Posted 10 years ago
ThriftyGypsy
(103 items)
Greetings fellow collectors,
I would like to start this post by saying that it was prompted by one that was posted by nutsabotas6 a while back. I hope I don't take up too much of everyones time, but you all know how I am when I get started! This knife is a TL-29 electricians knife. During my years as one of Uncle Sams Misguided Children, (USMC), I had dual MOS'S (Military Jobs). My main job was Motor Transport which consisted of operating all types of military highway capable vehicles, and performing maintenance and all forms of repair. My second, back up job was as a lineman. This job consisted of running phone lines, repairing them,climbing telephone poles for repairs and operating and repairing field switchboards. I was assigned several items that I used as a wireman, which included this knife. It came in a holster that also contained a pair of wire cutters, which I will post next. When I googled TL-29, there was a huge amount of information out there. For those who wish to learn more, you just need to google it. I figured this posting would be long, so I did not want to post a lot of technical information. This knife showed up in all branches of the military, and they seem to have been used from ww1 till present time. Nuts knife had a wooden handle, that I assume was from ww1 or maybe earlier. I thought mine with the black plastic handle was from the Vietnam era, but it appears that it was also used in ww2. Mine was weathered and had been used previously before being passed to me. Several companies made blades for these knives, and mine was made by Camillus Knife Company. I am going to try and close this post for now, but will try and add more to my next posting. Thank you for letting me share this and please comment if you have anything you would like to add. Thanks, Thrifty
I bet it is very sharp!!
Thanks Sean68 for the love and comment! It was always kept sharp due to the nature of it's use. These were sturdy knives that held up really good. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a great Sunday. Are you planning on watching the Super Bowl? Talk to you later, Thrifty
amazing how times changed thrift its now running fiber
Thank you nutsabot for your post, which really got me thinking about my knife. I had put it away quite a few years ago, and had forgotten it. That is just one of the great things about CW, and the people on here. Someone will post an item, and it will make you think about something you had or have! I always enjoy reading other peoples stories and sharing mine. Glad you liked the story, and you know I had to give you the shout out for your knife! Talk to you later, Thrifty
Hello TG , Yes im planning on watching the superbowl!!! this is very well taken care of and you really have taken very good care of it !!! You as well have a great day!! :)
Thanks vanskyock24 for the love and comments. It really is amazing how fast we seem to be moving along! Thanks, Thrifty
Nice knife - I've seen these before but had forgotten their nomenclature. When were you in?
Semper Fi and thanks for sharing a memory :-)
OOOHRAHH! kerry10456!, Thanks for the love and the comment. Semper Fi back at you. Talk to you later, Thrifty
Thanks for the love Chrisnp,
I arrived at Parris Island in October of 1979, I got out in 1986. Christmas 1979 was the most unusual one I have ever had! lol. Thanks for stopping by, Thrifty Semper Fi
I believe the TL-29 was suggested on the original post and deleted. Thanks for posting yours. Mine is packed up to send to my son, who arrived home from his forth combat tour three days ago. He collects knives and I am ready to cash in my chips so passing stuff along. Taken care of these knives last forever.
Thanks fhrj2 for stopping by. That is neat getting to pass this on to your son. I have two daughters, and my youngest has taken up my habit of collecting antiques, collectibles and junk. I think she will be the one who picks up where I leave off. Make sure you let your son know his service is appreciated. Talk to you later, Thrifty
I never had a daughter but if I did I would have wanted a Tomboy that liked junk and getting dirty. She is a keeper, make sure you guide her to have a Keene eye.
Thanks fhrjr2 for the advice! It is appreciated. I have been showing her the ropes for a long time. Thanks again, Thrifty
Thanks gargoylecollector and vetraio50 for the love! Thanks for stopping by! Thrifty
Thrifty - Thx for your service! I really appreciate the info on the TL-29. I too was an electrician (aircraft), but in the USN. The TL-29 was an essential for most (even after 'positive tool control' came into effect outlawing these multi-faceted tools. The best I can recall about these knives though was that both blades came sharpened. It was necessary to file flat the blade on the 'locking' screwdriver! Even though the screwdriver blade 'locked open' it still had tendency to close while using & badly cut the user - unless the blade was filed!! Thx again for memory lane trip! BTW - I still have my TL also <grin>.
These were a standard in our old Army Engineer demolition boxes
That blunt ended one we would use to make a hollow in the c4 to place the blasting cap and sometimes used as a screwdriver
I was on Okinawa in early 60's I used the TL-29 as telephone Line man still have mine and just bought a box of knives at an auction and there was one in the box
Hey nutsabotas6,
Sorry it took me so long to get back on here, I was off the grid for a while due to work! I am glad to see that you are still posting. I am looking forward to reconnecting with everyone! Talk to you later, Thrifty