All About Pocket Knives

I was looking over the knives in an antique store and came across this odd knife. The blade is clearly stamped CAMILLUS, but it has no tang stamp.

This sucker is like no other folding knife I have seen. I was a fool not to put something in the pic for scale, but this knife was huge! The blade you see is about an inch and a half wide, and the handle was at least an inch thick.

Any leads would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Welcome to AAPK. You have what remains of a WWII vintage pilot's folding survival machete. Camillus, Case and others made them for the military under contract. The blade on yours looks to be about half or less of the original length. Here's a picture of one that sold on eBay.

Ken

That is exactly what it was. I'm betting the blade broke and someone ground it down so the blade fit in the handle completely when folded.

Many thanks!

It originally had a safety guard to cover the edge that extends beyond the handle when folded.

Ken