In 1954, Marble'sŪ began work on developing and producing the world's first jet pilots
survival knife. The first samples were produced by Marble'sŪ and tested by the U.S.
Air Force. The unique Marble'sŪ design was purchased by the U.S. Government and 5.000
all blued knives were issued for field testing. The knives were a great success and
became the basis for all future pilot knives for every nation in the world.
Marble'sŪ actually only produced that one run of knives for the Air Force.
The design was put out on bid for future orders and Camillus Cutlery and Ontario
Cutlery consistently under bid Marble'sŪ for government contracts.
Marble'sŪ really had made literally thousands of blades and components before realizing
that they would not be given exclusive manufacture. To sell these knives, Marble's
offered the "civilian" or "commercial" version of the Pilot Survival Knife to the
general*; public. This version had a polished blade, brass guard and polished hex pommel.
In 1997, we found a box of original blades. Most were cracked and pitted beyond
repair. We were able to salvage about 300 of these vintage blades. We had enough
of the original brass guards and original washers to finish the blades but not
enough original stacked leather or hex pommels. We decided to create a couple of
new variants.
Variation #1 (illustrated) has a blued blade, brass original guard, original washers,
black linen Micarta handle and a special red brass pommel. Only 50 of this variation
has been made and are specially marked and numbered. It is supplied with a modern
"jump safe"-lined Cordura pilots sheath.
Variation #2 (illustrated) has a polished blade, brass original guard, original
washers, black linen Micarta handle and a special red brass pommel. Only 50 of
this variation has ; been made and are specially marked and 1 numbered. It is
supplied with a modern ; "jump safe"-lined Cordura pilots sheath. -
Variation #3 and #4 have polished blades, original brass guards, original washers,
black linen Micarta handles, either brass or custom-made black linen Micarta Pommels.
These also use our standard 6-inch brown leather sheath.
All of these blades are original forgings from 1954 to 1957. The new variants will
be just as collectable as the vintage models because there are only 300 units total.
Please ask your local dealer for variants #3 and #4.
Pilot Survival Knife-Blued $275.00
Pilot Survival Knife-Polished $275.00
