Original Item: Only One Available. The United States Invasion of Panama, codenamed Operation Just Cause, lasted over a month between mid-December 1989 and late January 1990. It occurred during the administration of President George H. W. Bush and ten years after the Torrijos–Carter Treaties were ratified to transfer control of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama by January 1, 2000. The primary purpose of the invasion was to depose the de facto Panamanian leader, General Manuel Noriega. He was wanted by the United States for racketeering and drug trafficking. Following the operation, the Panama Defense Forces were dissolved and President-elect Guillermo Endara was sworn into office. The United Nations General Assembly and the Organization of American States condemned the invasion as a violation of international law.

This is a very well-made knife by Robert Parrish, made during the 1980s “Rambo” hollow handle survival knife era. The craftsmanship of a Parrish knife is in a class of its own and this is a great example. The 8" spear point blade has a 3" clip that is sharp and incredible saw teeth, much like the way German “Butcher” blades were constructed. The checkered hollow handle with O ring is for storage. The double guard and cap have lanyard holes for attachments. The top of the crossguard bears the serial number 1084310 meaning it was made in October of 1984 knife number 310. The ricasso is stamped with the initials of Robert Parrish as RP.

These knives made by Parrish were produced out of 440C stainless steel at his shop in Henderson, North Carolina in the 1980s and were often referred to as the “Sun Survival” series. These were very popular amongst not only the US Armed forces, but also favored by the Canadian Army as well.

This knife was originally owned by J. Jay Tinker, a Master Sergeant in the Army National Guard. He was the NCOIC of a team that trained US Army Rangers on the use of a new (at the time) laser guiding system for various types of ordnance in November of 1989. He ended up loaning this knife to one of the Rangers who parachuted into Panama with the 82nd Airborne while under the 7th Infantry Division. Two months after the operation, this unnamed Ranger returned this knife back to MSG Tinker with a bottle of his favorite scotch as a thank you. He could not locate the Ranger to get the go ahead to mention his name in the included letter.

Both the knife and the sheath are in excellent condition and show signs of minimal use. The knife retains the masterfully sharpened edge, so do use caution when handling. The sheat still has the original whetstone present, all stitching and buttons are present as well.

This once popular knife has now become scarce in recent years and to find one in such a pristine condition as this one is a rarity!

Comes more than ready for further research and display.