Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

Australian Army Clasp Knife

« Prev Item Next Item »

Subcollections

Edged Weapons, Swords, Bayonets, Knives and Tools

Overview

Standard issue, Australian military issue clasp knife of World War 2

Historical information

Australian manufactured clasp knives were a standard issue to Australian Military Forces during World War 2. The most commonly encountered knife was n all metal model with a canoe shaped body. This knife was made in two patterns, both have a blade, a tin opener and a marline spike as well as screw driver and shackle to attach the knife to a lanyard or belt clip. These knives were given a dull Nickel plating to protect them. The First Pattern had a British style tin opener. In 1945 the Second Pattern with an improved tin opener was issued.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-55-628

Inscriptions and markings

Whittingslowe marked knives are by far the most common Australian made clasp knife found.

Contextual Information

A display of military knives and machetes used by the Australian Army, both issue and private patterns may be found in the Pacific Islands section of the World War 2 Gallery. All edged weapons, including bayonets, knives and swords in the collection of the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia are physically secured within locked display cases.

Links to additional resources

Whittingslowe Knives

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Organisation Details
View Collection
Item Feedback