Why is the long blade a switchblade but the loop blade for cutting out of a parachute needs two hands to operate? This has always been a mystery to me.

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Very good question!

Standard Procedure was to carry it in a pocket just above the knee.
With the Hook Blade Open.

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Paratroopers started using switchblades in WWII. There were several mfg’ers and couple different knives. The Paratrooper jackets had a double sided zipper pocket on top left of the front so the zipper could be reached by either hand. Best design had a lanyard that they wore around their neck and secured to the knife by the bale. Those original knives were single bladed. The pictured knife is just a carry over from WWII design with the hooked cutting blade added. Since this knife was issued the question has been asked. Guess write it off to typical “ gubbermit” design. LOL

I like the carry-it-open concept, actually!

Thanks!

But I still think the design is dumb................

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Maybe because the original intent was for it to be an aircrewman's knife, not an just an airborne knife. The hook blade is for cutting shroud lines. The switchblade is for venting a life raft that accidently was inflated inside the aircraft.

Video


More Info:

https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/for...chutist-knife/