Australian manufactured clasp knives were a standard issue to Australian Military Forces during World War 2. The most commonly encountered knife was an all metal model with a canoe shaped body. This knife was a Whittingslowe first pattern clasp knife which included a blade, a tin opener and a marline spike as well as screw driver and shackle to attach the knife to a lanyard or belt clip. These knives were given a dull Nickel plating to protect them. William Thomas Whittingslowe was born in Wales in 1888, he was educated in England and at 18 migrated to Canada and then to Australia, arriving in about 1912. After working in various states, he settled in South Australia and in the 1920s set up his own business, Whittingslowe Engineers Limited. He specialised in ironworking and knife manufacturing. His firm produced a large amount of blade ware during World War 2. He also designed and built manufacturing equipment for General Motors Holden. He died at Murray Bridge (SA) in 1956.This item is significance because it was donated by a member of the community of Wodonga which has a strong connection to Australian military history.A clasp knife made completely from metal with nickel plating. The accessories all fold into a canoe-shaped body. It included a knife, can opener and marlin spike.On knife blade: WE over a broad arrow/I\australian army equipment ww2, thomas whittingslowe, australian army