MIL-K Question

[cody6268]

I'm curious, just why did they have a thumb stud on the bottle opener of early models of the MIL-K?

[FRJ]

I don't know what that is.

[jerryd6818]

Joe, I think he's talking about these and I'm sorry cody, that's a mystery to me as well. Note the stud on the cap lifter/screwdriver blade of this WWII Kingston. What the hey???

[9ball]

That little dude had a purpose working on a M-14, I cannot remember if it was the bayonet attachment or something about the bolt action. It did have a purpose in field stripping I do remember that.
If I can, I will look it up to confirm later this week-end. That is if nobody else has came along with the correct info.

9ball

[jerryd6818]

Rick, here's my take on that. I carried an M-14 for four years and never had to have that to field strip the weapon. Besides, the knife I posted with the knob on the cap lifter/screwdriver blade was made and issued during WWII, M1 days.

It is a conundrum what the dang thing is for.

[9ball]

I came from a military family.......I think just about everybody in our families served. Even the wives and kids that lived on base served. Wished you could read some of the books and pamphlets I have plus I a have small collection of these and other gear.
Anywho........

You can find the History & Answer with plenty of photos in use:

The Best of KNIFE WORLD Volume 3 Copywrite 1993 Page 135
"The MIL-K Knife" by Dennis Ellingsen 1988

Some Uses Were/Are: Removing a sticky bayonet band. Removal of the
extractor on a Springfield bolt. Replace the extractor bolt. It was also
used for taking apart the trigger group on the M-1 Garand. He stated it also
could be used on the Springfield 03, Springfield 03-A3, M-1 Carbine, M-1
Garand and the 45 Auto. And my favorite point expressed was that the pin
was used as a "Orientation Device".......you knew the position of the other
blades in the dark.*
In Basic you had to tear down your weapon and put it back
together blindfolded and were timed. Surely some of the folks on here remember that, or at least did it.
If you collect these, there is a lot of History and
knowledge here you will need.
They changed to design several times, of course by the time I came along it was just your basic can opener. My weapons were the M16, 45 and the M7. If I am not mistaken, Camillus had the contract for them then.


9ball
Retired Yeoman Farmer


I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United
States and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in
my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and
myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United
States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.

[Miller Bro's]

What 9ball said

I will add this, according to a document found in the Camillus archives the stud was used "To Assist in Taking Down Small Arms".

The pin was not placed on any knives made starting in 1972.

[jerryd6818]

Didn't Camillus commence once again making the MIL-K in what? 1958??? (or at least very close to that date) So that means what? The knives made 1958-1971 had the stud?

[Old Hunter]

I have a Camillus 1966 - it has the stud. If the stud had any special utility beyond January 1973 I never heard about it. OH