Hunting knife, scabbard and sharpener

item details

NameHunting knife, scabbard and sharpener

ProductionKnifekut International Ltd.; manufacturer(s); 2000s; New Zealand

Classificationknives

Materialsmetal, leather, plastic

DimensionsOverall: 80mm (width), 280mm (height), 40mm (depth)

Registration NumberGH023238

Credit lineGift of the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment, 2012

Overview

This type of hunting knife was favoured and used by Corporal Willie Apiata VC, of the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) in Afghanistan. The knife is a personal object, not army issue. It represents his love of hunting, but it is also a very practical and useful object, being handy for cooking, cutting ropes and general maintenance.

In 2004, Willie Apiata saved the life of his colleague when under enemy fire in Afghanistan, and was awarded the Victoria Cross for New Zealand in 2007 for displaying the highest order of personal courage under fire.

The Victoria Cross was created by Queen Victoria in 1856 to recognise acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy, by the members of the armed forces, regardless of rank.

The New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) was formed in July 1955 and is a special forces unit of the New Zealand Defence Force, modelled on the British Special Air Service (SAS). Its key roles are to undertake overseas missions and respond to domestic terrorist attacks. The New Zealand SAS is held in high regard internationally, as demonstrated by the United States Presidential Citation which was awarded to the NZSAS in December 2004.