Original U.S. Vietnam War Era Airborne Paratrooper / Pilot Knife with Cord Cutter by Logan/Smyth

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used example of a Vietnam War issue paratrooper & pilot knife which saw use with many different soldiers during this period, with correct orange plastic "jigged bone" handles. These differ from the WWII and Korean war issue knives in that they have a second blade, specifically designed to cut cords. This would be used to help free the owner from tangled parachute rigging, or even their harness if they were a helicopter pilot. The black plastic was replaced with orange to make the knife easier to see in low light conditions.

From a veteran who used these knives in the 1980s:

"in the early 80s when I was a crew chief on KC-135 tanker we were issued these knives, they were carried in a pocket on your left upper leg of your flight suit designed specifically to hold this knife or the old style parachute, shroud cutter knife. And they were attached by a cord to your flight suit so if you dropped it, you wouldn’t lose it. Never heard of it ever being carried anywhere else, and if it was in your breast pocket and you were in your parachute harness, your harness would restrict your access to that pocket, which is why it was designed to be worn on the leg. The design flaw that most of the crew chiefs and flight crew saw was the button you pushed on the side to release the blade, released the knife, not the shroud cutting hook, which is what you would need quick access to when you were in your parachute."

These certainly saw use with several different kinds of troops during this period as shown here.

This used example is in functional condition and still has the bale ring. The bale ring would ensure it wasn't dropped when being used to cut through parachute rigging. The lock still works well. Condition is very good and shows signs of use but nothing major. The blades still retain their original shape.

It is marked on the base of the blade with:

LOGAN/SMYTH
VENICE, FL.

These knives were usually carried in the breast pocket, for easy access when needed. Ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade Length: 3”
Blade Style: Clip Point Knife
Knife Length Open: 7 1/4”
Knife Length Closed: 4 1/4”