1981 Camillus Military Pilot Survival knife 5733 unused

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Pommel is stamped 1981. New old stock - never used, carried or sharpened. Includes sharpening stone and tie laces. Originally made for U.S. Armed Forces in mid-1950s with 6" blade, reduced to 5" in 1962. Version seen is made to government specifications. Size : overall length: 9-3/4"; blade: 5-3/16" Features : (per Camillus 1980 catalog, flyer*, observation, and Camillus website, now closed**) Knife : 1095 carbon steel blade to hold and maintain a working edge longer and sharpen easier; blade has sawtoothed top edge, originally intended to allow pilot to cut through a downed aircraft cockpit; curved top part of blade is sharpened; blade has blood grove and is coated with black phosphate; steel handguard has two drilled holes to lace the knife to a stick for use as a spear. Balanced weight makes this an effective survival tool; stacked leather washer handle is grooved and contoured for a comfortable and secure grip. Made of lathed solid leather with preservative to prevent mold, rot, fungus, etc.; riveted-end core of hardened steel extends from tip to butt; octagon-shaped butt is an effective hammer when used with sheath. Sheath : made of leather with belt slot and pocket for sharpening stone (original stone is included); t are two holes for tie laces at top and at bottom; comes with nylon laces which have been treated with a preservative; metal protector at bottom and back prevents knife point from piercing skin in an accident. Copy of flyer, plus copy of relevant page and cover of catalog, will be sent with knife. * Flyer is undated, but bottom says, "98 years of experience making ... American knives." ** From /1mainframe.htm During the Vietnam War, Camillus again produced knives for the armed forces. To the enlisted men, being issued a Camillus knife to assist in their armed service is like being reunited with an old friend. THE VIETNAM WAR Some of the knives that Camillus manufactured during this time period were the #S1760 four blade utility knife, the #5733 5" Pilot Survival Knife, and the now legendary #5684 USMC Marine Combat fixed blade. The Marine Combat's blade measures 7 inches overall, providing the knife with the capabilities of handling utility, survival, and close quarters combat equally well. The stacked leather washer handle is grooved and contoured for a comfortable and secure grip. The round pommel of the Marine Combat allowed for light hammering duties and possibly as a blunt-strike weapon. Closely resembling the Marine Combat #5684, the Pilot Survival Knife is like a scaled down version of the Marine Combat, but with sawteeth ground onto the blade spine. This compact but powerful cutting tool easily stowed in the cockpit of a fighter and the sawteeth permitted the pilot to cut his way out of a downed aircraft cockpit. Camillus also produced the MC-1 Paratrooper's Knife, a quick deploying switchblade with an orange handle. Finally, the S1760 four bladed utility knife provided both convenience and utility out in the field, with its can opener, flathead screwdriver/bottle opener, punch, and spear point blade. The rugged all-metal construction withstood heavy usage and a shackle enabled the knife to easily be within reach with the use of a lanyard. Successfully, Camillus again outfitted the armed forces with the necessary bladeware needed to conduct a battle campaign. Condition : The blade has some small rub marks w it contacts the sheath upon entry/exit. T are a few dark spots on the leather handle. The sheath has some dark marks on the front, primarily w the handguard rests, and t are scratches on the metal part of the back. Markings : stamp on pommel: "CAMILLUS N.Y. 11-1981". Shipping : Worldwide - from Canada. Actual cost - no handling fee. To U.S. : $8.50 air mail or $7.00 ground mail, both with insurance up to $100 but no tracking. To Canada : $11.50 air mail or $10 ground mai... read more

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