Belgian ABL clasp jack knife, a Korean War-era example manufactured by Colin Winand and dated 1951, an original military utility knife associated with the Belgian Armed Forces (Armée Belge / Belgische Leger). This pattern reflects post-Second World War military equipment issued during the early Cold War period, including the era of the Korean War.
The knife features a folding clasp design with a steel blade, can opener and marlin spike with integrated lanyard fittings intended for general field use. Manufactured by Colin Winand, a known maker of military edged tools, the blade is marked “ABL” with the maker’s name “Colin Winand” and the date “1951”, confirming production during the immediate post-war rearmament period.
Clasp knives of this type were carried by Belgian military personnel for routine utility tasks, including cutting, equipment maintenance, ration preparation, and camp use. The design reflects practical military requirements, combining durability with compact portability for everyday service conditions.
The “ABL” designation derives from the bilingual title of the Belgian Armed Forces and appears on a range of military equipment produced during the mid-20th century. Examples dated to the Korean War era are collected for their Cold War associations and connection to post-war European military rebuilding.
Manufactured in steel with folding components and durable handle scales, this knife represents a practical and historically representative piece of Belgian military field equipment.
Dimensions
Approx. 9.5cm closed length
Condition
Good overall condition, with age-related wear and surface marks consistent with military use and storage. Blade markings remain visible. The folding mechanism operates correctly with tight spring action. Handle scales and fittings remain secure, although chipped in several places, especially around the lanyard ring.
