This rare NASA commemorative Swiss Army knife was released in 1989 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing. It features an image from that mission in metal inlay on its front blade; while on its main blade is depiction of Command Module docked with Moon Lander as well as dates for landing. Furthermore, this “Craftsman” model precedes 1991.
The Story
As Neil Armstrong made history by landing on the moon 50 years ago wearing one very special knife, Case Knives released a limited-edition replica to commemorate this historic event.
From 1961 to 1975, an Astronaut Knife M-1 was part of every survival pack on board Gemini and Apollo spacecraft from 1961. Used nine times during these missions, this knife became known as an essential survival item.
NASA requested this knife after other military knives failed to meet the specific needs of their Apollo program. These requirements included having a lightweight knife with sharp cutting edges paired with saw-tooth spines for prying items from lunar terrain; being impact resistant without shattering; exuding no fumes into spacecraft – essential elements to maintaining air purity inside.
As it turned out, the M-1 proved itself ideal for this task. Thanks to its unique combination of materials – including aluminum scales, high density polyethylene sheath, and soft indium seal – the M-1 could easily cut through bone, wood and foil.
The M-1 knife became popular among astronauts who faced dangerous tasks, like re-entry. Therefore, its length was reduced from its typical 14 inches so astronauts could hold it securely within their cramped suits.
Gus Grissom, the first American to travel into space, used this unique knife during his voyage aboard Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft which launched into orbit in July 1961 but then unfortunately crashed back into earth shortly thereafter. Surprisingly well preserved even after 30 years submersion in salt water!
Design
Since this knife was designed specifically for astronauts, its construction differs significantly from an average pocket knife. It’s extremely lightweight yet boasts a sharp cutting edge and sawteeth on the spine of its blade, as well as sawteeth that can pry objects out of lunar terrain. Furthermore, its handle was made of polypropylene which at that time was the lightest synthetic available and could withstand impacts similar to that of a 40 caliber bullet without shattering; in addition, polypropylene gives off no fumes which was important as NASA wanted to maintain purity of air inside their spacecraft.
Apollo 11 knife stands out from other knives by not having a belt clip that can accidentally open, using instead a collar lock system that keeps its 3.3-inch blade safely folded up when not being used. This prevents accidental deployment; additionally, extra effort must be exerted in rotating or lifting up on nail nick to eject blade – another safeguard feature of this model knife.
This rare NASA commemorative Swiss army knife was released in 1989 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Apollo 11’s Moon Landing. Featuring an image and date in metal inlays on its blade – showing July 20, 1969 as well as being standard Craftsman model, but without hook tool; additionally it also has its serial number on a liner behind the pliers as well as being stamped onto its backside – makes this piece truly rare and collectible!
People frequently purchase this knife either for collector’s purposes, or simply because they want one with the Apollo 11 design on it. Most likely, however, is it to hang it on their wall and admire every time they look at it; whether for aesthetic or practical purposes alike it makes for an impressive piece of history and its affordable cost makes it ideal for anyone wishing to own their piece of history!
Materials
Case was contracted to design a custom knife to meet NASA’s specific specifications for inclusion in the Apollo space missions, so when other military knife designs failed to do so, Case was asked to create its own. This resulted in the Astronaut Knife M-1 featuring a machete-style blade with sharp cutting edge, saw teeth on backside, and blunt base for prying. Handle made of lightweight synthetic material which could withstand impact equivalent to being shot with 45 caliber bullet without shattering, while not emitting fumes essential in maintaining purity within spacecraft.
Astronaut Knife M-1 was used by every Apollo astronaut, and many put its functionality to good use both on the Moon and upon returning home. For Apollo 11 astronaut Gus Grissom it even saved his life when Liberty Bell 7 craft he was flying on crashed into the ocean and began sinking – it was later recovered from beneath its salt water depths, still well preserved after having spent thirty years underground!
Victorinox is marking the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing by offering a commemorative version of their Tinker Swiss Army Knife: Man on the Moon Edition. Featuring black stainless steel tools colored using Polispectral technology that coats them in transparent chromium oxide to protect from damage and rusting, its front scale carries an engraving with the date of Apollo 11 landing, and comes packaged in an exclusive presentation box.
Though originally designed for space travel, the Apollo 11 knife makes an excellent companion in any backyard. With a 12-inch long stainless-steel blade suited for clearing brush or stripping tree bark and peeling fruit. Plus, its handle crafted of lightweight synthetic polymer secured with brass pins makes this knife flameproof–making it great for campers or outdoorsy types who like cooking over an open fire!
Function
No matter its snazzy look, the Apollo 11 knife was never intended as a weapon; rather it served as an integral component of an emergency rucksack astronauts carried into space in case their Command Module needed to be evacuated and they needed to return back home before reentry back on Earth. Knives such as this were stored away inside such bags along with flashlights, medical supplies and spacesuits – each essential items in case reentry into Earth was necessary.
The original NASA M-1 knife featured a sharp cutting edge complemented by saw teeth on its reverse. Additionally, its blunt base allowed for prying objects from terrain. Constructed from lightweight synthetic materials that could withstand impact without shattering under pressure and engineered to emit no fumes for maintaining an ideal atmosphere aboard Apollo spacecraft, its design provided essential solutions.
Case Knife Company will release a limited run of this iconic knife to mark 50 years since man first set foot on the moon. The commemorative model bears similarities to its original M-1 counterpart but comes equipped with themed embellishments and will go on sale starting February 2019.
This folding utility knife from Apollo Tools is an invaluable everyday tool, designed for easy use and with a self-locking mechanism for convenient folding out. Featuring its attractive metallic pink design and easy use, this tool makes a thoughtful gift on any special occasion or special event! Engraved with “First Steps on the Moon,” its front panel shows images of astronaut Neil Armstrong in his suit aboard Apollo 11 Eagle Lander lander – this must-have knife makes an unforgettable statement about your passions.