Marbles Knives & Tools – A Legacy of American Craftsmanship

For over 130 years, Marbles has been the trusted name in rugged outdoor tools, relied upon by explorers, military personnel, and survivalists alike. Legendary figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, Admiral Robert Peary, and Admiral Richard Byrd carried Marbles gear on their historic expeditions—from Roosevelt’s African safari in 1909 to Peary’s North Pole conquest and Byrd’s South Pole exploration.

Established in 1892 by Webster L. Marble, this pioneering brand has shaped the outdoor industry with its high-quality knives, axes, compasses, and survival tools. Whether you're trekking through the wilderness, preparing for an adventure, or simply need dependable gear, Marbles offers a legacy of innovation and reliability that stands the test of time.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to learn more about the Marbles brand



Marbles 45 Nylon Belt Sheath

Marbles 45 Nylon Belt Sheath

$20.00

Marbles 47 Nylon Belt Sheath

Marbles 47 Nylon Belt Sheath

$16.00

Marbles Small Razor Strop

Marbles Small Razor Strop

$33.00

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Marbles: Over a Century of Outdoor Excellence

A Brand Rooted in American Outdoor Tradition

Marbles was born in Gladstone, Michigan, at a time when outdoor survival gear was evolving rapidly. As a timber cruiser and inventor, Webster L. Marble recognized the need for rugged, practical tools that could endure the harshest conditions. His first major invention, the Marbles Universal Rifle Sight (1892), revolutionized firearm accuracy and gained widespread popularity among hunters and marksmen.

However, it was the Marbles Safety Pocket Axe (1898) that truly put the brand on the map. Featuring a folding blade cover for added safety, it quickly became an industry standard and was even adopted by the British Army in 1902. The success of this product led to the incorporation of Marble Safety Axe Company, later evolving into the powerhouse known today as Marbles Knives & Tools.

Marbles & Military Heritage

Marbles products have a long history of military use, further cementing their reputation for durability and reliability.

  • World War I & II – Marbles knives were often carried by soldiers as personal gear due to their sturdy design and practical functionality.
  • U.S. Army Air Corps – Marbles supplied 5-inch Ideal pattern knives to military personnel for survival and field use.
  • British Army Adoption – The Marbles No. 3 Safety Pocket Axe was used by British forces in the early 1900s.

The Official Knives of Scouts & Explorers

Beyond military use, Marbles gained widespread recognition among outdoor youth organizations.

  • The Boy Scouts of America (1933-1940) officially endorsed the Marbles Woodcraft Knife as their go-to survival knife.
  • The Girl Scouts of America (1920s-1930s) selected the Marbles Sport Knife as their official blade.
  • Famous Explorers such as Theodore Roosevelt and Admiral Robert Peary carried Marbles tools on their expeditions.

Marbles’ Product Range – Designed for Adventure

  • Marbles Hunting & Bushcraft Knives – High-carbon steel blades, ergonomic handles, and durable sheaths for superior performance.
  • Marbles Safety Axes & Hatchets – Innovative folding blade covers enhance safety and durability.
  • Marbles Waterproof Compasses & Match Safes – Trusted by military personnel and explorers worldwide.
  • Marbles Machetes – Featuring bright orange blades for enhanced visibility and rugged performance.

Why Choose Marbles?

  • 125+ Years of Expertise – Trusted by military, scouts, and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Durable & Reliable – Built with high-quality materials and time-tested craftsmanship.
  • Affordable Excellence – Offering premium outdoor tools at competitive prices.
  • Legacy of Innovation – A pioneer in hunting knives, axes, and survival gear.

The Expeditions That Defined Exploration History

In the early 20th century, three legendary explorers—Theodore Roosevelt, Robert Peary, and Richard E. Byrd—embarked on daring expeditions that captured the world's imagination. These journeys tested human endurance, advanced scientific discovery, and left a lasting mark on history.

Theodore Roosevelt’s African Safari (1909-1910)

Shortly after his presidency ended in March 1909, Theodore Roosevelt set off on an epic African safari—the Smithsonian-Roosevelt African Expedition. Sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution and funded by Andrew Carnegie, the mission aimed to collect specimens for the newly established natural history museum.

An Expedition of Grand Proportions

  • Leslie Tarlton, an Australian sharpshooter, and three Smithsonian naturalists.
  • Kermit Roosevelt, Theodore’s 19-year-old son, served as the expedition’s photographer.
  • A team of 250 local guides, hunters, and porters, along with askari guards.
  • An extensive supply of equipment, including Roosevelt’s beloved Pigskin Library—a collection of 59 classic books bound in pig leather.

A Journey Through the Wild

  • April 21, 1909: Landed in Mombasa, British East Africa (now Kenya).
  • Traveled by train to Kapiti Plains to begin the safari.
  • Explored Nairobi, Mt. Kenya, Loita Plains, Lake Victoria, and the Belgian Congo.
  • March 1910: Concluded in Khartoum, Sudan.

The Legacy of Roosevelt’s Safari

  • Collected 11,400 animal specimens, including 1,000 large mammals.
  • Gathered 10,000 plant specimens for scientific study.
  • Published African Game Trails, a detailed account of his adventure.

Robert Peary’s North Pole Conquest (1908-1909)

After decades of Arctic exploration, Robert Peary set out on his final attempt to reach the North Pole in July 1908. His journey was grueling, but on April 6, 1909, he claimed to have reached the pole.

A Team Built for Survival

  • Matthew Henson, Peary’s trusted companion and expert navigator.
  • Captain Robert Bartlett, commander of the ice-breaking ship Roosevelt.
  • Several Inuit families, whose skills were essential for survival.

The Race to the Top of the World

  • The team wintered near Cape Sheridan, Ellesmere Island.
  • Used dog sleds and the Peary System to relay supplies.
  • Final dash to the pole included Peary, Henson, and four Inuit guides.
  • Matthew Henson was likely the first to physically reach the pole, declaring: “I think I’m the first man to sit on top of the world.”

A Controversial Victory

  • Frederick Cook claimed to have reached the North Pole in 1908.
  • A 1988 study questioned Peary’s calculations.
  • The National Geographic Society and U.S. House of Representatives credited Peary as the first to reach the pole.

Richard E. Byrd’s South Pole Flight (1928-1930)

Exploration reached new heights when Richard E. Byrd led the first flight over the South Pole in 1929. His Antarctic expedition was one of the most ambitious of its time.

Building an Antarctic Legacy

  • Established “Little America”, the first American base on the Ross Ice Shelf.
  • Used radio equipment to broadcast from Antarctica to the U.S.
  • Endured temperatures as low as -60°F (-51°C).

The Historic Flight Over the South Pole

  • November 29, 1929: Byrd and his crew flew a Ford Trimotor aircraft over the South Pole.
  • The flight lasted 18 hours and 41 minutes, covering 1,600 miles.
  • Byrd dropped an American flag on the pole.

Scientific & Geographic Contributions

  • Mapped uncharted areas, including Marie Byrd Land and the Rockefeller Mountains.
  • Collected meteorological data, improving climate research.
  • Pioneered the use of aircraft in polar exploration.

Shop Marbles Knives & Outdoor Gear at Extac Australia

At Extac Australia, we are proud to offer an extensive range of Marbles knives, axes, machetes, and survival tools. Browse our collection and gear up with one of the most legendary outdoor brands in history.