Air Force Pilot Survival Knife from an Old Retired Air Force Guy's Perspective Pt1.

Air Force Pilot Survival Knife. Camillus Knives. Marbles knives. Ontario knives. Survival knife. Knife review. combat knife. fighting knife. Pt2: • Air Force Pilot Surviv...

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Pt 3... More Misconceptions explained: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKfHmJyfna2faKM

[@hgrimes9824]

I have one that was given to me by a Nam Navy veteran. It was one that was issued to him during the conflict.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

@@hgrimes9824 Cool!

[@robertbyars9486]

Marine Corps veteran here. Our pilots were issued the same knife. Civilian outdoorsmen don’t use the term survival knife the same way we do. A survival knife to me is a tool that keeps you alive and makes the enemy dead. To a civilian, survival knife means big hardened full tang build a cabin tool. That’s why there are so many less than glowing reviews about this particular knife. It’s perfect for what it was designed to do. The biggest misconception in the civilian world is that the military has the best equipment on the planet. Remember that military contracts go to the lowest bidder and the equipment is usually very purpose oriented designed not do all gear. Example: the ALICE pack is absolutely one of the most durable equipment carrying packs ever, but it is very heavy compared to modern backpacking gear. So it sucks for the people who put a premium on weight to volume ratio. The modern backpacker isn’t depending on their pack to get them through a war.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

That's exactly right Robert! Best comment so far. Thank you so much for your service! This was my point in this pt 3 video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKfHmJyfna2faKM

[@williamkeck7378]

Roger that 😊👍

[@pb68slab18]

Navy P-3 Aircrew vet here. We got issued same the same knife too.

[@calummcneil6006]

Hi, I've got 2 original A. L. I. C. E. Packs. They are great packs. Very versatile and love how you can carry all the G. I. Extra accouterments on the attachment points. Expertly designed through trial and error. Yes i also carry my Ontario pilots knife. All sound kit. Great comment thanks. All my kit works well for me in Scotland. The packs are the medium size.

[@KevinSmith-yh6tl]

​@@CommonCentsOutdoorsman Yeah, thought I would give this channel a try. To make it short and sweet, if you're a civilian, you don't know your ass from a hole in the ground. Anyone who was ever in the military, is the know all, be all EXPERT on anything considered survival. I could go on but I won't. I just find it funny how your basic active duty military personnel, doesn't know squat about "CIVILIAN SURVIVAL" or for that matter, anything weapons related outside what they've been instructed in. I'm not even talking about any spec op personnel either. You guys had to start from somewhere, you had to be taught. Just remember guys, there are families in this country that were taught the same things you're referring to as part of their family traditions, and think nothing of it. Some families have been here over 400 years. The family tree didn't make it this long by sitting in their safe spaces, drinking soy latte. Yep, alot of the comments I've read on this channel are funnier than hell. Thats about it, just exercising my 1ST. Amendment rights Y'all. See Y'all in the funny papers.

[@michaelangelo7511]

We were given those in the Marine Corps. I was issued one in 1965 or 1966. I still have my original and sheath in excellent condition with exception to the wear from sharpening on the flats.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Awesome. Thanks for your service brother!

[@orionexplorer]

I carried one when I was deployed to Bosnia as an IFOR soldier from 1995-96, I was in the Army. For those that don't know what IFOR stands for it means Implementation FORces. We were the troops that got deployed to end the civil war in Bosnia. Forces that came after us were referred to as SFOR. I called it my last line of defense if sh*t goes bad. I had an M16A2 and a M9 Barretta with me, but I always felt better if I had a knife as well. I still have the knife and it is one of my "keep sakes" from that time in my life, I didn't take pictures but kept a piece of equipment that I carried, I have it right next to my side of the bed.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Great story Orion and thanks for your service brother!

[@sharzadgabbai4408]

The ‘bolt’ pommel was designed to lock into a survival raft paddle. The idea being a short harpoon. We field tested the first DOANS magnesium Bars on Kodiak Alaska USCG. The saw back was good for making shavings and many replaced the rather poor sharpening stone. A strip of 1000mph tape on the sheath Backside Could store needles. A Ranger band made the knife secure in the sheath. Christopher

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

I've heard this but always thought the paddle was designed later to fit the existing knife. I could be wrong. Hard to find this info. Great comment!

[@sharzadgabbai4408]

The earliest knives were full 6” blades in response to early navy jet fighters and high accident rates. Camillus Had the more pronounced clip and a slightly higher Rockwell. Ontario had a less pronounced clip and lower Rockwell by a few numbers. The metal sheath guards were to prevent the blade tearing through leather in a hard ejection and landing with secondary injuries. People think the spear lashing for fighting off bears and spearing sharks. It is to make a tool for harvesting tree fruits, cutting ice holes for fishing and a poor mans machete. The Achilles heel in the tang ( duplicated in the KaBar) Is the sharp right angle at blade junction. The date numbers are NOT a indicator of service issue. If the military needed more beyond standard procurement Civilian production was bought. We g try I used about what it wasn’t. Then a former army veteran pulled out his Vietnam Brought back AK 47 bayonet. You want JUNK?

[@drew3804schannel-vk7ii]

It was my understanding that the hex pommel was to open the valve on early life rafts

[@LifeInMontana]

Semper Paratus Mate.! I broke mine, throwing it for target practice. Now they sell up here in Montana for 200 bucks.

[@totallyfrozen]

@@LifeInMontana $200 is a total ripoff for this knife. I have one. I broke my first one making a campfire so I wrote to Camillus and they sent a free replacement. Still, I can’t trust it. They’re garbage. They break and have a mediocre design. I’d hesitate to pay even $50 for one. At $200, I wouldn’t even consider it for a fraction of a second.

[@theoriginalshotgunoutdoors3269]

As a child of the 1960s, with the Vietnam War in full force, I thought this was a real cool knife! My Scoutmaster had one too! So, when I was old enough to afford one, I bought one. I wouldn't say it is my best knife, but I would say it is my favorite. Thanks for the video!

[@timclarke9627]

I had one in the Scouts as well @ 1971. Have 2 new ones and they even smell the same as the old ones. Brings back great memories!

[@janvanoverdijk8116]

Hey hey ... ik heb dit mes sinds 1986 ... altijd gebruikt voor BushCraft in Nederland !! (tot vandaag 2023) dank voor de video delen !!! grtz. Jannemans uit Nederland ...

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for watching Jan!

[@jackwagonhoedown4114]

I carried one in the Army. Opened a lot of MREs back in 85’

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

I love that name, reminds me of R. Lee Ermy when he hosted that locked and loaded show years ago... I dont think you need another sandwich you jackwagon... Lol

[@terrydelorme]

1985. Without doubt MCIs were more palatable than A first generation MRE.

[@w.va.patriot9118]

Got mine in 85 also carried it in Desert storm

[@ronstecher4345]

You are the only one who has ever described the actual intended use for the serrations on the top of the blade. Thank you.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thank you Ron. I appreciate you brother!

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

I own two of these. Great knives. Now a jarhead will swear by the K Bar and they have a good reason, it is a great knife

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Yes sir!

[@daysofnoah1748]

I bought an exact replica of that knife at Webbs Army and Navy store in 1974 ! I was 12 years old and my dad asked me if I was sure I wanted that knife. And I said, YES !!! I didnt like sharpening it with the stone, so I used a file with excellent results. My first fixed blade knife.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

That's awesome Noah. Cool channel name!

[@kidjetrecon7153]

It’s amazing reading your comment my story in a nut shell, broke mine throwing it at a rouge possum. Taught me to always look for a full tang knife. Gerber has always been my choice after most buck knives have never held up.

[@lzcontrol]

@@kidjetrecon7153 The possum was red?

[@alanmeyers3957]

@@kidjetrecon7153yes, weak tang on the bucks unfortunately.

[@samuelmuller9940]

I was in the army in Vietnam carried this knife for five tours perfected it over the k -bar.

[@frankfrankly1366]

5 tours, wow

[@samuelmuller9940]

@@frankfrankly1366 Thanks for not thinking I was not crazy. My grandfather WW1 my father and mother WW2 My father Korea family tradition.

[@samuelmuller9940]

Still have one next to my bed next to my 1911 still grab it at night when I hear noise s old habits are hard to break.

[@samuelmuller9940]

Frankly the Family Tradition was medicine or soldier. Medicine teaches you where to cut to bleed them out no way to stop the bleeding and where to stab to turn off like light switch . No big K Bar required. Mother RN sister and one son Doctor.

[@sickowhale6861]

@@samuelmuller9940I'm South Korean. I can't imagine what would've happened if American soldiers didn't fight for us. Thank you for your family's service, sir!!

[@JugglesGrenades]

I served in the Army, and a lot of guys carried this when in the field. It's a solid, "all around" tool.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

It's pretty good Juggles!

[@vieuxacadian9455]

USAF vet here. So many down this knife . I have two and have carried them outdoors hunting/ camping since 1977 . Many haters don’t know PJs are dispatched ASAP to rescue downed pilots and unless captured many pilots are recovered in a quick manner . Yes modern knives may not have the 499s weak points but, it does what it was designed for good for 60 years + . Thanks for sharing my blue vet brother

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

That's exactly right! I made the very same points in some follow up videos. I appreciate you brother. Thanks for your service!

[@chriscon8463]

Thanks for your service! I was a C-130 navigator for 21 yrs. I’ve got one of those knives & it’s a tank. Truthfully I don’t carry it on me while camping & hiking, but it’s a great “truck knife”.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Yes sir! I was with the 517th at Elmendorf in the 90's great plane!

[@chriscon8463]

@@CommonCentsOutdoorsman That’s great! On active duty, I was in the 41st at Pope, then the 62d in Little Rock. Then in the reserves at Maxwell, Little Rock again, and Pittsburgh.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

@@chriscon8463 My daughter in law is stationed at Little Rock. I'll be spending some time there later this year.

[@jerrymarshall2728]

The Army acquired some of these when I was in Ranger School, and I carried this knife for 20 years, and still use it today. Very handy design! 8-75 was the manufacture date

[@robbiehopkins9692]

Mine says 73.

[@sotiris_constantinou]

Great video. I got this knife from Ontario Knife Company, back in early 90's for me, as a Rover Scout I could use bigger knife when camping, instead of the classic folding ones. In 1994 to 1996 when serving my military duty in Greek armed forces, I always had it with me, though I was in armored division. Still today, that I'm Senior Scout Chief, this knife is among my first choices concerning knives 💯👍

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

That's cool brother. Thanks for your service to your country!

[@williamneal7210]

I enlisted in 1978 and after the first year traded one of my Kabars to an AF weenie for his AF Survival knife. Man! I used that little knife for years and for almost everything, but after about four years of pretty hard use the blade broke right at the rat-tail, and I hated to part with that knife so much I pulled the washers off, put a leather cord through them, added my dog tags, and wore it around my neck until 1988 when I swapped over to the AF to get a commission. I have the necklace in my display along with my rank (Enlisted and Officer) and my "rack" hanging on the wall in my office to this day.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

That's awesome brother William. It is prone to breakage at the tang but it will hold up for a while.

[@thomaswayneward]

I enlisted in 1966 in the AF and spent a year in Danang (68-69), getting rocketed almost every night, while working on the concrete flight line. I used a AF survival knife every day, pretty good knife.

[@ellianafansuport3251]

Crap,typical cheap Army shit.

[@williamneal7210]

@@ellianafansuport3251 Do you have any real world experience to support your comment? Would love to hear it.

[@fred1barb]

Mine is marked 3-1967. It was made just before the safety plates were added. It was issued to me in flight school at Hunter AAF, Savanah Georgia. We carried them on the flotation gear harness (water wings) along with a strobe light and flare pen, because many training flights were over the swamps and marshes. The knife went with me to Ft. Hood and the 2nd Squadron 1st Cavalry Regiment, and finally to the 11th ACR, Air Cav Troop, RVN. I never once used it for which I am grateful. In Nam pilots wore a heavy ceramic "chicken plate" and a .38 pistol in a shoulder holster. The survival radio went in the pouch on the chest plate cover. There was no good way to carry the survival knife! Flight suits did not have a belt suitable for carrying anything. Instead, I carried an issue Camilus SS pocketknife. The steel in the fixed blade may not have been very hard, but it was easy to snap off the point by throwing the knife or using it as a tool. I reground a blunter point. Later I on, I changed the blade profile to a flat grind up to the edge of the fuller. Trading the parkerized finish for a better slicing blade. A bit of oil now and again keeps the rust away. The false edge is now sharpish. My personal opinion is that the "saw" teeth were of no practical use to the pilots of OH-6, UH-1 and AH-1 aircraft. We had a few crashes and some shoot downs, and no one ever remarked on having to use a knife to extricate themselves or someone else from an aircraft. Those of us who did carry large knives favored the Gerber Mk1, though it was a fighting knife and not a wood craft knife. I favored the M3 grease gun with extra mag that I kept strapped next to my seat.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Great comment Fred. Thank you for your service sir!

[@mhmt1453]

I joined the Army in ‘84. I’ve had several of these. At the time, they were like $12.95 at the PX, and I always had one on my LBE. I used this thing for anything and everything under the sun, and still have 3 or 4 of them. One caveat: mice or chipmunks love to chew the grip (if you leave it in a shed, or some outside storage!). I’ve never broken one, but I have slightly bent the blade. With care and attention these knives can be sharpened to so fine an edge as to shave the hairs off the back of one’s arm. I bought a Buckmaster at the time (I think at like $125), but I ended up giving it to my dad, and just kept the pilot’s knife.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Wow! Thanks for the great comment!

[@danbaldwin9511]

I got one in 1981at Ft. Folk LA. took forever to put a SHARP edge on it. Its my first use knife in the field.

[@davidtimmermann7226]

I have a Camillus from 1975, my brother has one from 1968. The Ones dating from the Vietnam era are very collectible.

[@dlondon1144]

I was issued one of these by the Army when I was aircrew in 1981. I absolutely loved it and bought one of my own. Unfortunately I lost it on deployment a few years later. The only complaint I had was the original bevel on the blade - it was too coarse to hold a good edge. It took me hours with a 300 grit sharpening stone to reset the bevel but once I did it held a razor sharp edge like a champ. I bought another not too long ago and did the same with it. It now lives in my hunting bag - one of the best knives I've ever owned.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for your service! This knife is certainly capable.

[@DB-yj3qc]

As a kid, I bought one at the Army/ Navy surplus store. I used it for skinning knife for rabbits and other game. Out fishing and whatever else I was doing, a good steel but not enough metal left for handle. Softer, temper but fairly easy to re-sharpen to fine edge. Just don't abuse it. I found the standard sharpen stone in scabbard works, but a flat rock or wet sandstone is better. After I joined the army, I got issued a few different knives besides the M-7 and M-9 bayonets.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Cool info. Thanks for your service brother!

[@itsapittie]

When I was in an Air Force special operations unit in the late 1970s, I was issued one of these. It was the single most useful all-purpose knife I've used. So much so that when I had to turn it in, I bought one. It's not a fighting knife nor is it a substitute for a hand axe but it's a pretty good utility outdoor knife.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

That it is. Thanks for your service my friend!

[@stonefox9124]

Not every knife is a fighting knife but every knife can be used in a fight 😁

[@CHUCKSNORRIS]

Ive had one since i was kid. Cant beat it enough and it keeps holding up.

[@robertbeach6965]

I have had the same knife since the early 80's at Ft Bragg NC, I was a crew chief on army aircraft, still going strong.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for your service!

[@robertbeach6965]

My pleasure

[@vinnart]

I have that knife, and found the hand grip very rough on the hands so i improved the comfort much by painting a coat of rubber flex seal over it.

[@jimgaines51]

I was a aircrew life support specialist in the guard and the Air Force and we put these knives in our F4 survival kits and vests. I still have a couple and to me they mean more than any other that I have.

[@cheechwizard7564]

I enlisted in '77 and got out in '89. I still have mine which my father passed down to me. He was issued his in the 60's. The holes in the crossguard are for lashing the knife to a pole for use as a spear. I carried mine to survival school when I was aircrew and it came in damn handy. It's a great field knife and I've used it on everthing from fish all the way up to cleaning and skinning large deer. Later on, when I was in MAPS (Mobile Aerial Port Squadron) it was _always_ on my belt and an additional tool when rigging loads for airdrop. Just a well designed, usefull knife.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for your service and the great comment brother! Many uses for this knife.

[@fredericktaylor2891]

I was issued this knife when assigned to an AWACS squadron back in the early 70's along with other survival equipment. I also carried a hawkbill that was tethered to my flight suit, it was for cutting shroud lines in a parachute if it came down on you in the water, they would drag you under if you didn't get out from under it. I had to return all the cool stuff when I was reassigned to a ground station.

[@kennethpearce2941]

Bolt knife! Great little knife. I used to pack them in survival seat kits. DM, best assignment. I miss DM.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Yeah it's nice down there.

[@kenmarsh2668]

Carried one as an A6 Intruder pilot in the early through mid 70’s, it was a part of our survival vest. It was sewn in the vest and the tip of the sheath was cut off and blunt with a metal cover. I still have my original and a couple more from subsequent survival vests. Nice piece and it has travelled many miles and hours with me.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for that comment sir and your service to our country! 🫡

[@kenpatton8761]

Thanks for your service.I too am an old retired AF guy, retiring in 2000 after serving 24 years. I held 3 AFSC’s: Aircrew Life Support Specialist, Nuclear Weapons Specialist and Ground Radio Specialist. While in Life Support I packed these knives in all the survival kits we installed on the Aircraft. Most were in individual seat kits, others were in either vests(chopper crews) or life raft survival kits. In my opinion the knives were OK for their intended use but they didn’t carry an edge well and were brittle which led them to break at unexpected times. While attending Land Survival School at Fairchild AFB my group of 8 broke 3 of the knives collecting wood for the camp fire. But those knives were from the 70’s. Hopefully the knives they’re using today are higher quality. Cheers

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for your service Ken. There were some bad heat treats that got out there. I have heard this happened towards the end of Vietnam for one. It happens.

[@Simon-talks]

Did you see any UFO's?

[@fernandochavez4312]

I appreciate and respect your review of this classic. Thank you for your service.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks Fernando!

[@darrelllang4076]

Was a truck driver in Nam 67-68 and had one used it everyday and still have it .

[@franksamonski3854]

Ex ROMAD here ('78-'81). We were issued those as part of our "A" bag when we went TDY. I used that thing a lot, along with my machete, to cut branches to camouflage my tent and jeep (MRC-108). I still have that knife and pull it out from time to time to reflect on those days.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Good times!

[@garthland]

mine is a Camillus with the steel reinforced sheath,had it for 20 years or so and I'll take it over my K-Bar anyday-

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Ita great "user" knife!

[@johnroberts6695]

My dad was a Navy aviator during WW2 in the Pacific. The only time he saw MacArthur was out of a small window in a latrine (he had dysentery). He had a Ka-Bar bowie with a much longer carbon blade that was blued, and he used it to etch the name of every location he ever visited during the war. At one point he was ordered to fly reconnaissance, and in figuring out the distance-to-fuel ratio he discovered he wouldn't have enough fuel to return. He notified his commander and was told to proceed with his mission. As he was raring up his engines, he checked his knife and his .45 Colt pistol, he concluded they must need the info enough to sacrifice his life and his plane. And at the last moment, they radioed him with new orders telling him to stand down. They'd checked his math and discovered that yes, he'd never make it back in one piece. True story. I have no kids, but I gave it to my brother who does and they'll pass it down, with the story!

[@Towelie42069-p]

Thank you for sharing that is a nice story

[@johnroberts6695]

@@Towelie42069-p » I forgot to mention that he used his knife to etch out the names of the places he'd been on his sheath. I gave the knife to my brother because he has kids and I don't, and he can pass it on.

[@richardvirchow3390]

I loved watching your video and reading ALL of the comments. I have that knife - the CAMILLUS version - it’s a great knife!!!

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks so much Richard. It is that. I appreciate you brother!

[@clivedunning4317]

The RAF have a version of the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife model known as the "Hunter" in the survival kit that is built into the ejection seat/parachute. A really practical knife.

[@waynechristenberry6732]

My Uncle Bob Browne retired from Minot AFB. Don't know if you knew him. Appreciate the video. Be well. Thank you for your service to our country.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks so much Wayne! I was stationed at Grand Forks.

[@WiggysWilderness]

Former 3E151 here, I love mine. Been using it since 2006 when I got it in Iraq.

[@smsgtbulldog]

That thing could sure come in handy for an HVAC troop in Iraq!!! I’m an old retired (1977-2009) R3E691 OPS Chief and have a few attached to different Go gear

[@blumenthol]

A fav knife of mine in my army years and on. Originally made not far from me in Camillus, NY. I actually went to the Camillus Knife factory and talked to the foreman about this knife a few years before they closed.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

That was a cool place to work back in the day. There's a video with all the old workers being interviewed. Sad ending.

[@blumenthol]

@@CommonCentsOutdoorsman aye

[@ronaldrose7593]

Great video my friend, thank you for sharing it. I purchased the #499 Air Force survival knife five years ago. I enjoy it very much. No problems with it. Stay safe out there. 😊

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thank you so much for the great comment brother!

[@michaelbradley2695]

I threw that knife 36 paces dead center chest high into trees the summer of 1979. It finally snapped in half the next spring. Great for throwing!

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

May it rest in peace.

[@MountaincraftOutdoors]

I've always wanted one but haven't gotten my hands on one yet. You have inspired me to go search one out again. I appreciate you man and thank you for representing the country.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thank you my friend!

[@jamespeddycord4705]

I was 90th fmms missile facilities specialist at FE Warren late 70's. Good to hear from someone who's been around the ICBMS too. I liked the air force gear in general. All of it is a compromise in order to do all things. Not fantastic at any one thing but good at a lot of things. That's what our job was too. Not experts at anything but damn good on a lot of things.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

I used get your equipment ready for you guys before I went to mmt lol. Good times and a great comment brother!

[@jamespeddycord4705]

@@CommonCentsOutdoorsman are you the guy that put the paper buttholes on the TO pages? 🤔😄

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

@jamespeddycord4705 lol no that was the TO Library.

[@jamespeddycord4705]

@@CommonCentsOutdoorsman I was a 541xxx you must have been 443 or 316xxx. Looks like we'll see them fly before we're dead and gone... ✌️

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

@@jamespeddycord4705 hope not lol

[@craigcook1571]

Thanks for your service. That knife was popular with the seals and recon guys in the Vietnam war. It was liked better than the kbar being shorter and easier to carry

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thank you Craig! Appreciate it.

[@mikeizzano172]

Good clip , I have 4 of them with the sheaths in various condition ,haha….served 68/72 Navy helicopters we called them aircrew knife , and they did all of the mentioned ,and then some . ( it was hard to keep the stone in one piece)…..

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for your service and great comment brother Mike!

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

I like knives. Never seen one of these before. Thank you. Cheers!

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for watching!

[@icemelongreen]

Very informative I own 2 the first I bought in the early 80s and traded away. The second I bought in the 90s because I liked my first one. Some 30 + years later my friend sent me the traded knife back ! It sits quietly in my Book Case now.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Awesome!

[@petesheppard1709]

Thanks! I have long wished for a good description of the knife's features. I had presumed the saw back was to cut through canopy glazing. I have an '83 Camillus, with the metal sheath stiffener. The Marine in me just kicked in--instead of a spear or throwing weapon, the knife on a stick can be used as a 'distance cutting tool' to reach and cut items just out of reach or an improvised bayonet if fending off a threat.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Great comment Pete!

[@domfer2540]

I remember this knife from my first duty in the 60’s to my last duty in Desert Storm. It held up very well. Over 15 years over seas, it was nice to have the correct equipment.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thank you for your service sir!

[@rotorheadv8]

Was issued one during my Flight Indoctrination Training in Pensacola, 1983. Picked up another along the way. Got them packed away somewhere.

[@RobertoBren]

I had one of those. Marine Air Wing up to 1983.

[@shramj]

Awesome explanation, I own one of the Ontario versions myself. I think I paid less than $30.00 for mine on sale years ago but it is one of my favorites in my collection. You did a really good job talking about how and what it was made for. The only thing this knife was missing was that you could still get electrocuted since it didn't have an isolated handle and I believe the newer version of the Air Crew knife (Ontario ASEK) has that feature. The new ASEK also has a strap cutter that would be good for cutting through wire as you talked about in your video.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Yeah man great comment brother! I was an aircraft electrician and I can tell you electrocution on a downed aircraft is not a big concern but I do like the ASEK better.

[@ReichenbachEsq]

My father carried a Camillius US Air Force Survival Knife in the US Army in Vietnam 1970-1971. He loved it. He bought me & my brother the same knives. He still has his!

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

That's awesome!

[@stevenstreets695]

My most cherished memento from my USAF Dad when he returned from Nam "68". The handle disintegrated long ago as lost and gone as the sheath. I'll never part with it. THANK YOU for the happy trigger. In loving memory of SSGT Swafford sleeping in paradise (the Punchbowl)

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Amen brother

[@sailure1]

I have the same background as you and utilized my training in Antarctica for the US Navy. Got a medal and commendation for it as well. It is an emergency survival knife, not a planned survival knife. A downed aircrew-man has a set of tasks to complete, the knife was designed for that purpose. Many of the things people want the knife to do are not within the scope of how its needed or what needs to be done.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Right on brother sailure!

[@sailure1]

@Fred the 47th as compared to what military issued emergency use survival knife. please list them here. please show me your proof a company can produce 100,00 of these knives per year for under $20.00 each, then distribute them across 3 countries in that same year. Show me the situation where a downed pilot is gonna need a knife to last more than 48 hours or if under what conditions a pilot would need to have a knife cut open a tank?? You goofballs dont get what this knife is for. The year the BIC lighter came out most survival vest no longer had Zippos in them... WHY? Is a plastic BIC lighter better than a Stainless Steel Zippo? Will it last the 100+ years a Zippo can? Jee I wonder why the vests had BIC and not a Zippo?

[@mr.2d749]

We had those knives in our survival kits when I was an aircrew member, never used it. USAF 1974-2004.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Yup. Thanks for your service mr.!

[@davidbenner2289]

It cuts nicely through sheet metal. It was designed to cut through aluminium skin like older planes (C-47 and AC-47, as examples). I have carried one for 55 years now. I traded an M-7 bayonet and 20 baht for the knife when I was in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. It has problems but has done me well for years.

[@michaeldbhawker3556]

Was always taught the saw was for cutting 90 degree notches quickly to improvise traps. It does work well for this.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Works great for that.

[@vinniepeters1936]

You would love the TOPS MPAT knife (multi purpose airman’s tool)

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

It's nice but I like a much thicker handle.

[@glorybound7599]

I got to keep mine when I left the National Guard. It’s in perfect condition and I’ve put a better stone in the sharpening pouch and mink oil on the sheath. It’s razor sharp.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Yes they are: kzbin.infoiQfEjdnCIMQ?feature=share

[@short-hand4312]

as a pilot I loved walking thru DM boneyard. beautiful aircraft from yesteryear.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

It's been a while but quite a sight for sure!

[@garyhaberfield]

I have that exact same knife, my first real knife, although its an 83 and shiny, not blackened. Bought it in the UK in 87.

[@2fathomsdeeper]

Both my father (pilot) and I (crewchief) carried this knife during our service. Bought one for myself. Some of the newer versions have some funky blade shapes at the tip compared to older designs. The blade goes dull quick, but the stone brings it back with little work.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Awesome! Thank you for you and your Dad's service brother!

[@michaelreynolds5937]

Thank you for your service! My son is currently in the same branch and working in Arizona at the boneyard. Small world

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Cool. It is a small world. I hope your boy does well!

[@MickLafitte]

I was aircrew in SAC. I attended the prerequisite survival schools. Not once did anyone explain the design and features of the PSK. My survival instructor recommended buying a Buck 119, which they sold at the Fairchild BX. I understand contemporary SERE instructors are using ESEE knives. I was once told the hex pommel was intended as a valve wrench on life rafts. I never saw a raft with a hex valve so I can't swear by the accuracy of the explanation. All in all I have no idea why Marbles' design morphed into the pilot knife and later the ASEK. Life support used K-Bars. We also had the near worthless switchblade which obviously evolved from the WWII paratrooper knife. We finally had to tape the blade closed because the locks were unreliable. We were supposed to have the hook open to cut shroud lines and wear it open in the knife pocket. Like one could bail out of a KC-135, but that's another story. Escape axes were conveniently located near egress point in the aircraft, and the single engine trainers I flew had a canopy knife mounted overhead, to punch through plexiglass, which apparently had a tendency to shatter in large pieces. PSKs have a weak tang. why they lasted as long as they did, I'll never no. My only guess is once a contract was signed, nobody thought to improve them since few people ever used them for the intended purpose. Whatever that was.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

There is a lot of misunderstanding about the military acquisition process. Part of the requirement for a knife that would be rarely and or shortly used was cost. Indestructability, heirloom quality and long service life was not considered. It was just a knife to complete a few tasks until rescue after a few hours or days maybe. This knife fit the bill for standard issue. It was meant to be expendable. Some units might upgrade on their own if they have the budget and approval. Or individuals acquired what they desired. I worked and flew a few times on tankers. Egressing that thing may hurt a bit. Thanks for the great comment brother!

[@54upchuck]

I have used one for over 50 years. Perfect hunting fishing camping outdoor knife.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

It can be for sure!

[@ernestohemingway2308]

Thank you for this video. It’s a very useful knife for an aircraft pilot.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for watching Ernesto my friend!

[@knokname6466]

I carried one for close to fifteen years as a guide, would still have it if it hadn't been stolen. It was/is a great knife, though with constant carry on my right flank, it would sometimes get bent to my butt curvature and need straightening-- vises are good for that. As for the "saw teeth"... not very useful but would sure scale a fish quickly or dress a hide fairly well. Also useful for shaving wood to dust for fire making. The stone wasn't much good, broke the first week I carried it and I replaced it with a steel that was better. The sheath developed a tip cut at the point so I glued on a piece of roof flashing steel to save my hands and wrist when swinging them around as I walked. Though I did own "better" blades, this one had sentimental value as an added attraction- I bought it while still in the Army in 1970. Still think about it, too, and still miss it. Darn memories...

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Good memories though knok!

[@David-uy4jz]

I took had mine stolen (I hate a damn thief) but eventually got another. I was issued one in the Navy as a crewman on MH-53e

[@albertborgman859]

They were an expendable supply item for the Scout Platoon. The M-3 has not been in the system fir some time. I'd wondered about the bolt head. But I imagine with socket and ratchet it would pop open most door locks and dead bolts. Or jammed vehicle doors. To make big round holes in aircraft metal. I'd often wondered if they fit something for the aircraft. Or perhaps only the liqueur cabinet..

[@jeffhouse9387]

Pops was a AF Survival and SERE Instructor for decades. I grew up with these all over the house! I handed them out to my CAP buddies and we’d strap em to our SAR Alice straps and think we were SO damn cool. I have 2-3 in the safe still! Good vid.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

That's cool. Thanks for watching Jeff!

[@richardthomas6602]

Mine is stamped Ontario 10-76. Army Issued to me in Germany in 1987ish. Remains as my primary go to the woods knife to this day.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

That's great Richard. Thanks for your service brother!

[@stephencrane811]

I was issued one of these when I graduated Jumpmaster School (Advanced Airborne School) in 1987 while with the 82nd. Not really the best knife for jumpmaster or Safety duties, and I wondered about its design. This video answered some of my questions. Thanks for a well done presentation by someone with greater knowledge!

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for watching and for your service brother Stephen!

[@michaelsarkisian1047]

I was a P-3 Flight Engineer for 15 years and a SERE Instructor for my last 5. It is as you say tempered soft. They did that so it would bend but not snap, well at SERE we had at least one of those break per class. The edge would fall off the blade as well. Maybe that is why they had the attached sharpening stone. As an aircrewman, I replaced the survival knife in my vest with the Cold Steel Master Hunter. I wanted to replace it with the SRK but the original SRK was too long. Their newer mini SRK would fit quite nicely in the sheath Which was sewn into the SV-2 Survival vest. Even back when I was flying , there were numerous knives that were much better performers during a survival situation.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

True that Michael. Funny because I gave my Son in Law a Cold Steel when he was aircrew. Now he flys a drone from the office though lol.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Oh, thanks for your service brother!

[@slikrickabn1190]

Replaced mine with the SOG Seal pup, fitted the sheath perfectly, but still liked the Jet Pilot's knife...

[@eduardohermoso150]

It could be sharpened razor sharp but the edge doesn't stay sharp long. I had three of these. Great story Sir!!

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

It's softer steel for toughness. Thanks brother Eduardo!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I tend to agree with you on al aspects. The new ASEK doesn't look as cool but it is a better knife. I had heard it was able to punch through the skin and/or canopy of a helicopter. The overall shape of the knife was around way before WWII and a similar knife in the same size was being used by Army Air Crew in WWII. Another thing people don't realize is the knife was just part of the survival kit. Too often people get hung up playing Rambo and expect one knife to do everything. Good job!

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thank you Tobias. I'll have another video up in a few hours concerning some of the many more misconceptions about this knife.

[@jamesyoung1547]

I use one as my hunting knife. You can dress out a deer, split the pelvis and breast bone then skin it. It does everything I want it to out in field. My dad was in the Air Force stationed in Thailand during 69-70 and still has his. Uses it for hunting too. Great to learn more on it.

[@nameredacted7955]

I was stationed in Thailand in '69 and '70 as well, I was at U-Tapao.

[@macgyver5108]

As far as Stainless goes it's not easy to get a hard enough material to hold an edge long because of the metallurgy that makes it "Stain-less". There's an added percentage of Chromium AKA Chrome, typically around 11-18%~ that's added and it's quite a bit softer than Steel. Something I learned from my old neighbor who was a machinist by trade.

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Great video. I carried one of those for 9 years and never knew any of anything about it. I never got or saw any training on its design and use.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks oxx!

[@jouzel8951]

Great experience and perspective!! I owned this knife, bought it surplus in 92. Good rough use knife with a sharpener. Thanks for your service!

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thank you sir!

[@ahhamartin]

The subject of issued survival knives came up in my household when (what else?) First Blood was first aired on network tv. My father had worked around Studies and Observations MACV in '67 out of Phu Bai, delivering intelligence gathered by Mohawk flights (he was NOT on a ground team himself, as he would hasten to point out) and surprised me by saying he saw this simple pilots' knife on returning teams as much as anything, except maybe what he called the small "saw backed pipe handle" (Randall 18?) and the ever popular Bucks. Interestingly, he rarely saw anyone going out on a chopper with a machete and was told for them cutting a trail was a huge no no.

[@glenforehand]

I inherited one similar. Was presumably my grandfather's. I've been wondering about it and was going to unpack it and look into it. I'm thinking it's a WW2 era that I have. Very good video enjoyed learning about this.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thank you brother!

[@stewarttrains98]

I have two of these. Have had them for several years but yet to them for anything. They are with my camping gear and haven't been on a trip wheteci would possibly need to take them yet. I did hone one of them with the stone and was impressed how quickly they take an edge. Definitely a bit sharper than the orher.

[@ldn0224]

Had many Kbars. They break but awesome throwing knives. Best at nothing but great overall knife. Had them for twenty plus years. Think I have broken seven of them. The nice thing is that they are lightweight.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Kabars are pretty good!

[@Sarge2112]

I've had one of these since the early 80s no issues or complaints

[@slaughterhound8793]

I bought one mail-order several years ago, I like it. I sharpened it up until it has a good edge on it. I keep mine in its sheath, tied onto a shoulder strap of my backpack, I had it with me on some day hikes when I was on vacation in eastern Kansas a few years back. Didn't have to use it for anything but was glad to have it along "just in case". In fact, the only time I've ever had to "use" mine for anything was when I was driving some small nails to hang some pictures and was too dang lazy to go out to the garage to get a proper hammer. I remembered the "hammer" pommel on the knife which was in my closet right next to where I was working. It did the job flawlessly as a hammer. I'm not much of an outdoorsman, but I like the knife and have NO plans to get rid of mine, one never knows when it could be VERY necessary to have one.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

That's exactly why this knife was issued... in case you need it. Great comment brother slaughter!

[@thalesrezende613]

Great info Bro. Impressive how great content can be found in KZbin nowdays. Hugs from Brazil

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks Thales!

[@thenebraskan6977]

Thanks for the informative video. I picked up one of these back in 1994. Mfg. Ontario Knife Company, 5/94. My sheath has a metal back. I always wondered what the reverse sawtooth was for, now I know thanks to you. I have never really used this much at all. Like the looks of it with it’s leather handle. I’m USAF veteran June 63-June 67. I wound up in the motor pool. In those days it was just like Sgt. Bilco. I went to RAF Lakenheath, England. Also two try’s Wheelus Air Base, Libya. Our pilots would practice booming in the desert with their F 100 fighter jets. Overall a great time for . Before I went to England, I was at Greiner Field Manchester N.H. I spent two years stateside and two years overseas. Thanks again.

[@ahhamartin]

The fuller, as included on the Marbles "Ideal" that inspired so many knives including the USMC Fighting/Utility, was to decrease drag when slicing through material. The wider groove on the AF knife shown here is closer to the "Ideal" and more effective than the narow one on the"Ka-Bar". This decrease of drag was known since ancient times as shown by the wide fuller on Viking swords, for example.

[@gilbertayala1069]

Great video & thank you for explaining the features of the knife....

[@denverdanoreno]

Thank you brother man for producing the video it's interesting reading the comments and how much more information that one can pick up on a particular item like this knife, thank you

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for watching denver. I appreciate you!

[@robbiehopkins9692]

I carried that as my primary knife in the Infantry back in 76.

[@walksridges]

I was a Gunners Mate in the Coast Guard back in the 80's. We carried it as an underway knife, when we were out at sea.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for your service ridges!

[@mksonmor]

I carried this knife as a paratrooper in the 90s. I felt the blade on the kbar was too big. As they say, a big blade does not make you a big man. Lol. I still have the same knife.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for your service!

[@jpe1701]

Thanks for the video. I have an Ontario knife company made one but it's just an off the shelf knife I bought a couple years ago. It's one of the knives I take when I go hunting or camping. Great little piece of history.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@ArcheryDad2024]

This has become my preferred camping/hiking knife. Not too big, not too small, feels good in the hand and will get my basic tasks done. I added a dangler to the sheath so it sits a little lower

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Yup. The size is just right!