The scarce U.S. Army Air Force folding machete/survival knife was adopted in 1942. The machete was designed to replace the overly long Model 18 Collins machete in the B-2 Bail out kits and is only 280mm long when folded.
Three US companies were contracted to produce these folding machetes, Case, Camillus, and Cattaraugus. This example was made by the Cattaraugus Cutlery Co., of Little Valley, New York in 1942.
The 252mm un-fullered blade is single-edged and has a thick, flat spine. The edge was service sharpened and remains very sharp. The blade is in great, used condition, with a pale patina and a few tiny edge nicks. The heavy blade is stamped with the makers’ mark, “Cattaraugus U.S.A.” in cursive script and is complete with its metal blade guard that retains its original black paint finish.
The blade folds securely into the black composite grip and the locking mechanism is in good working order. The grip scales are in good condition with mild use-related wear.
This is a very good example of the scarce WW2 US Army Air crew survival machete, complete with its original blade guard.
