I looked a long time for one of these in new condition and a decent price made during the Vietnam War. I found I could have 2 of those conditions met but not all three. Therefore I opted for one made close to the war. I found this one made just after it ended and got it for a price you can only get from some one who had no idea what he was selling.
Commonly called ” the demo knife” this is actually the “Knife, Pocket, General Purpose.” There is a long misconception this was issued for use with demo kits because it was not magnetic. It is though. So don’t try to disarm anything with one if it can’t be magnetic. This one is made by the old Camillus knife company, RIP, a maker of various blade for the military for many years. These knives, the TL-29 lineman/ signal corp knife ( which I also have) the Jet Pilot Survival Knife the trench knife and course was the original designer of and first producer of the “KABAR” knife. A company that knew how to make quality stuff. Founded in 1876, they went Tango Uniform in 2007 (Unions). Some other company bought the name and IP and no doubt produces and sells Chinese made shit under the name.
Issued in survival kits, general purpose and Ken tells me if did get issued to engineers and demo guys in Special Forces.
3.250″ Blade
Belt-Punch/Awl
Can Opener
Bottle Opener
Flat Head Screwdriver
Lanyard Bail
Thing is built like a tank. All stainless steel with stainless steel springs, handle scales and tools and blades. These things are meant to take the abuse from the dumbest of recruits. And it even has lanyard loop so idiots like me can tie it to my belt to keep from losing it.
Scattered Shots 
Colonial Knife Corp. out of Rhode Island makes this knife, a parachute knife, and many others. USA made since 1926.
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I went to their site and was ready to buy that MK I navy knife till i saw they use a polymer handle on it instead of leather.. Too bad
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My Dad had one of those issued to him. He was in from 56-58, then went into reserves til 62. He used to keep it in one of those old flip top cigar boxes on his dresser. He was in the Signal Corps, so I wonder if all Signal Corps got issued one of those.
He used to bring it whenever we went camping. He called it his “Army Jack Knife”.
Dad passed 3 years ago, but I’m sure his knife is still at the house. Next time I visit my Mom, I’ll ask her if I can look for it.
I was issued 3 knives during my time. 2 were auto openers, a Benchmade Stryker and a Gerber (don’t remember the model). The 3rd was a folding Microtech (don’t remember that model either). The auto openers were issued to SF jumpmasters, since we required a one hand opening knife in the case of a “towed jumper” which is a pretty dangerous situation. One of these days i need to go through my storage and find them
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