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Found another one no one wanted which I don't understand with this one as it's from the Vietnam era. Can't find any information on it but it has the correct markings for Vietnam issue.
I was the only bidder and it was less than the last one I bought.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../AYCwVVV-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../0Ky2F1S-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../NOdEax6-1.jpg
Is the finish and the degree of wear along the spine consistent with what you see along the curve of the tip?
Yes, it was made this way. At least it looks that way to me.
I did look at it closer. The finish (color) is the same, but the milling is different. Not sure what that means. I would think the color would be different if it was done later but it is a possibility.
Milling? It looks like a standard model that was broken or cut down. Re shaped...
I'm beginning to think that may be what happened. The upper edge is rough to about the halfway point, almost like the blade was cast and they didn't finish the edge, then it is smoother, ground down, all the way to the tip but the color or finish is exactly the same as the unfinished portion, that's what threw me off. They must have reblued it. Oh well, you win some, you lose some, I still like it.
You can still use it without fear, nice and handy length.Quote:
Originally Posted by Aragorn243
I have a full-length Collins No.28, and a few other types, and bright polished and sharp as it is, it certainly inspires a healthy regard in the viewer and the user, but it's more of a liability for legs and wrists than anything else I find. Probably perfect for slashing down a known quantity like bananas or sugar cane all day where the "reach" is useful and the user can judge how much force and speed to give it for the anticipated resistance, but otherwise it's too inclined to pass through whatever you aim it at and keep going, either into the ground or thin air and in the latter case you then have to stop the swing with the wrist and arm which gets wearing after a while. Bushhooks are a lot more useful, safe and controllable I feel and the "nose" protects the edge well if you do strike the ground. With a blade 3/16" thick or so and a handle of maybe 24" they'll go through a lot more than a machete as the weight is up forward. The long handle gives the user a choice in how to hold for greater or less force and length of swing as well. Just in case anyone's interested...;)
Useful tool Aragon, if you draw file that edge into something respectable. A convex bevel is a lot more durable.
NOT a knife expert; barely able to identify a pointy/sharpy thing as such...
This looks, at least superficially, like the "banana knife" carried by most MACV SOG (Studies and Observation(s?) Group) recce guys in the late '60s and very early '70s.
Would it be worth checking with the SOG vets organization to see if any of those guys recognize it?
I believe you're referring to the Woodman's Pal which was carried by a lot of SF troopies, LRRP's and SEALs in Vietnam.Quote:
Originally Posted by tj214
Actually, many of the SOG books that have been flooding the market show what they usually call "banana knives" that look more like the one originally posted here than the Woodman's Pal you mention (no backside hook), although I have no doubt you're right about the Woodman as well. This is a purely visual assessment from confessed non-expert.