The Union Jack Knife: By Tom Shaw of Knife Delights

 

Photo courtesy of Tom Shaw. Photo

of a Union Jack Knife

I'd like to thank Tom Shaw for the use of his videos!

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Jack Knives: The Everyday Tool of Union Soldiers in the Civil War:

250 Years of American History

During the American Civil War (1861–1865), Union soldiers relied on practical, portable tools to endure camp life and the rigors of campaigning. Among these, the humble jack knife—a simple folding pocket knife—stood out as an indispensable companion. Unlike larger fixed-blade knives such as Bowies (more common early in the war among Confederates), jack knives were lightweight, easy to carry in a pocket, and far less cumbersome than belt knives.

These slipjoint knives typically featured one or two blades, sometimes with additional tools like a screwdriver or awl. Manufactured by American cutlers, including the Union Knife Company, they were widely available through sutlers (mobile camp merchants) or brought from home. Soldiers used them for countless daily tasks: opening ration cans, peeling potatoes and onions, carving wood, sharpening pencils for letters home, cutting rope, or performing minor repairs on gear.

While not officially issued to infantry (unlike some naval folding knives), jack knives were ubiquitous among Union troops due to their versatility and convenience. In an era before modern multi-tools, this modest blade was a soldier's constant aide, helping sustain morale and survival amid hardship.

A short video on the jack knife