Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 2, Australian Army Clasp Knife

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1939 - 1944

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

Item type

Edged weapons

Material

Carbon Steel

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.

Year

1939 - 1944

Links to additional resources

Whittingslowe Knives

Last modified

Sunday, 7 June, 2026

Completeness

Item feedback

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia