys didn't have any folding knife.

[@inregionecaecorum]

I can remember back in the day trading for one of those in the playground. It had the black scales and the marlin "pig sticker" spike and it seemed to my youthful enthusiasm to be a beast of knife. I guess it was probably genuine WW2 issue as this was back in the 60s before fakes and reproductions became a thing. I don't have a clue what happened to it however as in my latter days I am a confirmed SAK man.

[@gunner678]

42 years ago I lost my issue pocket knife the day the bugger was issued to me lol. I carried a large lock knife instead, shackled to me with a lanyard. It served me well for 23 years and to this day. I still get angry about losing that bloody knife. Good little video. The wood looks like stained beech wood. Very durable and tough.

[@NGMonocrom]

You take the can-opener on that vintage WW2 model, you stab the tip into the side of the can near the top of the lid. As close as you can get. Then you push in a bit, and go all around the can from the side of the can until the top comes off. Although yes, it looks like a bit of the tip might have broken off at one point.

[@MrMZaccone]

The difference between those can openers is that one is a "pull" and one is a "push". Of course, they're going to be different sizes.

[@julianpetkov8320]

They probably had cans to match in the navy. It is a lot better and more solid tool than the Swiss Army knife, in my opinion.

[@MrMZaccone]

@@julianpetkov8320 As I said, one is designed to be "pulled" around the can and one is designed to be "pushed" around the can. The former is just easier.

[@herbert9324]

The reason sheep's foot blades are popular with sailors is because if you drop it from the top of a mast or something, it doesn't kill the person it lands on like a pointed blade would. Indeed they used to snap the tips off the knives sailors brought on board if they intended to use them.

[@stuartbutler9391]

Good morning sir, I have the locking version and the can opener has a less pronounced hook part and works superbly as I'm a lefty. Opens a can with less goes than the Swiss army one.ATB👍👍👍

[@scotsman7626]

Good morning to you too, I've seen the locking version buy I personally see no point in having it since I can't carry it. As for the can opener, I much prefer the Swiss army knife over these, that said it's fun to use these from time to time🙂

[@billballbuster7186]

The Stainless steel "British Army Knife" is a repro and not issued. The actual issue knives had just blade and can opener, some later ones were sandblasted for a mall finish. Those with marlin spike were Royal Navy. The WWII knife is complete, the can opener is not broken, just more difficult to use. The older knives are much better, the stainless ones were very poor steel and easily bent or broke. I traded mine for a US Army pocket knife made by Camillus which was much better quality an had it for many years, still see them on e=bay. The American fighting knives are great too USAF Pilot Survival and USMC Kabar. I had those too.

[@terryevans2411]

Give me an old British army knife to a Swiss any day

[@magusbernie8161]

The giant can opener was invented in Caledonia for use with bulky gloves in Artic-like environments. The Yanks old can openers were designated P-38 & P-39, the latter of which was over two times bigger for the same reason as found on your knife

[@TheScramble8]

My dad gave me a black handled folder just like in the thumbnail when I was a boy. I remember not being grateful of it and traded it with my mate. Such a little pr1ck. I wish I had it know.

[@derekhughes9274]

You'll find the can opener was for soldered ammunition tins issued by the British armed forces pre ww1.

[@sarahwinterbottom6266]

I had one of these British army knife which mysteriously disappeared ,I did use the the flat head swewdriver on the knife to open bottle caps ,

[@scotsman7626]

Using the screw driver to open bottles is a new one to me.

[@gunner678]

These knives have a mind of their own. I have never heard of anyone who had one issued and managed to keep it longer than a few months. I think my knife ran away with all my missing socks!

[@jimmylincoln4082]

Great video and very interesting, a lot of great comments too 👍

[@sauceymistersausages]

I had an mod knife issued in the late 80's. The oversized wooden handle could be trimmed/sanded down so you didn't get any hot spots whilst working with them. The knife with the marlin spike has a screwdriver flat blade this was perfect for adjusting the sights on an SLR mate

[@Peter-lm3ic]

When I served in the infantry during the 1950’s we were issued the knife with blade, screwdriver, can and bottle opener but without the marlin spike. It was said at the time the knives with the marlin spike were only issued to the Royal Engineers and like technical units it was said for splicing wire and hemp ropes.

[@cozmcwillie7897]

I've got one of those with the black handle. It has one blade and the spike. I bought it in the Army Surplus Store of Dalkeith in the 1960's. I had no idea they were issued to the army or navy. Thanks.

[@stuartbutler9391]

I have "the pig" as well which after many hours on a 600grit stone and probably a thousand or more strokes on a strip is now shave sharp. Fantastic tool. AgainATB👍👍👍

[@scotsman7626]

I've never heard of it being called the pig, but I've conciderd doing something similar as well as regrinding the blade, but I mostly like to keep them close to factory condition.

[@simondickinson2154]

Anything coming out of Sheffield is going to be quality. Sheffield is the centre of the universe.

[@AnitaMF98]

Ibach, Solingen, Albacete ...

[@astrazenica7783]

Lol, Sheffield is a shit hole

[@vic6820]

The earlier, original MOD knife made my Wilkinson Sword, looks similar at first glance to these ones, but it it is much more refined with a thinner blade towards the point and a more comfortable handle. They are very rare though. That being said, the one you have can take a real beating.

[@nickgent3821]

A popular knife for special forces and marines was the standard royal navy fixed blade rigging knife the Pussers Dirk. Discrete high carbon steel with a simple leather sheath that partly covers the scales.

[@davidsiegel9847]

I have the same clasp knife. Indeed, many pocket knives in a number of countries were once shipped dull. That aside, I have come to love this model. Once sharpened, and the can opener worked a bit to loosen, it is excellent all-purpose kit. The blade can be opened with thumb & forefinger even in rain and chill, with gloves, if not too thick. The can opener gets easy to pinch open also with thumb & forefinger--after opening the blade. Imperfect yes, but not a tactical knife. The marlin spike I use often in light rope work. I reuse found cordage, and undo many knots and tangles. The can opener tip I honed slightly, as a useful sharp poking tool. Not a modern or fashionable knife. But for the £20 +postage I paid I love it. And a strong back spring with no lock makes it legal to carry anywhere save for schools and government buildings. Our knife laws are almost like England & Wales, but not quite as strict as Scotland. We are allowed up to 10cm non-locking blades. And the police do not bother with multitools or clearly non-tactical blades. Hikers and wild campers are left alone. But Leatherman start at 50 or 60% over Yankee prices, well over £20! Anyway, I love the plain, bulky older British military knives from the days of mules, horses, rope, leather straps, and canvas tents. Some are in use by ex-soldiers and civilians for 20, 30, or more years. Sturdy, and no finger nails needed. I live 300 meters from the salty Mediterranean, and walk the beach all the time. Not a bit of rust. Also great kit in my pipe box for fiddling with chanter reeds and rehemping drone joints. Thanks for the review. I enjoyed it. Not Scots, but I have been everywhere from the Cheviots to the Western Isles, Orknies, and points in between . Cheer, -Davíd in Haifa.

[@scotsman7626]

Nice to hear someon getting so much use out knives like these, I usely prefer to carry a Swiss army knife or other multi tool myself but I do love these knives too.

[@davidsiegel9847]

@@scotsman7626 I have many Swiss army knives, too. But the durability and simplicity of some older knives is best for me. But I do love my Victorinox Ranger as well.

[@inregionecaecorum]

@@davidsiegel9847 You cannot get a better quality value for money knife than an SAK. Don't ask me how they do it, something to do with cuckoo clocks. However old Sheffield penknifes are not bad for what they are. You can pay silly money for them, or you can just find them in car boot sales or wherever. I still have a Joseph Rogers pruner I picked up in the Birmingham flea marked decades ago.

[@brodon4886]

Fantastic video. Good comments too.

[@davidsmith2356]

I had one similar when I was serving in the 70’s, Issued. That and a long Gollack, which was always blunt...

[@anthonydeacon881]

Golok. Always blunt! That's why they were known as 'tree beaters'. 😉 The handles are pretty crap and uncomfortable in extended hard use, but the whole thing can be improved with a bit of modification, time and effort spent. Still, not anywhere near as good as proper parangs/goloks from Indonesia/Malaysia.

[@julianpetkov8320]

@@anthonydeacon881 I had one Australian Army issue. Oh my god! The blade was crinkled, it had an axe edge and the straight handle transferred every joule of vibration and stress to my arm. They were only $12 - $20 during the 80s. Now, they seem to be made out of gold. :D I don't think they are fixable. The Condor parangs look like the real thing but Condor also make the British/Australian golok. Not sure why. Maybe because bushcrafters are buying the surplus for $200. :D

[@geneard639]

Looking over other comments... yeah, the can opener is shipped unsharpened same as the blade for several reasons. Forcing the end user to create the sharpened blade and can opener is a good training event so the person can both learn to form a proper edge and instill some respect on how hard it is to get the edge on the unsharpened blade. Also, the can opener is huge because its intended to open tinned ammo more than food rations. Food is now in MRE pouches... and the older folding knife can opener is perfectly fine, its just a 'bayonet' style can opener.

[@stirlingmw]

We had these issued to us in the RN too (late 80’s). The blade and marlin spike during basic training and the large knife whilst on board ship as part of the mine sweeping rigging set. Not sure if either are issued anymore.

[@kevinbrindley7275]

I have an old British army knife and I believe you use the can opener by pushing the point into the top of the can near the edge and use the blunt part as a leaver and pull the point through the can while working your around the can top

[@davidwhyte7713]

I was in the Royal Engineers and was issued the silver clasp knife or jack knife as it was known great bit of kit only issue was it did not lock and I still have the scars to show when patience and thought was not used and it closed on my hand/fingers 😖

[@mylesmooney7505]

I got issued the black seaman’s knife in the Irish navy... it was only for kit inspections only , the spike was for opening D shackles.

[@raihanwinata5329]

Excuse me sir Do you have license for that knife?

[@bobjuniel8683]

The World War 1 Australian Army had a simple knife, the main blade and a Pig Sticker as it was nick named. I believe the spike was to force open rope knots. Some said it was to remove stones from horses hooves. A multi purpose tool. A 7” or 18cm folding blade would have made more sense as it could serve as a weapon, but the Light Horse had bayonets for their rifles, a far superior weapon, so I guess these were only for ropes.

[@georgenewlands9760]

My Dad’s WW2 British army knife was the same, just a blade and marlin spike.

[@bobjuniel8683]

George Newlands 👍🇬🇧🇦🇺

[@stevelumby8260]

I got my of my dad 35 yrs back my fav knive

[@MrDDiRusso]

I think the British government is afraid of sharp knives. 😉

[@georgenewlands9760]

@Schwalbe262 You were obviously never in Glasgow in the early 60s.

[@MegaBoilermaker]

A similar knife was also carried in most ship's lifeboat stores.

[@inregionecaecorum]

WRT to John Adams co Sheffield, I have purchased a number of blades off them and had some interesting conversations over the phone. Alas Jack Adams, one of the old time "little mesters" passed on a few years back.

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Yes it looks like a captain cutler type knife use by yachtsmen and royal navy. The tin opener is a bottle opener hence it's not sharp. The second one I remember my grandfather had and used from WWI the tin opener takes a bit of practice. Hope it helps.

[@Doubledig]

'The Sheffield Genuine British Army Clasp Knife has been made by Joseph Rogers in Sheffield since the mid-1800's and the design has not changed much since then mainly because it is an effective and hard working tool with enough versatility to perform your most important tasks. It has a non-locking sheepsfoot blade, a can opener, a marlin spike for untying knots and a screwdriver/pry. £36.95 - Heinnie Haynes.

[@michaeldennis1021]

MOD survival knife issued to royal marines commandos for artic warfare training in Norway . Worn on the left because our weapon is on the right hand side...

[@TheDangerworm]

Still got my issued knife , Joseph Rodgers of Sheffield is stamped on the blade . My knife just has the blade and can opener . Also stamped on it is the numbers 412 and an arrow

[@jacksimper5725]

Your survival knife was standard issue in RAF ejection seat survival packs at least in the 70`s 80`s ,probably still is . The only downside is the holster which is so thin as to break off at the neck and no means to tie to leg so it flaps about . But for a general heavy duty knife even to chop down thick saplings it is ideal.

[@leighrate]

You can put a decent edge on them. I did mine by flattening the bevel with a diamond stone. Needs to be diamond because that steel is pretty hard.

[@51WCDodge]

You used to be able pick up old army knives litterally for pennies.I have three that I've bought or found ove rthe years, now relegated to the draw since the Leatherman came on the scene.

[@johnvelas70]

can opener works fine, blade is good soft steel you can strop it on the heel of your hand, I learned to like tea while in Iraq sharpening these for a few Brits.

[@B_R_WG]

I still have my more basic 446 version with Crow's Foot marking … … no Marlin Spike … “ Oil the Joints “ …. made by Warriss Sheffield in 1952 … and issued to me in the early 1960’s … it is still in excellent condition .

[@greifinn24]

I bought mine in an army surplus shop in about 1966 when i was a boy scout, used it for 20 years in the northsea when i was a fisherman. The blade keeps a very sharp edge , though it was a constant battle with rust due to salt water, and i often hit the back of the blade with anything handy to cut through tough nylon and rope. The knife is still in good shape and i now use it in my voluntary work in forestry . I always thought it was called a jack knife?

[@inregionecaecorum]

Come to think of it, that is what dad called it.

[@southerncomfort7490]

Answer: Yes, it is called a Jack Knife. Why? Because it was originally a knife that was issued to the Senior Service, ie The Royal Navy. Hence the Marlin Spike (for splicing rope (sheets), ie for making a loop in a sheet be weaving the strand ends so that another sheet may pass through the newly created 'eye'), and the Sheepsfoot blade for cutting sheets. What were sailors called in the British Navy? They were called 'Jack Tars'. The 'tar' referred to the preservative tar that sailors had to apply to the sheets to keep them in good order. As a consequence sailors often looked almost as black as coal miners after they had had a busy day with the rigging. The equivalent army expression is a 'Tommy'. This was short for 'Tommy Atkins,' the latter being the example name show to soldiers in 1914 when filling out their signing-on papers. By the way, have you noticed how we described articulated lorries that skid across themselves as having 'jack knived'? It refers to the appearance of the knife when it is partially out of the body of the knife. Boring.... but true!

[@inregionecaecorum]

@@southerncomfort7490 That all makes perfect sense. It is hard to see what practical use Tommy Atkins would have for a Marlin spike, but Jack Tar, yes.

[@garywheble4534]

Ever had trouble poerning a amo can from the 1950s well there made of a tin can wrapped in a wooden box screwed together the tin can had a seal like on a spam can and used the same method to open it so lose the screw driver and the key breakes enter the clasp knife

[@philipwest6331]

Does anyone know when the MOD stopped issuing these? I joined in 1966 and they were not issued then. Presumably they were not issued with sharp blades to prevent further 'defence cuts'?

[@stalwart263]

They were still issued in the 1990s but only to Cpls and above in my regiment. It was thought sufficient for one man in eight to have one. I am curious to know if this is still the case.

[@davidcooper6704]

I have one of these all steel knives and can confirm they were issued to the military. Mine has a blade, screwdriver and a can opener only. The side of the knife is marked as follows:- "J H Thompson, Cutlery Ltd, Sheffield, CC1286". The second stamp is "the WD broad arrow,1953, oil the joints". The third stamp is "432 and another WD broad arrow". This may be an issue number. The blade and the can opener have no marks. Yours is a much later version (still available, new for £32.95) and made for non military use although it appears to be of the same quality as the original. I purcahsed mine for very little money from a surplus store in the late 60s or early 1970s, which at that time sold only genuine militarysurplus. Despite being well oiled it is still difficult to open the can opener.

[@scotsman7626]

That's interesting, I didn't know these where made for non military use

[@davidcooper6704]

@@scotsman7626 Yes, they are still available, new, from Heinnie Haynes and Ray Mears Bushcraft and Woodlore. All military issue is stamped with the War dept. broad arrow as I described. This applies to utility knives, weapons and even mess tins and cutlery.

[@misssarahwinterbottom7773]

im not sure but i believe the big knife is carried on the left so it dosant interfere when carrying your rifle on your right, and if it was carried on your chest you would draw it from the sheath in the right orientation

[@Jimmie16]

Actually, the little pocket knife at the start is designed to be worn on a lanyard outside your pocket and it's a Royal Engineers Jacknife. I'm not sure but I think you might live in or near Glasgow, if that's true there are thousands of ex military and hundreds of royal Engineers in the area who would be willing sources of info regarding anything military. The older version with the black scales the can opener was for oil cans or ammo boxes.

[@johnwilliams9240]

The survivable knives where original made for aircrew. One was in a Aircraft survival pack. I have one I picked up in Belize, they where originally made by Wilkinson and Rodgers two Sheffield firms. John .

[@captainscarlet6758]

I just came across this video. I had to buy my own knife from a company called silvermans in East London. I was a serving soldier in the early 80s. We were not issued a knife back then. The marlin spike can also be used for removing stones from horses hooves. I still have mine made in 1952. The blade is a bit worn down but I like to carry it. The can opener also works very well. Just saying. I bet my leatherman supertool won't last as long. Nice video though

[@simonh6371]

Remember Silvermans, also Survival Aids, as in the 80s and early 90s a lot of iss kit was not the best and we used to spend exhorbitant amounts on things like Norgies, BCB Crusader cups and the like which I believe are now standard issue. Clasp knives weren't issued late 80s/early 90s either in units I served in except to Linemen in Royal Signals, as they had to deal with rope as well as cables. I imagine also Royal Engineers had these issued.

[@msee383]

Place the spik of can opener in top or side and use the top as lever to run the opener around the can to take top off.

[@yfelwulf]

The folding Knife issued to every Commonwealth Soldier and never used or carried.

[@leonardoflores4362]

Good video!! Greetings from argentina!! By the way ;alba an eigh!!💪❤👍

[@nolanwebster1039]

There's a lot of reviews of the Joseph Rodgers knives coming unsharpened out of the box. I've also read rumors that the factory purposely makes them that way because back in the day soldiers/sailors were trained to sharpen their knives. However, I recently got one that came fairly sharp out of the box. Maybe I got a "lemon"! 😃 lol

[@scotsman7626]

Huh interesting, I didn't think of that. I think the are ground by hand so I'd think there would be a variation on sharpness now that I think about it.

[@samsum3738]

The can opener can be used as ripping tool .

[@myimorata7678]

I have two. One has the manufacturer's stamp on the heel of BOTH the blade and the can opener. The other has the stamp on the heel of the blade ONLY. My question to all of you is: is this discrepancy indicative of one being a knock-off or imitation? Thanks to all!

[@t.d7876]

Surely the Fairbairn sykes counts as a British Army knife?

[@lesedwards936]

The old knife can opener was made to stick in and push forward whilst levering up to open cans because of the thickness of the old tins etc and the newer ones work by levering of the lip of the can and working backwards

[@scotsman7626]

Les Edwards that's interesting, I assume then that this opener will open modern cans?

[@lesedwards936]

scotsman762 yes it will still open today’s cans it’s just the older cans where thicker tin

[@lesliemagson6431]

Hi i have the same ww2 army knife maxe in 1947 i think thats the date..the can opener etc is the same as yours.

[@thomasharrison6367]

My navy issue knife was the same as your heinnie haynes one but it had a small flat head screwdriver at the bale end

[@scotsman7626]

It seems there are many knives like it out there, both military and civilian.

[@raybritton2923]

The WW2 issue knife is damaged just as you say. It should have a nib at the end of the tin opener, and should have a bottle opener on the same blade. It sounds as though you are saying the knives have a 'merlin' spike. The spikes are 'marlin' spikes.

[@grahamparr4710]

There is nothing missing from the can opener, the grind on the sheath knife is a chisel grind.

[@scotsman7626]

Don't think it's a chisel grind because it's ground on both sides.

[@richardallan455]

No, its Sabre ground I have one.

[@tacitusthehistories5417]

Concerning the sheath, I've seen companies offer sheaths for the right handed as well as the left. 18% of the American population is left handed and left handed folks have green money in their pockets too. Text the vendor and I'm sure you can get the appropriate sheath. A great project would be to make your own sheath. Make it your own by adding a wet stone. A fire starter. A leatherman or a smaller knife such as a German military knife with a long blade, excellent saw (building a snare trap) and awe (leather/fabric repair). Excellent video. You didn't waste my time. Semper Fidelis. Go Boris! Kick EU butt!

[@carltonbirds]

Very lovely and you.

[@suzukinez]

Very interesting I had one of the older black ones (1945) passed to me as a scout by my late dad I’m guessing it was from his national service ,,,,,,always wondered what’s the spike for?

[@scotsman7626]

Knot work but I'm sure there is s possibility other things it can be used for.

[@paulmeakin3376]

It's called a marlin spike used by the senior service (Royal Navy) for splicing ropes. Or by the scottish members of the SAS for picking there nose or removing dingle berries

[@simongee8928]

'Don't come sharp'. It's very rare for any knife to arrive from the factory sharp. The factory finish bevel on the blade is too steep and needs the buyer to then sharpen it properly.

[@andys7733]

The mod 3 is on the left so you don't have to take your hand off your rifle mate

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

Correct Andy and the handgun is worn on the right side of the web belt . ATB

[@mecho68]

Interesting to see how britts are conceiving and manufacturing knives for the army .

[@donwright3427]

What era are the knifes with ebony sides on them

[@rushedandlost]

I would buy one of these if the can opener was useful. I would carry it when going outdoors for the day.

[@simongee8928]

I usually carry the s/steel flat model and the can opener works well, as do the other components.

[@fullflavor5]

Frost Cutlery makes a pretty decent copy of these for less than $20 that's actually a pretty good knife....

[@richardmcginnis5344]

the sheath is made for the left because most people are right handed and that would be the side for their sidearm pistol or whatever

[@scotsman7626]

Richard Mcginnis That makes sense, thank you.

[@clarky4492]

A lansky sharpening system...razor sharp

[@scotsman7626]

I have a lansky system, honestly not a fan.

[@iunderw2]

The two 3 piece army knives are made by Eggintons bros. in Sheffield

[@srspower]

12:50 get a block of wood and glue a piece of tan leather on to it. Then get some chisel sharpening compound or my favourite 'new blue' and cover the leather on the rough side. Then hold the bevel flat on it and rub back and fourth until it looks like a mirror. Repeat on the other side. It will shave then.

[@gunner678]

What's wrong with a stone?

[@davidbradley6040]

How do you have trouble sharpening a sheepsfoot blade? Its the easiest blade to sharpen

[@168Diplomat]

On your MOD knife use diamonds the diamond sharpeners. It is what I used on mine then ceramic stone and strop. Mine will shave the hair off of your are easily every time

[@charliebowen5071]

Left handed carry... you carry your pistol on your right side.. that’s why they are issued this way

[@johnmckinney1493]

A friend just gave me the black wwll one. Love it and all I did to it was oil it and rub it down.

[@hubertrobinson8825]

Use a fine flat file to sharpen that knife it does a better job than an oil stone to me

[@lukeearthwalker7970]

Wow, somebody think you need open 200liter barrel with it.

[@kampuskop]

Because your pistol will be on your right side.

[@williamruddlesdin5296]

I have only ever seen the survival knife in Norway training when I served, it had a dpm issued sheath and was a Signed for item which was handed back to stores with the rest of special to theatre equipment, British army soldiers are not actually issued with a personal knife nowadays I believe they were in ww2, you can get issued them through the stores system but it has to have a justification to be issued and the stores folk usually don't like issuing anything if they can get away with it, even exchanging normal standard issue non shiney item worn or damaged items is a painful experience, only ever seen the clasp knife without the marlin spike issued when in service, the one you have stamped the British army knife is a commercial copy for civvy street campers etc, the genuine one only has the makers name and NATO stock number on along with maybe a date broad arrow and oil the joints, the sheath that seems to be on the surplus survival knifes maybe the original sheath supplied with the blade out the box but it is not the one issued with I used in service, makes sense that was worn on the left side, rifle always in right hand bayonet on left side as well as ammo pouches so left hand can obtain these items while your in control of the rifle with your right hand.

[@markhaughton9563]

That's why they're called 'stores'. if we were meant to have them they'd call them 'gives'!

[@garywheble4534]

@@markhaughton9563 the two main attributes to being a storm an were grinch or scruge like mentallertys if you had both you were well in

[@wilfredmay5231]

This is not a British army issue knife. scotsman does not know a British army knife when he sees one. Note there is no makers name, no date of manufacture, no WarDepartment arrow, no number.

[@neilgutteridge6405]

Mine came sharp enough to shave the hairs off the back of my hand.

[@neilgutteridge6405]

@Ron millis There's nothing wrong with that can opener......it opens tins with easy efficiency.....most people who say it's not that good need to practice their technique.Interesting to learn about the ammo boxes....I did wonder why they had made the opener so substantial......great info.

[@neilgutteridge6405]

@Ron millis Cheers again Ron......it really is a piece of military history.I own a knife made by John Watts which was my Grandad's dad's knife I believe.This has a spike and also a small blade like implement which is bevelled but not sharp....I believe this was the implement used to clean horses hooves but not too sure.The knife has B4 ANY written on the handle with a star symbol in between the B4 and ANY stampings.......it's a lot longer than the new knife and built like a tank.There is not even any play in the joints to this day.

[@msee383]

Would the army spike be used for cleaning horse hoofs during WW1?

[@51WCDodge]

Can be, I have used my old army knife for that purpose. A marlin spike is actually a very useful tool .

[@fasree7]

That large knife looks like a parang to me :)

[@gunner678]

Me too!

[@vanchoo336]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@rossclynes773]

They will sharpen and stay sharp , keep trying dude .

[@grahamparr4710]

Sorry about that could not see the other side of blade.