All About Pocket Knives

I am in the process of downsizing my collection and going through some stuff I have not looked at in years. I came across this Aerial Cutlery knife in the pictures. The tang is stamped "AERIAL CUTLERY CO" over "MARINETTE WIS". Levine's book shows they made knives with this stamp in Wisconsin from 1912-1944. I have never had very many knives with metal handles although I know they are made. I am trying to figure out a little about the knife. Pretty good shape for for 70+ years old. Not to overstate the obvious, it would seem likely this has a military tie in. Probably for WWII. I couldn't find much on the "inter-webs". Any insight is appreciated.

I think it could be an unfinished knife, handle pieces not installed. Bernard Levine has said that the majority of Aerial Cut Co knives you see now were assembled from left over parts many years after the company shut down.
kj

Are the handles Aluminum?
Would any maker from that era use aluminum for liners or scale supports?

americanedgetech wrote:Are the handles Aluminum?
Would any maker from that era use aluminum for liners or scale supports?

Yes, the "handles" are aluminum. I assumed it was a weight issue if military related. It does not seem to me this is an unfinished piece. What little I know about the manufacturing process of knives would not suggest this. All the pins are installed and functional. It does not seem they would do that if they ever intended to put other handles on the outside.

americanedgetech wrote:Are the handles Aluminum?
Would any maker from that era use aluminum for liners or scale supports?

Remington did.

Aerial made a few of these. I have one in my collection somewhere. I do not believe they were military. The only knives I believe Aerial made for the war effort were fixed blades. ___Dave

well, It has a beautiful, and full blade. It has the right shape , and interesting handles. Given the vintage I think it's a great conversation piece.
I'd call it a winner!