NASA turned to Case when none of their military knives met its specifications for its Apollo program, so as part of an ambitious effort, they commissioned them to develop one that did. As part of that endeavor came the Astronaut Knife M-1 with its machete-style blade featuring sharp cutting edges paired with saw teeth for prying. Plus it was ultralightweight and produced no fumes – an essential trait in zero gravity environments!
1. Stainless Steel Blade
Knives can be handy tools, and this one stands out for its extraordinary blade. It was specifically created to be stored inside Apollo 11 Command Module along with other survival gear in case of an emergency landing or capsule drift, so its blade had to be strong enough for cutting through spacesuit materials and other tough objects if they became necessary for astronaut survival. In addition, lightweight construction and materials that wouldn’t outgas would keep air quality levels from degrading were key requirements of survival gear in spacecrafts.
NASA turned to Case, one of America’s premier manufacturers of premium knives, and asked them to create a unique model specifically for use by Apollo astronauts during their nine trips around the moon between 1968 and 1972 – the Astronaut M-1 knife was chosen. Now to mark 50th Anniversary of man’s first steps on the moon, Case has released limited edition Astronaut M-1s as limited editions with unique serial numbers in two-piece presentation boxes.
This replica features a white composite plastic blade securely riveted to its metal handle and inscribed with Neil Armstrong’s iconic “First Steps on the Moon” image from July 20, 1969. Additionally, there is an inlay of an Apollo 11 Command Module docked with Moon Lander located on its front scale for added authenticity.
This knife’s stainless steel blade is highly durable, cutting through any material with ease – including thick spacesuit material. The ergonomic handle features an orange stripe for extra grip, making it comfortable to hold and use. Furthermore, cleaning is simple with just a wipe of cloth or towel to maintain its aesthetic beauty.
This knife offers many other intriguing features as well, such as an integrated fire starter and flashlight feature (when using without its sheath cover), plus a small tool ideal for opening letters and packages, along with magnifying glass capabilities and an anti-scratch sheath for safe transport in pockets without worrying about damage to its blade or sheath.
2. Stainless Steel Handle
The Apollo 11 Knife features a durable stainless steel handle made of lightweight material for ease of carry and use. Textured grip ensures secure hold. Waterproof, so no worries of cracking from water exposure! Additionally, this knife comes equipped with a convenient clip attachment which enables quick access when attached to belt or bag for convenient access.
NASA needed a knife that met their criteria for starting up their Apollo program, so Case was given the contract to create one that fit. The original Case Astronaut Knife M-1 was lightweight with a sharp cutting edge paired with saw teeth on its back side for sawing through hard objects; its blunt base could pry items from terrain; its handle made of ultralightweight synthetic which could withstand hard impacts without shattering; plus it gave off no fumes that polluted air quality within spacecraft.
NASA astronauts required a tool kit in zero gravity in order to repair and maintain equipment aboard their spacecraft, but opening a traditional tool box was frustrating as pieces would simply fly out in all directions. A pocket size Swiss Army Knife provided the perfect solution as it kept all tools safely within one package while still giving astronauts only one tool they had to carry with them.
Victorinox sold 50 Master Craftsman knives to NASA as subcontractors during the late 70’s for use by astronauts on board Shuttle missions, with commemorative models known as Astronaut models being manufactured as commemoratives with spacecraft inlays on its front scale and an engraved message commemorative message on its main blade.
Case Knife Company recently unveiled the Astronaut knife at SHOT Show 2019 in Las Vegas as part of a limited edition release, available either as a standalone piece or within an attractive collectible case.
3. Leather Sheath
This knife comes equipped with a leather sheath for added ruggedness. This sheath features a curving track where its mounting screw travels along, so that when loosening it you can move the knife up or down until finding its ideal spot – making this system very efficient and allowing easy retrieval from storage – while being sturdy without showing signs of wear or tear.
The M-1 knife was initially created for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Case was contracted to design it after other military knives failed to meet NASA’s stringent criteria for use on manned spacecraft. Featuring a machete-style blade with sharp cutting edge, saw teeth on spine, and blunt base for prying items off terrain; lightweight design; no fume emissions so as not to compromise air purity onboard spacecraft – the M-1 was specifically created with NASA in mind.
On the back of its handle was a compartment designed for holding small survival items like matches and fish hooks, while its attached thong made for convenient carrying; it could even be fastened directly onto an astronaut survival kit for fastening in space environments that were often hostile and hostile environments. Astronauts relied heavily on this knife as an indispensable resource during any emergency in space.
Sheath was also equipped with one of Case’s M-1 knives for added protection in case they couldn’t return safely to their spacecraft. Pack contents included water containers, radio beacon, sunglasses and two bottles of sunscreen as well as additional provisions designed to assist with survival on the lunar surface if they couldn’t make their return journey safely.
Case M-1 Astronaut Knives have traveled nine times around the moon as part of survival packs onboard every Gemini and Apollo space mission conducted by NASA. Highly collectible, many enthusiasts want their hands on one. Not only are these knives stylish but their durable construction means that they are ideal for any adventure!
4. Embossed Logo
NASA had strict requirements for any knife that would accompany astronauts into space; these included lightweight, compact design that was easy to handle as well as being fume-free so as not to introduce foreign particles into the atmosphere of spacecraft, easy cleaning with low melting points for emergency use and low melting point ratings to protect astronauts in an emergency situation. When designing their knife for NASA astronauts aboard Apollo 11 mission they had many practical requirements; an Apollo 11 knife has an interesting story behind its development that makes this practical item all the more interesting.
Initial research by NASA determined that military knives available at the time didn’t meet their specifications. So they approached Bo Randall of Randall Made Knives for assistance in creating an M-1 Astronaut Knife that met these specifications; eventually it became part of standard-issue on every Gemini and Apollo flight, stored on outboard sides of each crewmember’s ejection seat compartments; it could then be pulled via lanyard in case of an ejection event.
For the Apollo 11 mission, a commemorative M-1 was produced. All astronauts who went on the moon (Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong included) used it. This edition features the lunar landing image on its front scale as well as serial number; making this collectible item.
The Apollo 11 knife is constructed of high-grade stainless steel and features an embossed logo of Apollo 11 astronauts. As part of a limited edition series, this space-themed gift comes complete with its own certificate of authenticity – making it the perfect present for any space enthusiast!
The Apollo 11 knife is the perfect way to commemorate this historic event in history when two men first set foot on the moon. You’ll treasure having it around as it can be used for food cutting or fire starting – not to mention making great conversation pieces! For anyone interested in buying genuine Apollo 11 knives online auction site LiveAuctioneers is your best bet!