Original British WWII R.A.F. Airmen’s Folding Survival Machete by Butler with Rare Blade Guard – dated 1945 Original Items

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.

The British Royal Air Force saw the utility of this, and decided to copy the design for their own emergency kits. They made only one change: the addition of a loop to the bottom where a hand strap could be attached, which this example still has.

All of the examples that we have been able to find online were marked by the same company under a “Key” logo: G. BUTLER / & CO., a maker in Sheffield England mostly known for making folding pocket knives. As the survival machete is for all purposes an oversized pocket knife, the choice of contractor made sense. The blade is also marked MADE IN ENGLAND on one side, and the other side has a BROAD ARROW over 1945, indicating military acceptance in that year.

This example is in very 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. It has some light oxidation where it was unprotected by the blade guard and handle.

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 3/4”

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.

At this point, the British R.A.F. saw the design, and decided to copy it for their own air crews.