Premier H19 Knife

[Sentryduty]

When does a family heirloom become too valuable to use? This is certainly the question I am asking myself when it comes to this particular knife.

The Premier H19 fixed blade knife.

I had this fine knife passed on to me by my Father a few years ago, and because of the relative rarity, and my inability to replace it, I have been very hesitant to risk using (or losing) it. I have only seen a few like it and they were all in the hands of my Father, Grandfather, or Uncle. Always used as hunting knives during deer season they were kept very sharp and ready to process game, or take care of camp related tasks. As a younger fellow I remember these knives held a keen edge, and the few times I used one, they were “scary” sharp, cutting quickly and with ease.

I understand that these knives may have been under trials for the Canadian Forces sometime during the early 1970’s. A number came into the possession of my family through unofficial means from CFB Cornwallis. While I know they were not officially adopted by the CF, (the Russell Belt Knife) I can only assume the remainder were disposed as surplus, or otherwise lost, since I have never seen any others. Maybe they were only trialed in low numbers, or not at all, or may have been a LPO (Local Purchase Item) to satisfy a supply shortfall, who knows?

The blade is stamped with “Premier, Lifetime” on the left side and “H19 England” aside from that there are no other markings.

This is a full tang blade which has an aluminum pommel with a brass tensioning screw. The 4” (101.6mm) handle is stacked leather design with a brass hilt and fittings. The blade is quite heavy, measuring 4.5” (114.3mm) long, 0.12” (3.0mm) across the spine, with a 4” (101.6mm) full flat ground cutting edge, finished with a false edge and blood groove.

The sheath is a bit unusual as it was originally made of olive drab cotton canvas with wooden liner. On my example the canvas has rotted away and was rubber dipped sometime in the mid 1990’s to preserve what was left.

Internet research identifies the Premier Knife as a US based importer of knives during the 60’s and 70’s which built their product line from various overseas manufacturers, possibly including the famous Sheffield and Solingen makers. Not much else has been reported about this sharp and robust blade.


For the time being, mine will cleaned and freshened up, with a few strokes over the water stones to hone the edge, then returned to careful storage.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.