Sheffield Genuine British Army Clasp Knife 18

This will be my second "modern" British Army jack-knife - the last one I lost over a decade ago now but as I had an original 1942 issue version with the black "plastic" scales it wasn't too important to replace until now when I decided to reduce the "wear" of this wartime issued one. As expected it is the same modern design with a good lamb’s foot blade, a now more slightly more oval marlin spike and a wickedly effective can opener. The quality of the build and the satin brushed finish is goo too, though the finish is unlikely to last that long as this knife will be a workhorse for rope work and outdoor use, so not too important over the functionality of the blades etc. Now where the "but" from the review title comes in, is the omission of the nail groove for the lambs foot main blade, both my previous modern version and the WWII issue variants did have this ground in to them...this version does not! So until the strength/stiffness of the latching springs has eased with use, this blade is both a bugger to open and "risk" issue if not opened carefully risks slicing your thumb on, all too easily and especially with wet or cold fingers....which I did when first opening the perishingly sharp blade!!! Even after cleaning and lightly oiling the pins/springs both the marlin spike and the main blade are VERY stiff to open from new, now the easiest and most simple fix for the main blade is to fold a small piece of insulation tape over the back of the blade, down each side...which provides just enough purchase to the blade when opening it to keep your thumb well clear of the edge...which is why I gave this knife only 3 stars; a design fault that should have been anticipated and rectified by the designers/manufacturer!

Whilst the online HH image of this British product shows the (scaleless) frame / handle as a pristine smoothly finished and polished component the example this reviewer received was very unevenly finished and scratched on both sides of the frame / handle at the blades pivot point end whilst on one side there is a distinct chip in the metal just behind the blades pivot point… As the most expensive item in my recent three-item order from HH I found the above finishing / damage fault quite disappointing and, frankly, unacceptable, most especially because the other two items in my order were both faultlessly constructed and exceptionally well finished Rough Ryder penknives! Whilst the online HH image of this British product shows the (scaleless) frame / handle as a pristine smoothly finished and polished component the example this reviewer received was very unevenly finished and scratched on both sides of the frame / handle at the blades pivot point end whilst on one side there is a distinct chip in the metal just behind the blades pivot point… As the most expensive item in my recent three-item order from HH I found the above finishing / damage fault quite disappointing and, frankly, unacceptable, most especially because the other two items in my order were both faultlessly constructed and exceptionally well finished Rough Ryder penknives! Why can’t Sheffield get it right for once!

A good, solid knife, made to work hard and at a good price. My father had a very similar knife, that he got many years ago when he was in the army. My father’s didn’t have the writing all over the side but other than that it was very similar. He carried it every day in his jacket pocket when he went to work. I don’t think it’ll be my EDC but I had to have one if only for nostalgia. HH’s service and delivery was good as usual.

Had an original one before gave it away. this one is different slim can opener no nail nick. no stamping on blade but still like it.

Well made Good price Useful array to tools. Usual Heinnie delivery speed- fast. Would have been 5 stars, but I find the flowery logo on the scales at bit tacky. That's a criticism for the manufacturer, not Heinnie