An apology on my part as I made an error in this video; as with much of the late war jungle kit the scales of the knife are in fact made of aluminium alloy rather than steel.
Thanks for the video. I'm looking for a little more info on these knives. I have a 1945 dated SSP made "Burma Knife". Good condition, very sturdy. I was surprised to learn they used aluminum alloy for the scales rather than stainless steel. I would have thought they were reserving that aluminum for things like aircraft manufacture. You know a good source on the topic?
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SSP was Sheffield Steel Products, company was based in Devon, but manufacture was done in Sheffield at many smaller Cuttlers and stamped up as SSP. Burma knife has Stainless steel Scales, only the knife issued to Royal Navy has Aluminium scales, and stayed same size as the 1905 pattern right through to 1980’s. I have approx 180 different British Army, Navy and Air Force Clasp knives from 1890’s to 2010. Yes, a locking blade version came out in 1990’s and is still an issue item, I have a 2004 example.
You might be interested to know the Royal Navy has recently reintroduced a "New Pattern" clasp knife, it's identical in every respect to the World War 2 army Clasp Knife with spike and black grips the only difference is the Nato stock number is electrically etched on the spine under the spike.
Excellent video I am very surprised to have only just found this channel! You just taught me few things I didn't know about my own collection, thank you!
Hi. I have a British Army knife , the shorter one, made in 1944. It was gifted to me by the wife of one of the Queens Horse guardsmen, who accompanied her on her Coronation day. He is seen in black and white footage, escorting her,along with his fellow guardsmen. Apparently, he was carrying it at the time. All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧
Thank you for the information you have provided, I have my grandfather's 1938 larger size which was taken to Dunkirk. I hadn't realised these knifes went through so many changes.
Dear rifleman. In 10:40 the Belgian knife: for there are always two languages to deal with, it says "" Armee Belge" and "Belgisch leger". That combined is ABL. I think it is not impossible that they were made in Sheffield or so. Another famous manufacturer is FN of Herstel in Belgium, but there is no sign of that factory to be seen. Thanks for this nice video!
Greetings from America! (4 years late). I have the 1943 example, and until now - I thought it was missing the metal caps over the hinge pins. Also have a German Bund knife (but that's another story). Absolutely riveting video from an American perspective!!
My old dad had one of the Steel 1950's knives in his tool box when I was a very small boy and I never knew it was from his British Army service in Egypt in the early 1950's. Cool.
Thanks for this - HIGHLY informative details on a much neglected subject. In cadets (1980s), I used either the circa '39 3 part knife (3:23) or Belgian version (10:16). In storage at the moment, I'm itching now to ID which it is! Used to carry that everwhere with me! I bought a 2 part version from a car boot sale - only 'cause it was cheap. It came with a thick string lanyard made from the same cordage as a .303" pullthrough. Now to dig that out and ID it! Missing my marlin spike, I bought a much larger 3 part knife via military stores (if memory serves). Alloy grey handle, I can't recall if it had any markings but I believed it to be mil issue. MUCH better for ropework (splicing). When I catch up with my storage, I'll have to check it. If it does have the crow's foot, I'll have to send you a pic.
Excellent video, very informative, as always! @19:22, the 1956 knife you have is still being made exactly to the same pattern for the British military. A friend showed me a knife he recently added to his collection, and I was surprised to see that it was dated 2019! It didn't have a locking bar at the back, so unsure if that was something short lived or is just another variant at the same time.
Still got my 3 part steel clasp knife that I was issued in 1972. I also purchased a ABL clasp knife about 10years ago. Knew it was Belgian, but at the same time purchased a set of stainless steel mess tins, stainless steel mug with Belgian water bottle, all which I use regularly.
A very informative video which answered some questions I had about a knife I picked up recently. Slightly off-topic, but could you tell me what the bags are over your right shoulder? I'm keen to replace my current bag with something with a little more history/natural materials and they look like they may fit the bill. Thank you.
I remember there were some of these around my house when I was a child, too bad all are lost now. It is curious that they look so primitive when compared to the swiss army knives of the same period, which we also had.
I thoroughly enjoyed that. Thank you. When introducing the WWII knife, you mention the sheepsfoot blade is so named due to the end of the blade resembling a sheep's hoof (3:37). Can you remember where you got this information from? I'd love to know. Regards.
That is a very comprehensive timeline of the Army Clasp knife. I recently came across one these and it is exactly like your 1945 example, except for the lack of any date and MOD stamp. The blade is marked H.M.Slater Sheffield. it has the additional bottle opener and the mild steel shackle. Identical to your 1945 example. Can you tell me if H.M.Slater supplied these knives during the war, or are these yet more civilian copies.?
The post war version with the Marlin spike was the most common one I saw and was issued (1983 to 2007), still have a couple of both types knocking around and both types of lanyard we were issued - long natural string lanyard and the later short yellow/green man made fibre version (which was too short to be of real use).
Hi mate great vid!! I wonder if you can help me? I recently purchased from a UK retailer a listed British army clasp knife listed as 1951 dated that would need a clean up due to rust. I wanted it as my late father had one when he did his National service in1951 so i bought it and cleaned it up. However once cleaned i can find no date stamp anywhere? The only markings on it are on the tin opener which have ABL CC 0530. I've done a little research and found that these were possibly made under license from the British MOD for the Belgian army during the cold war? But if so why no date stamp? The retailer is not answering my question and am wondering if this is a 1951 year clasp knife at all? Thanks in advance for any info on this
Thank you for an informative video, I have a First World War clasp knife, which was my great uncle Jack's, my dad past away recently and I have just come across it. It is nice to know what the different parts are made of, but I cannot see a date on it, unfortunately.
I saw two similar knives in second hand shop in Whitby I have one of the smaller grip handle knife it was always in my dad’s shed I thought it was something to do with mining as my dad worked down pit as the saying goes so I’ve spent a couple of hours trying find out what this knife is ? As in the shop it was listed as ww2 issue going to get mine out of my shed and open the blade to see if is dated what is a marlin spike used for ? Thanks for doing this video it’s been a real eye opener
If I post a video showing a knife I have ( a Wade & Butch Sheffield England with flat scales and a marlin spike) do you think you can tell me how old it is?
Fascinating and useful review. Would you have a website/email I could send you photos of a British army clasp knife that has recently come into my possession? I can't date it from your descriptions.. Regards
I’m pretty sure my daughter has found one of the 3 part 1943 issues whilst magnet fishing we are go king to try and restore it, she was well and truly over the moon with her little treasure.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed! Looking at diagrams of blade shapes it is correct to term the type on the post-1939 knives as a sheeps foot blade, not a drop point. The blade type on the earlier knives is more akin to a drop point. What you call the lanyard loop is referred to as a shackle in the knife specifications. "The Shackle to be made of copper wire, No. 11 gauge, same size and shape as that of the Standard Pattern."
@@RiflemanMooreI believe that the correct term for the blade shape on the WW1 6353/1905 pattern clasp knife is spear point. The correct term for the blade shape on the WW2 British clasp knife is sheep foot. There were a few specialist clasp knives that varied with spear point blades. Generally the sheep foot blade has continued in use ever since.
I might be wrong, but wasn’t Bakelite quite commonly used for the scales on some of the knives? It can have problems with shrinkage, then cracks appearing, especially around the rivets.
I have carried a British army knife of one kind or another as an edc for fifty years or so ! It was my first pocket knife as a kid and because they were so cheap used I never cared how I abused them if the need be ? I have had many of them and prefer carbon steel ww2 type but they are now getting rarer and therefore expensive! They are still a great knife and the marlin spike (duck stabber) is fantastic. Good review.
I know this video is 2 years old but i have a question. I have one of these knives. Mine is the smaller modell with no bolster no tin opener and no flat screwdriver att the top. It says John Blyde on the tang. Can you date it for me? Or any info at all. Thanks!
I have my Grandads 1943 dated, 2 part knife in virtually unused condition including the lanyard, however I also have a 3 part one that I can't for the life of me remember where it came from. It looks just like the British WW2 smaller knife but with fibre scales like the later WWI version. The make is CORICAMA. Internet says Italian Navy? It's identical the British Pattern. Any ideas?
Thank you very much for your great, interesting and imformative video. I love all the details. Whow! So interesting. I have 3 WWII british clasp knives in my collection and now I have the information about it :-) (Searching for a SOE clasp knife, hhhahahahahaha). Thanks again, kind regards from Germany, Fred
I see that the addition of the screw driver during WWII was responsible for the messed up screws on both my Lee Enfield rifles. Tommy had to thoroughly clean his rifle by totally disassembling it from the stock when he was back in the rear or in garrison for inspection. Then to reassemble it after cleaning.
I have the 1905 pattern with the black horn scales made by Lockwood Brothers of Sheffield. I also have the 2 blade (sheep foot and can opener) that is dated 1940 and manufactured by Taylor Eye Witness Brand. It has the copper bail rather than the later steel ones. My third knife is all steel (no aluminum) that is a three part with a sheep foot blade, can opener (no bottle opener) and marlin spike. It still has the screw driver on the end like the 1940 British one, but this one was made during WWII in Australia and is so marked, also marked with the broad arrow mark. The bail on it is copper as well. Hope this information helps someone identify what they have. I found one of these in an antique shop, one in a pawn shop, and the other at a yard sale. I use the 1940 Taylor Eye Witness brand knife as my every day pocket knife. Great steel.
Very informative. I have my grandfather's knife. I'm not sure how he came about it. He was Irish, but living in England before coming to America. Which was before WWII, as my father (and mother) was the next generation and he fought in WWII. Anyway, it looks like your 1940 knife with the rounded handle and deep checkering, but it is dated 1943. Steel shackle.
How does the tin opener work on the 'lobster claw' shaped tool at 16:50 onwards? Which bit fits around the tin edge etc...? How would this have been used? Thanks
You push the spike end of tin opener into and through the metal, using brute force or a stabbing action, does not fit on the edge, goes near the edge as you want to cut a good size opening, once you have pierced the top you lever up and down, with the lower part inside the can the shorter part acts as a lever on top of the can, it's crude, but very simple and not much to break, used this type of tin opener in my mums kitchen as a child that's all we had
Hi mate don’t know if you will know but I’ll ask anyway I have a clasp knife that I think is war time but it has no date stamp. It does have Venture H.M. Slater Sheffield on the left side of the tin opener and it has Sheffield England stamped on the left side of the blade as well. I wonder if you will be able to shed some light on my clasp knife
There's even German versions of the WW2 type 3 part clasp knife. Marked "ADLER ROSTFREI" on the knife ricasso. The scales have fine diamond checkers like the Italian versions of these knifes.
Ex-scaleyback here, also wore a couple of other cap badges namely a Staffs knot (TA) and a Rose on slime green beret (regs). The only time in the late 80s early 90s when I served that I was aware of any type of clasp knife being issued was to the lineys, i.e. Combat Lineman later renamed Driver Lineman in R. Signals. I was a Radio op (previously called combat radioman, later TeleOp (Radio)) and on our rebro (rebroadcast) detachments in Forward Ctrl Landrovers we had a machete in a canvas sheath, not for anything remotely warry, just to clear undergrowth etc if neccessary as we worked in single dets in isolated locations.
Interesting, I wonder when general issue tailed off. I've heard from veterans up to the early 1980s having them so presumably at some point in the mid '80s.
I was issued a two piece in the Royal Marines in 2006. I think it was purely to give us an extra thing to clean in field inspections. I have fond memories of getting beasted because the instructor could hear grit on the joints, after we did a muddy river crossing the night before!
Hello, a question regarding the ww1 variants. Do you know if some were produced without marlin spikes? I managed to pick a rather battered one and was just wondering about its age. It's the correct size for a WW1 one. Thanks in advance for any help.
Using Britih Army nomenclature it's a shackle. From the official 1905 Army manufacturing specification; "the Shackle to be made of copper wire, No. 11 gauge".
hi could you help please , thankyou for your video , i have a few rusty knifes, i have one that is brass , marlin spike , odd markings , tin opener has the bottle operned , but the loop is steel , same size as my ww2 bakerlite one the knife is also the square popout of frame its like a mirros size wise it has a screwdriver but no end blob , just pins 4 pins holding it together its got markings and an arrow but unreadbale says william somthing shefield
I have my dad's army issue 1946 2 part clasp knife complete with original string lanyard. It lives in my tool drawer and is in good nick although I wouldn't like to try and open it with cold wet fingers.
I have a two part WW2 clasp knife with no bolster, it only has the main blade and the marlin spike, it has no can opener? As a kid back in the 80s you could pick these up for a couple of quid in the ex-military section of the Exchange and Mart paper.
so i have one that must be inbtween , marlin spike and non brass loop but has the metal blobs either side the screwdriver , it also has an arrow on it , tat licky knofe lived outsiode fro years almost ended up in scrap btu i thought hey allways been a useful outdoor tool then found out what it was and where it came from no longer rusty indoors and on mydesk!
A marlin spike is used primarily for splicing hawser laid ropes together, or creating intricate knots in rope, I've never known why the army needed them, but hey ho. Or why they're still being included today. Maybe someone knows.
Rifleman I have a Clasp knife I inherited. It has the copper ring, screw driver, marlin spike, sheeps foot knife and on the tin opener it has the inscriptions as follows. D.I.Pb and 52.42. It has a number 3 engraved on the marlin spike. Can you assist with more info on this one please.
great video ......... with the stainless steel repro/fakes most seem to be polished finish rather than satin finish and all seem to be dated 1952 at least most of the ones i've seen and have in my collection.
About the dating of the older knives, i agree with you. My pattern 1905 knife Is dated 1938, and i have several ww2 pattern knives dated 1940...i missed 1939 at all...i think that must be the year of the switch. For reenacting purpose i use and old 3 pieces italian Army knife: muuuuch cheaper than the belgian One!!
Nice video, learned more about these knives. I have examples of both but was curious about this one. It’s Canadian marked, no date Sheffield made with an interesting marking ( I*XL). Could you perhaps shine some light on it?
I came across a 1945 pattern clasp knife at a car boot sale recently that was wrapped in typical war department brown paper and heavily covered in storage grease, looking as un issued .It has the usual black chequered scales the makers name on the tin opener is G. Ibberson & Co, also it has a Violin trade mark as well as the military board arrow but no date so I was wondering could this knife be sold off by Ibberson as War surplus in the 1950's 60;s.
Possibly so, some simply weren't dated, it would more likely have been sold off by the military itself and then just sat in stored condition for all these years.
@@RiflemanMoore Hi I have an older large knife with diamond bone scales, brass lanyard, old style can opener, but no spike. Can this be dated. Thanks in advance . Best regards
I've got one that has no date but i'm guessing it was made during WW1. Made by George Wostenholm - Sheffield, with 1*XL stamped on the blade. From what i can make out on the internet, it could be quite rare. I'd be grateful for any info.
I was sold a Belgian version as British (it was covered in cosmolene so didn't initially see the ABL markings) but as I don't reenact and I got it for a song, it's a good knife, there's a tiny bit of pitting on the blade but the item was unissued so no worn or nicked blade and I much prefer the WW2 style scales to the modern stainless steel ones. So if you're just after a WW2 style clasp knife in good condition and a good price, you could do worse than the Belgian made ones.
I have a 1943 three part Knife made by J. Rodgers & Sons Norfolk St Sheffield in remarkably good condition considering it is 76 years old, it mustn't have seen much use. I paid £10 for it about 25 years ago.
> buy s6 > do research > find you > buy jack knife (1940) > do research > find you Well dang. Time to sub. Also my blade has been ground down to a flat end blade, like a straight razor! Is this normal? I've seen some others with the same and I wanted to know if this was a lesser design choice or if it was just used until worn down Love the content man, well knowledged and enjoyable
@@RiflemanMoore it was done a long dang time ago so it's at least not a new addition. But yeah, I've seen some images of similar pin.it/2T4FObQ just like this one. Near identical. I wonder if it's just heavy use. Also what would be the best way to make tool access easier? Mine's quite siezed and takes some serious work to unfold anything. I feel as though wd40 would be a poor choice
It's actual use was many and varied Undoing knots, undoing ratchet straps, punching holes in cans, bradawl, pushing pins out, helping line up pieces, hoof pick - Designed for and used are often very different, still have a couple of mine - still carried them (with and without marlin spike) long after buying a Gerber when serving.
As Chaz says the uses were very varied. I've interestingly seen information regarding the introduction of the knife with a spike stating that those cavalrymen issued them should no longer be issued hoof picks. It was practice in cavalry regiments to file down the point on the spike somewhat for service as a hoof pick.
At one time It was also the standard issue for the Indian army. Not sure what is issued now. I've seen this with my uncle. However he had no clue about the marlinspike. He thought it was some kind of offensive weapon.
I have a stainless "Burma" knife dated 1940, the knife belonged to Sergeant W.V.Tucker, 2030230. Sergeant Tucker saw pre-war volunteer service and was a part of the Territorial Army, initially serving as a member of the Royal Horse Artillery. On re-enlistment to the colours in the early war years that Sergeant Tucker was with the Royal Engineers, this pre-war soldier saw many courses and was a highly qualified soldier serving with the 14th Army in Burma and India. I can send you photographs...
The handle is shiny silver with "Staybright" stamped along the side, the lanyard loop is brass, it says something (need my glasses) Sheffield 1940 on the base of the tin opener, no bottle opener, and it has a single large fold out blade, from the same side as the tin opener.
Would it be possible to drop me a photograph of the 1940 dated knife on Facebook? I have a feeling I know what it is but a photo will confirm it, it sounds like an Ibberson 'rolled back' knife. It's not a 'Burma knife' but an unusual early war deviation from the standard patterns, Ibberson was peculiar in having two of these, yours and another known colloquially as the 'canoe pattern' as the scales look like a Canadian canoe with a peak at each end, in contrast to the 'rolled back' the 'canoe pattern' included a marlin spike. As I say they are a deviation and something I will probably cover in a future video! My error in the video but the scales on the late war jungle knife are in fact aluminium alloy and not steel.
I'm still trying to find one of the pre war ones, one will show up one day 😀 I like how there is a similarity between that and the royal navy version. Blade size and design along with the marlin spike. I do have a whole load of the 40s ones, I always try and pick them up at markets as I think they are a brilliant wee design.i have a few of the Belgian ones aswell, picked them up years ago at shows when they were plentiful and dirt cheap. Excellent video 😊
Keep looking, they are out there! As you say the Belgian ones used to be dirt cheap. I think they can still be had for around a fiver which isn't bad for a using knife, the blades are pretty good.
Marlin Spike? We called them Pig Stickers copying the name of the bayonet that connected to the 1941 I think. I am almost 80!tool. I had one. I joined RE TA in 1962-3 and joined Para Reg TAVR in 1968. There was lots of stuff going free at time!
What is wrong with having the locking version, as far as I am aware it is illegal to carry this version but not illegal to own one as part of a collection.
As they're issue they're rather hard to find. Unless you get a knockoff, I didn't make that clear in the video. As you say it would be questioned if you were carrying one around but I think the blade length is still quite permissible if you were carrying it with good reason, I'd need to double check the legislation.
An apology on my part as I made an error in this video; as with much of the late war jungle kit the scales of the knife are in fact made of aluminium alloy rather than steel.
Thanks for the video. I'm looking for a little more info on these knives. I have a 1945 dated SSP made "Burma Knife". Good condition, very sturdy. I was surprised to learn they used aluminum alloy for the scales rather than stainless steel. I would have thought they were reserving that aluminum for things like aircraft manufacture. You know a good source on the topic?
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SSP was Sheffield Steel Products, company was based in Devon, but manufacture was done in Sheffield at many smaller Cuttlers and stamped up as SSP.
Burma knife has Stainless steel Scales, only the knife issued to Royal Navy has Aluminium scales, and stayed same size as the 1905 pattern right through to 1980’s.
I have approx 180 different British Army, Navy and Air Force Clasp knives from 1890’s to 2010.
Yes, a locking blade version came out in 1990’s and is still an issue item, I have a 2004 example.
I have a Harrison Fisher & Co 1945 Burma pattern with Stainless steel scales.
You might be interested to know the Royal Navy has recently reintroduced a "New Pattern" clasp knife, it's identical in every respect to the World War 2 army Clasp Knife with spike and black grips the only difference is the Nato stock number is electrically etched on the spine under the spike.
Very interesting indeed, thanks for the info!
I've got one
Excellent video I am very surprised to have only just found this channel! You just taught me few things I didn't know about my own collection, thank you!
Glad you found it informative!
Hi.
I have a British Army knife , the shorter one, made in 1944. It was gifted to me by the wife of one of the Queens Horse guardsmen, who accompanied her on her Coronation day. He is seen in black and white footage, escorting her,along with his fellow guardsmen.
Apparently, he was carrying it at the time.
All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧
Well presented and informative video,many thanks!
Glad you found it interesting!
Thank you for the information you have provided, I have my grandfather's 1938 larger size which was taken to Dunkirk. I hadn't realised these knifes went through so many changes.
Glad you found it informative.
Very informative and enjoyable. Thank you
Dear rifleman. In 10:40 the Belgian knife: for there are always two languages to deal with, it says "" Armee Belge" and "Belgisch leger". That combined is ABL. I think it is not impossible that they were made in Sheffield or so. Another famous manufacturer is FN of Herstel in Belgium, but there is no sign of that factory to be seen. Thanks for this nice video!
Greetings from America! (4 years late). I have the 1943 example, and until now - I thought it was missing the metal caps over the hinge pins. Also have a German Bund knife (but that's another story). Absolutely riveting video from an American perspective!!
My old dad had one of the Steel 1950's knives in his tool box when I was a very small boy and I never knew it was from his British Army service in Egypt in the early 1950's. Cool.
Very interesting, glad the video was informative.
Thanks for this - HIGHLY informative details on a much neglected subject.
In cadets (1980s), I used either the circa '39 3 part knife (3:23) or Belgian version (10:16). In storage at the moment, I'm itching now to ID which it is! Used to carry that everwhere with me!
I bought a 2 part version from a car boot sale - only 'cause it was cheap. It came with a thick string lanyard made from the same cordage as a .303" pullthrough. Now to dig that out and ID it!
Missing my marlin spike, I bought a much larger 3 part knife via military stores (if memory serves). Alloy grey handle, I can't recall if it had any markings but I believed it to be mil issue. MUCH better for ropework (splicing). When I catch up with my storage, I'll have to check it. If it does have the crow's foot, I'll have to send you a pic.
I''m glad you found it interesting! Hope you find time to ID the knives in your collection, nice to know this has been of use.
Still have my knife issued to me in 1954 as a national serviceman in the R.E.M.E.
Thanks for sharing.
No worries!
Excellent video, very informative, as always! @19:22, the 1956 knife you have is still being made exactly to the same pattern for the British military. A friend showed me a knife he recently added to his collection, and I was surprised to see that it was dated 2019! It didn't have a locking bar at the back, so unsure if that was something short lived or is just another variant at the same time.
Great video as always just bought a late war model didn't know they were bone handled for years thinking it was bakelite thanks again 😊
Still got my 3 part steel clasp knife that I was issued in 1972.
I also purchased a ABL clasp knife about 10years ago. Knew it was Belgian, but at the same time purchased a set of stainless steel mess tins, stainless steel mug with Belgian water bottle, all which I use regularly.
A very informative video which answered some questions I had about a knife I picked up recently. Slightly off-topic, but could you tell me what the bags are over your right shoulder? I'm keen to replace my current bag with something with a little more history/natural materials and they look like they may fit the bill. Thank you.
I remember there were some of these around my house when I was a child, too bad all are lost now. It is curious that they look so primitive when compared to the swiss army knives of the same period, which we also had.
It was called a sheep’s foot blade because it was used to trim sheep’s hooves
I thoroughly enjoyed that. Thank you. When introducing the WWII knife, you mention the sheepsfoot blade is so named due to the end of the blade resembling a sheep's hoof (3:37). Can you remember where you got this information from? I'd love to know. Regards.
Very interesting, thank you. I just found my grandfather pocket knife (Italian army, ww2) and it almost looks the same of the ones you showed.
Italian had a copy of those from the 50's to the 90/2000's, before it had a simple folding knife with wood grips
Thank you. The one I have has a black plastic grip handle.
That is a very comprehensive timeline of the Army Clasp knife.
I recently came across one these and it is exactly like your 1945 example, except for the lack of any date
and MOD stamp. The blade is marked H.M.Slater Sheffield. it has the additional bottle opener and the mild steel
shackle. Identical to your 1945 example. Can you tell me if H.M.Slater supplied these knives during the war, or
are these yet more civilian copies.?
The post war version with the Marlin spike was the most common one I saw and was issued (1983 to 2007), still have a couple of both types knocking around and both types of lanyard we were issued - long natural string lanyard and the later short yellow/green man made fibre version (which was too short to be of real use).
Thanks very much for the information it's greatly appreciated!
Hi mate great vid!! I wonder if you can help me? I recently purchased from a UK retailer a listed British army clasp knife listed as 1951 dated that would need a clean up due to rust. I wanted it as my late father had one when he did his National service in1951 so i bought it and cleaned it up. However once cleaned i can find no date stamp anywhere? The only markings on it are on the tin opener which have ABL CC 0530. I've done a little research and found that these were possibly made under license from the British MOD for the Belgian army during the cold war? But if so why no date stamp? The retailer is not answering my question and am wondering if this is a 1951 year clasp knife at all? Thanks in advance for any info on this
I have the two part stainless steel with the lock back. What I love about this knife is just how thin it is
Thank you for an informative video, I have a First World War clasp knife, which was my great uncle Jack's, my dad past away recently and I have just come across it. It is nice to know what the different parts are made of, but I cannot see a date on it, unfortunately.
Glad this was of use! I believe not all were dated.
Fantastic video I have two 1943 clasp knifes made by Sheffield Richardson
Thank you!
Most interesting. I will start my search. I have a 1915 Webbly and a 1918 Enfield rifle with bayonet. Both a joy to fire.
I've got one of these in the bottom of a tool box i do remember it has a broken main spring..I'm going to dig it out
Hi fantastic video, please can you make a video on restoring old knives
I saw two similar knives in second hand shop in Whitby I have one of the smaller grip handle knife it was always in my dad’s shed I thought it was something to do with mining as my dad worked down pit as the saying goes so I’ve spent a couple of hours trying find out what this knife is ? As in the shop it was listed as ww2 issue going to get mine out of my shed and open the blade to see if is dated what is a marlin spike used for ? Thanks for doing this video it’s been a real eye opener
If I post a video showing a knife I have ( a Wade & Butch Sheffield England with flat scales and a marlin spike) do you think you can tell me how old it is?
Fascinating and useful review. Would you have a website/email I could send you photos of a British army clasp knife that has recently come into my possession? I can't date it from your descriptions..
Regards
Hi, of course! Email me at riflemanmoore@yahoo.com
I’m pretty sure my daughter has found one of the 3 part 1943 issues whilst magnet fishing we are go king to try and restore it, she was well and truly over the moon with her little treasure.
The Normark lock knife was popular amongst the lads when I was in the Royal Engineers in the 90s. Still have mine
I have a f newton sheffield.tin opener and merlin spike. Knive. Brass classp. Looks old but strong.not sure year.?
A 'Drop point blade is the term you were looking for I believe, Also lanyard loop... ?
Just trying to help. Great video as usual !!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed!
Looking at diagrams of blade shapes it is correct to term the type on the post-1939 knives as a sheeps foot blade, not a drop point. The blade type on the earlier knives is more akin to a drop point.
What you call the lanyard loop is referred to as a shackle in the knife specifications. "The Shackle to be made of copper wire, No. 11 gauge, same size and shape as that of the Standard Pattern."
@@RiflemanMooreI believe that the correct term for the blade shape on the WW1 6353/1905 pattern clasp knife is spear point.
The correct term for the blade shape on the WW2 British clasp knife is sheep foot. There were a few specialist clasp knives that varied with spear point blades. Generally the sheep foot blade has continued in use ever since.
my jack knife is made by Thompson of Sheffield ( closed down 1977) keeps a very sharp edge and i have used it since 1964.
Thank you for that show i have the first knife from a frind who died
I might be wrong, but wasn’t Bakelite quite commonly used for the scales on some of the knives? It can have problems with shrinkage, then cracks appearing, especially around the rivets.
I have carried a British army knife of one kind or another as an edc for fifty years or so ! It was my first pocket knife as a kid and because they were so cheap used I never cared how I abused them if the need be ? I have had many of them and prefer carbon steel ww2 type but they are now getting rarer and therefore expensive!
They are still a great knife and the marlin spike (duck stabber) is fantastic. Good review.
I know this video is 2 years old but i have a question.
I have one of these knives. Mine is the smaller modell with no bolster no tin opener and no flat screwdriver att the top. It says John Blyde on the tang. Can you date it for me? Or any info at all.
Thanks!
I have my Grandads 1943 dated, 2 part knife in virtually unused condition including the lanyard, however I also have a 3 part one that I can't for the life of me remember where it came from. It looks just like the British WW2 smaller knife but with fibre scales like the later WWI version. The make is CORICAMA. Internet says Italian Navy? It's identical the British Pattern. Any ideas?
I've got a black handled, two part knife with no spike. It is dated 1941 and made by John Brockes Sheffield. It has a steel shackle.
Thank you very much for your great, interesting and imformative video. I love all the details. Whow! So interesting. I have 3 WWII british clasp knives in my collection and now I have the information about it :-) (Searching for a SOE clasp knife, hhhahahahahaha). Thanks again, kind regards from Germany, Fred
I see that the addition of the screw driver during WWII was responsible for the messed up screws on both my Lee Enfield rifles. Tommy had to thoroughly clean his rifle by totally disassembling it from the stock when he was back in the rear or in garrison for inspection. Then to reassemble it after cleaning.
I wouldn't be surprised. It's not very good as a screw driver and will soon mangle a screw if you're not careful.
@@RiflemanMoore= Indeed.I had to replace a few screws.
I have the 1905 pattern with the black horn scales made by Lockwood Brothers of Sheffield. I also have the 2 blade (sheep foot and can opener) that is dated 1940 and manufactured by Taylor Eye Witness Brand. It has the copper bail rather than the later steel ones. My third knife is all steel (no aluminum) that is a three part with a sheep foot blade, can opener (no bottle opener) and marlin spike. It still has the screw driver on the end like the 1940 British one, but this one was made during WWII in Australia and is so marked, also marked with the broad arrow mark. The bail on it is copper as well. Hope this information helps someone identify what they have. I found one of these in an antique shop, one in a pawn shop, and the other at a yard sale. I use the 1940 Taylor Eye Witness brand knife as my every day pocket knife. Great steel.
Very informative.
I have my grandfather's knife. I'm not sure how he came about it. He was Irish, but living in England before coming to America. Which was before WWII, as my father (and mother) was the next generation and he fought in WWII.
Anyway, it looks like your 1940 knife with the rounded handle and deep checkering, but it is dated 1943. Steel shackle.
I joined in 74 - my Jack Knife had a marlin spike. It was all metal.
How does the tin opener work on the 'lobster claw' shaped tool at 16:50 onwards? Which bit fits around the tin edge etc...? How would this have been used? Thanks
You push the spike end of tin opener into and through the metal, using brute force or a stabbing action, does not fit on the edge, goes near the edge as you want to cut a good size opening, once you have pierced the top you lever up and down, with the lower part inside the can the shorter part acts as a lever on top of the can, it's crude, but very simple and not much to break, used this type of tin opener in my mums kitchen as a child that's all we had
Hi there, i have a well preserved knive same as yours from appr 1905. Any price on this?? Kind regards. Jan. Republic of South Afrika.
Hi hope you are well please could you do a video on Royal Navy jack knife please as I brought one and need more info
Hi mate don’t know if you will know but I’ll ask anyway I have a clasp knife that I think is war time but it has no date stamp. It does have Venture H.M. Slater Sheffield on the left side of the tin opener and it has Sheffield England stamped on the left side of the blade as well. I wonder if you will be able to shed some light on my clasp knife
The United States Ka-Bar company made an identical one called "Rigging Knife" which is very similar to these.
Those knives 🔪 were issued to me in the Irish ☘️ navy 1989 , I only used it for kit inspections never used it at sea ...
There's even German versions of the WW2 type 3 part clasp knife.
Marked "ADLER ROSTFREI" on the knife ricasso.
The scales have fine diamond checkers like the Italian versions of these knifes.
Ex-scaleyback here, also wore a couple of other cap badges namely a Staffs knot (TA) and a Rose on slime green beret (regs). The only time in the late 80s early 90s when I served that I was aware of any type of clasp knife being issued was to the lineys, i.e. Combat Lineman later renamed Driver Lineman in R. Signals. I was a Radio op (previously called combat radioman, later TeleOp (Radio)) and on our rebro (rebroadcast) detachments in Forward Ctrl Landrovers we had a machete in a canvas sheath, not for anything remotely warry, just to clear undergrowth etc if neccessary as we worked in single dets in isolated locations.
Interesting, I wonder when general issue tailed off. I've heard from veterans up to the early 1980s having them so presumably at some point in the mid '80s.
I was issued a two piece in the Royal Marines in 2006. I think it was purely to give us an extra thing to clean in field inspections. I have fond memories of getting beasted because the instructor could hear grit on the joints, after we did a muddy river crossing the night before!
That sounds about right, your reasoning could well be on the money!
Hello, a question regarding the ww1 variants. Do you know if some were produced without marlin spikes? I managed to pick a rather battered one and was just wondering about its age. It's the correct size for a WW1 one. Thanks in advance for any help.
Hi did you get an answer on ww1 knife without marlin spike as I have one too. Thanks in advance.
Just for your info, the “shackle” on the end of the first knife shown, is actually known as a “bail” 😀
Using Britih Army nomenclature it's a shackle. From the official 1905 Army manufacturing specification; "the Shackle to be made of copper wire, No. 11 gauge".
Rifleman Moore Apologies, I stand corrected 😞(as regards British Army nomenclature, of course!😁).
hi could you help please , thankyou for your video , i have a few rusty knifes, i have one that is brass , marlin spike , odd markings , tin opener has the bottle operned , but the loop is steel , same size as my ww2 bakerlite one the knife is also the square popout of frame its like a mirros size wise it has a screwdriver but no end blob , just pins 4 pins holding it together its got markings and an arrow but unreadbale says william somthing shefield
I remember seeing one of those knifes when I was a kid but I don't remember where I think it was the boy scouts
I have my dad's army issue 1946 2 part clasp knife complete with original string lanyard. It lives in my tool drawer and is in good nick although I wouldn't like to try and open it with cold wet fingers.
I have a 1905 pattern, dated 1938 , with no marlin spike.
So there may be more variations than appear here.
Damned good collection though.
I understand the knife blade and the tin opener but what was the intended use of the marlin spike ?
you use the Spike to work into rope knots to loosen them if they've worked tight
Hi interesting video can you tell what the marlin spike was used for
Thanjs
Undoing knots
I lvoe the full metla one
The one I was issued was with the marlin spike ..
I have a two part WW2 clasp knife with no bolster, it only has the main blade and the marlin spike, it has no can opener? As a kid back in the 80s you could pick these up for a couple of quid in the ex-military section of the Exchange and Mart paper.
Interesting variation and not one I've seen before.
Mine is 3 part late war version. About the only thing i have left over from my re enactment days.
A useful item to keep, for sure.
so i have one that must be inbtween , marlin spike and non brass loop but has the metal blobs either side the screwdriver , it also has an arrow on it , tat licky knofe lived outsiode fro years almost ended up in scrap btu i thought hey allways been a useful outdoor tool then found out what it was and where it came from no longer rusty indoors and on mydesk!
I have one just like WW2 model , but Tiger on one side of the blade and 1963 on tin cutter is written. Can you give information about that?
I can send some pics if required
What was the marlin spike used for? Was it used as a sort of trench knife or was it purely for uitility?
A marlin spike is used primarily for splicing hawser laid ropes together, or creating intricate knots in rope, I've never known why the army needed them, but hey ho. Or why they're still being included today. Maybe someone knows.
Unpicking tight knots.
@@Frodillicus1because the navy was issued the same knife
Very nice knifes
Thanks!
Hi the one i have has no date on the tin opener just shefield steel is it just a replica knife cheers Rob
Rifleman I have a Clasp knife I inherited. It has the copper ring, screw driver, marlin spike, sheeps foot knife and on the tin opener it has the inscriptions as follows. D.I.Pb and 52.42. It has a number 3 engraved on the marlin spike. Can you assist with more info on this one please.
Could you send a photo Albert? Always much better than a verbal description.
great video ......... with the stainless steel repro/fakes most seem to be polished finish rather than satin finish and all seem to be dated 1952 at least most of the ones i've seen and have in my collection.
Glad you enjoyed. The commercially made example I have is devoid of dates and any military markings, I didn't realise some were dated.
About the dating of the older knives, i agree with you. My pattern 1905 knife Is dated 1938, and i have several ww2 pattern knives dated 1940...i missed 1939 at all...i think that must be the year of the switch. For reenacting purpose i use and old 3 pieces italian Army knife: muuuuch cheaper than the belgian One!!
May be a late response. But I just got given my dads issued knifes, dated 2018, and it has a lock system on it.
Very nice!
Hi. Why do some of the ww2 era knives have the spike and some not ? Many thanks.
the ones with the spikes were designed to be used at sea with the Spike being used to loosen tight rope knots
Nice video, learned more about these knives. I have examples of both but was curious about this one. It’s Canadian marked, no date Sheffield made with an interesting marking ( I*XL). Could you perhaps shine some light on it?
What was the job for this knife? I got ww2 of same knife but I have not idea about the used by army.pl help
I think the Polish army made use of these, they were something of a utility tool, for anything you may need to cut, whittle, etc.
I came across a 1945 pattern clasp knife at a car boot sale recently that was wrapped in typical war department brown paper and heavily covered in storage grease, looking as un issued .It has the usual black chequered scales the makers name on the tin opener is G. Ibberson & Co, also it has a Violin trade mark as well as the military board arrow but no date so I was wondering could this knife be sold off by Ibberson as War surplus in the 1950's 60;s.
Possibly so, some simply weren't dated, it would more likely have been sold off by the military itself and then just sat in stored condition for all these years.
@@RiflemanMoore Hi I have an older large knife with diamond bone scales, brass lanyard, old style can opener, but no spike. Can this be dated. Thanks in advance . Best regards
I've got one that has no date but i'm guessing it was made during WW1. Made by George Wostenholm - Sheffield, with 1*XL stamped on the blade.
From what i can make out on the internet, it could be quite rare. I'd be grateful for any info.
Just to clarify. It is the large one with the original coarse scales, 1 blade, can opener, marlin spike. And copper lanyard ring.
I was sold a Belgian version as British (it was covered in cosmolene so didn't initially see the ABL markings) but as I don't reenact and I got it for a song, it's a good knife, there's a tiny bit of pitting on the blade but the item was unissued so no worn or nicked blade and I much prefer the WW2 style scales to the modern stainless steel ones. So if you're just after a WW2 style clasp knife in good condition and a good price, you could do worse than the Belgian made ones.
The Belgian knives are nice indeed, good using pocket knives really.
I have a 1943 three part Knife made by J. Rodgers & Sons Norfolk St Sheffield in remarkably good condition considering it is 76 years old, it mustn't have seen much use. I paid £10 for it about 25 years ago.
Very good price even then I would say.
> buy s6
> do research
> find you
> buy jack knife (1940)
> do research
> find you
Well dang. Time to sub.
Also my blade has been ground down to a flat end blade, like a straight razor!
Is this normal? I've seen some others with the same and I wanted to know if this was a lesser design choice or if it was just used until worn down
Love the content man, well knowledged and enjoyable
Many thanks for the kind words, I'm not aware of grinding down the blade to a flat eng being usual, I'm honestly not sure why someone would do that.
@@RiflemanMoore it was done a long dang time ago so it's at least not a new addition. But yeah, I've seen some images of similar
pin.it/2T4FObQ just like this one. Near identical.
I wonder if it's just heavy use.
Also what would be the best way to make tool access easier? Mine's quite siezed and takes some serious work to unfold anything. I feel as though wd40 would be a poor choice
What was the marlin spike used for?
Undoing knots in rope.
It's actual use was many and varied
Undoing knots, undoing ratchet straps, punching holes in cans, bradawl, pushing pins out, helping line up pieces, hoof pick -
Designed for and used are often very different, still have a couple of mine - still carried them (with and without marlin spike) long after buying a Gerber when serving.
As Chaz says the uses were very varied. I've interestingly seen information regarding the introduction of the knife with a spike stating that those cavalrymen issued them should no longer be issued hoof picks. It was practice in cavalry regiments to file down the point on the spike somewhat for service as a hoof pick.
The primary use of A marlin spike is for splicing ropes.
At one time It was also the standard issue for the Indian army. Not sure what is issued now. I've seen this with my uncle. However he had no clue about the marlinspike. He thought it was some kind of offensive weapon.
👍
I have a 1944 with rarther chunky flat scales and a metal end, it's a funny quite chunky looking one.
17:08 - This version receives a "Coca-Cola bottle" tool. 😁
I have a stainless "Burma" knife dated 1940, the knife belonged to Sergeant W.V.Tucker, 2030230. Sergeant Tucker saw pre-war volunteer service and was a part of the Territorial Army, initially serving as a member of the Royal Horse Artillery. On re-enlistment to the colours in the early war years that Sergeant Tucker was with the Royal Engineers, this pre-war soldier saw many courses and was a highly qualified soldier serving with the 14th Army in Burma and India. I can send you photographs...
The handle is shiny silver with "Staybright" stamped along the side, the lanyard loop is brass, it says something (need my glasses) Sheffield 1940 on the base of the tin opener, no bottle opener, and it has a single large fold out blade, from the same side as the tin opener.
I also have a mint unissued 1945 dated jack knife, blade, tin opener and spike. Can't remember whether it has the bottle opener.
Would it be possible to drop me a photograph of the 1940 dated knife on Facebook? I have a feeling I know what it is but a photo will confirm it, it sounds like an Ibberson 'rolled back' knife.
It's not a 'Burma knife' but an unusual early war deviation from the standard patterns, Ibberson was peculiar in having two of these, yours and another known colloquially as the 'canoe pattern' as the scales look like a Canadian canoe with a peak at each end, in contrast to the 'rolled back' the 'canoe pattern' included a marlin spike. As I say they are a deviation and something I will probably cover in a future video!
My error in the video but the scales on the late war jungle knife are in fact aluminium alloy and not steel.
I'm still trying to find one of the pre war ones, one will show up one day 😀 I like how there is a similarity between that and the royal navy version. Blade size and design along with the marlin spike. I do have a whole load of the 40s ones, I always try and pick them up at markets as I think they are a brilliant wee design.i have a few of the Belgian ones aswell, picked them up years ago at shows when they were plentiful and dirt cheap. Excellent video 😊
Keep looking, they are out there! As you say the Belgian ones used to be dirt cheap. I think they can still be had for around a fiver which isn't bad for a using knife, the blades are pretty good.
I have a 1943 version, with blade and tin opener but no bottle opener. So it's like your 1945 two piece but with the 1943 tin opener.
I have one wery similar to the one you show at 15.00 minutes, but with no markings.
It's not uncommon to find knives in many of these patterns which are unmarked.
Marlin Spike? We called them Pig Stickers copying the name of the bayonet that connected to the 1941 I think. I am almost 80!tool. I had one. I joined RE TA in 1962-3 and joined Para Reg TAVR in 1968. There was lots of stuff going free at time!
I have one dated 1942
What is wrong with having the locking version, as far as I am aware it is illegal to carry this version but not illegal to own one as part of a collection.
As they're issue they're rather hard to find. Unless you get a knockoff, I didn't make that clear in the video. As you say it would be questioned if you were carrying one around but I think the blade length is still quite permissible if you were carrying it with good reason, I'd need to double check the legislation.
Hi.
I have a 1936 dated 13 pattern pocket knife.
Very nice, as I say they were being made into the late 1930s.
I have that knife made in 1945 the black one , Johnson western