this knife is comes with an interesting story. Its the prototype for the Dan Pitzer SERE knife. the Knife was designed and manufactured by Bill Manyard. Bill has been making knives in the Fort Bragg area for several years before an issued knife was any more than a dream. Although he is now in his late 70s, I believe he still takes orders. Among other things Bill is credited to be the founding member of the North Carolina custom Knife makers Guild.
The Dan Pitzer SERE knife was a project of his that Never reached its full potential. Origionally Bill planned on Making around 750 of these knives with etched SF crests, certificate of authenticity, and serial numbers. I am unsure at this time of the final number he finished , but it was no where near the projected number, maybe 100. Anyhow this one is the first.
The man the knife was designed for was CSM Dan Pitzer. As Bill states, "he was a friend many and was a good friend of his". Pitzer was a Vietnam POW captured along with Nick Rowe. More on the surrounding events can be found here:
http://www.pownetwork.org/bios/p/p109.htm
I have collected a couple old flyers Bill had printed up to promote the knife many years ago. the flyers have a short Bio listed for Dan Pitzer along with information about the knife. I also have a Photograph of Bill Maynard holding the knife along with a note he penned for me basically stating it is in fact the prototype. lastly, a scrap piece of 440C he practiced the SF etching on. I will include these items in the sale.
I believe it would make a nice addition to any knife collection. Or Frame up real nice in a shadow box. the Blade is 440C, hardened to 58/59 RC, bead blasted, and with black linen micarta handles. The sheath also complements the knife handcrafted and stiched by hand. the knife was also featured in the January '94 issue of Fighting Knives Magazine,
Asking $450
right next to the V-42
Hybrid Mode
