Chris Reeve South Africa Aviator with Box

4" blade length. 4" hilt. 8.625" overall with sheath and hilt. Straight single edge clip point blade with serrated false edge, black finish, and a hollow handle with hexagonal nut screw-pommel. Left blade struck with the CR monogram of knifemaker Chris Reeve followed by serial number 392. Right blade is engraved Made in/South Africa in cursive script. Item comes with a CR marked black leather sheath, nylon lanyard, a Chris Reeve certificate dated August, 18, 1987, and the original box.

Chris Reeve began making knives full time out of his garage in Durban, South Africa on January 1, 1984. An experienced tool and die maker, Reeve applied his understanding of modern machine tools to knifemaking, and became best known for his hollow-handle tactical and survival knives, such as this lot. The most important advancement was in the hilt construction, which was produced in one piece with the blade, resulting in a far stronger overall construction than preceding hollow handle patterns. Reeve moved to the United States in 1989, and his early production knives from South Africa enjoy growing collector interest.

From the Collection of Jeffrey W. Sanner

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Very Good. Blade retains a strong finish with some flecks of brown patina on the edge. A further spot of patina is visible on the edge of the upper ricasso. Sheath shows some fraying edges, scuffs, and scratches. Box with some light handling wear to edges.

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Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Mr. Tim Carey

Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria

[email protected]513.666.4984

Mr. Carey joined Cowan’s, a Freeman's company, in 2021 and is a 40-year veteran of the sporting arms and outdoor recreation industry. Carey joined Cowan’s from Griffin & Howe at Hudson Farms in Andover, N.J., where he was responsible for the acquisition, appraisal, and consignment of top-tier firearms consignments from important makers such as James Purdey & Sons of London, Beretta, Caesar Guerini, B. Rizzini, Bertuzzi, Renato Telo, and Anderson Wheeler.

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Chris Reeve South Africa Aviator with Box

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