Knife, Clasp, with Marline Spike and Tin Opener, manufactured in England to the Standard Pattern 6353/1905, as modified in 1913 with specific dimensions to the tin opener. This pattern was used by British forces, and was one of the patterns issued to members of the Australian Infantry Force during WW1. This pattern was used up until the late 1930s, where it was superseded by other patterns.Knife, Clasp, with Marlin Spike and Tin Opener, manufactured to the standard British pattern 6353/1905, as modified in 1913 with changed dimensions for the tin opener. The hilt of the knife has two chequered pattern sides secured by five metal rivets. The underside of the hilt has two recesses to allow storage of the blade and the tin opener. A tapered steel Marline spike is mounted on the other side of the hilt, pivoting at the opposite end to the blade and tin opener. A copper wire shackle is also secured at this end of the hilt that was used to attach the knife to a lanyard or belt clip. A fingernail indentation is located near the top of one side of the blade. The tin opener has bevelled edges tapered to a point on one side, with a steel post mounted in the middle of the other side.J. CLARKE & SON SHEFFIELDknife, clasp, ww1, steel, marline spike, australian infantry force, milirary

Two patterns of clasp knife were supplied to the Australian Military Forces in the WW2 era by the Carr Fastener Company. These clasp knives were identical to those made by Whittingslowe Engineers that were made in the Whittingslowe factory under contract to Carr Fasteners. William Whittingslowe had a close association with Carr Fasteners prior to WW2 and had been Chairman of Carr Fasteners for some time.Smaller sized canoe shaped body military steel clasp knife. The clasp knife is the Carr Fast second pattern with the improved tin opener, manufactured in Australia in the World War Two era. The clasp knife has a blade, a tin/bottle opener, a marline spike as well as a screw driver and a copper wire shackle used to attach the knife to a lanyard or belt clip. The body of the knife is held together by steel rivets. Indentations to aid opening are located on the top RHS of the blade, and on the top LHS of the tin opener. The end of the tin opener is shaped to a point.CARR FAST CO AUST D (broad arrow pattern) Dclasp knife, world war two, australian military forces, steel

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

A marlinspike is a tool used in marine rope work it is shaped in the form of a polished metal cone tapered to a rounded or flattened point, it is used in such tasks as unlaying rope for splicing or untying knots. For drawing a marline tight and using a marlinspike hitch as well as for joining toggle ropes under tension in a belaying pin splice. Most marlin spikes are 15–30 cm long, but may reach 61 cm and more for working heavy cables and ropes. They are usually made from iron or steel, whereas fids, similar in shape and function, are formed from wood or bone. The marlinspike may be a separate tool or as an item on a pocket knife. Sailors who become proficient at knot tying, splicing, and sewing using the marlinspike are said to have mastered marlinespike seamanship, earning them the right to be known as marlin spikes or marlinspike seamen.A tool still very much in use today wherever a rope or cable requires joining, splicing etc the marlin spike tool design has not changed since first invented centuries ago as a sailors tool to splice and make repairs to ropes and cables on board a ship. This item gives a snapshot into the life sailors have on board sailing vessels past and present. Marlin Spike made of solid steel. Handle is bulbous and spike end is rounded.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, marlin spike