Hellenic Army Knife (HAK?)

[Nikos]

Hi all.

I've already mentioned an old Hellenic Army Knife I have in my collection. I just took a couple of shots earlier today, so here we go:

Close-up, one side. There is the inscription Ε.Σ. (Greek initials for Hellenic Army) and the year of issue (1967).


Close-up, other side.


All implements out. The knife sports a sheepsfoot-style blade and a combination bottle/can opener tool.


Close-up of the inscription on the scale and the base of the blade (Afentakis is the maker of this knife).


Another couple of shots of the knife's top and backsprings.


This knife is a very well made piece of equipment and has held up very well for its age: the backsprings are still very tight and both blades snap open with that warm fuzzy feeling you have when opening a SAK blade, the blade takes an edge quite easily and holds it for some time, and there are little to no stains, given I was the first to re-oil and take care of this one after at least 20 years of field use by my father. I haven't tried using the can/bottle opener on anything but I guess it would function ok.

[hawkchucker]

I got to say that I would not use it!
Every older mil issue knife I have ever seen have rust, stains and the handles are all buggered up. That thing is cherry dude. Nice peice!!

[hawkchucker]

However. I got one question. Does the Can opener stick up like that when the bladi is open? Looks like a stitches magnet.

[Nikos]

Nope. It opens all the way to a fully open position, just like the blade.

[hawkchucker]

No I mean in the second pic. It sticks up like it really whould not for safety.

[Nikos]

Ok, I see now. Well, yes it does stick out like that. However, the backspring is too tight to allow it to open accidentally, and the side of the opener that sticks out is covered by the blade and is not the sharpened one. I don't carry this thing around, given its age and sentimental value, but I've never heard any complaints from my father so I guess it has never attracted any stitches in the past...

[donvito]

Nice one noth. Reminds me a bit of the East German knife, but with a different style can opener.

[Smitty44]

I really like old military knives,and that is a great one,and getting it from your dad really makes it great,thanks for the pictures.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Now that is a lovely knife mate

Use it with pride