A.G. Russell Knives

Re-Issue of a World War II era knife.

Shortly after World War II, General Curtis LeMay, then head of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), authorized the creation of a survival kit for crews of the long-range bombers. Requirements were that the knife it contained had to be an effective tool for survival in the wild with the ability to perform a number of functions including field dressing and cleaning fish. A must was that it had to be lightweight. It was to be part of a survival pack that was already weighing about fifty pounds, nearing the risk of being left behind because it was too heavy to carry. The concept was survival, not defense from an enemy. The major task would be building shelter and feeding yourself. The Air Force reviewed the Randall Model 14, but deemed it too heavy. Decision makers who were well aware of the "Tree Brand" product requested input from Boker USA (then owned by Cooper Tool). The initial production of 300 pieces of what is really a small hunting knife resulted in immediate approval and became the official survival knife of the U.S. Air Force.

Boker® has just created a re-make of this knife in their Boker Plus line. The 4-1/2" mirror finished modified clip point blade is made of tough SK5 carbon steel (not stainless) at 54-55 Rc. The handle is crafted of leather washers, with brass guard and spacers and an aluminum pommel. Measures 8-3/8" overall and weighs 3.5 oz. Includes an SAC leather sheath. Made in Taiwan. Suggested retail $69.95.

Böker Plus® Air Force Pilot Survival Knife