Original Item: Only One Available. In 1942, the U.S. Army Air Force adopted a Folding Machete for use in the B-2 and B-4 Bail out kits. This machete was designed to replace the Model 18 Collins machete, which took up a lot of space in the emergency kits. The folding machete is only 11 inches long when folded up.

Case, Camillus, and Cattaraugus were the 3 makers contracted by the USAAF to manufacture these folding machetes. This example is marked on the blade with CAMILLUS, indicating manufacture by the Camillus Cutlery Company. During World War II, Camillus shipped more than 13 million knives of various styles to the Allied troops. In 1942, U.S. Marine Corps officers Colonel John M. Davis and Major Howard E. America working in conjunction with cutlery technicians at Camillus developed the KA-BAR Fighting Utility Knife. After extensive trials, the KA-BAR prototype was recommended for adoption, and Camillus was awarded the first contract to produce the KA-BAR for the Marine Corps. Camillus made more KA-BARs than any other knife manufacturer producing the model during World War II. During the war, Camillus also made the M3 fighting knives, the M4 bayonets and many other utility knives for U.S. forces, including machetes, multi-blade utility knives, TL-29 Signal Corps pocket knives for signalmen, electrician's mates, and linesmen, and combination knife/marlinspike pocket knives for use by the U.S. Navy in cutting and splicing lines.

This example is in good used condition, and still retains the blade cover, which was often lost. The blade and handle show staining and light corrosion from 70 years of age and use, but it is otherwise in very good condition. The grip is in fine condition, and has not been altered in shape. The locking mechanism works correctly, and the machete folds up as designed. The blade does not appear to have been sharpened much after the factory, and still retains the original shape.

A very nice example with a lovely patina. Fully functional and ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 10"
Blade Style: Forward Curved Single Edged Machete
Overall length: 15 1/2“
Crossguard: 2 5/8”

Modification of these machetes was actually common, as unfortunately their design left much to be desired by those that used them. The shape of the handle is not especially comfortable. The edges are squared off and cut into the hand over time. The liner lock on the blade was not trusted by the users and was subject to failure. To make matters worse, the blade guard was a separate item and was subject to being lost. However, due to the war, these minor issues would have to wait until after the war to be resolved.

The folding machetes were called “Jungle Knives” by the crews who carried them. Despite their flaws, they did work. In some instances, crew members would reshape the plastic grips to make them more comfortable. However, the other problems remained an issue; especially losing the blade guard.

For the most part, the AAF folding Machetes were issued to crews operating in the South Pacific. However, we have seen accounts of them being used in European theater. We assume this was later in the war when survival kits were becoming more standardized or perhaps when certain Bomber Groups were transferred from the Pacific to Europe.