The biggest problem with military folding knives is that it is very difficult to accurately date their appearance in a soldier's backpack. A “warehouse” is not a weapon, but a purely household item. It is not in service, but in supply. And I simply won’t undertake to say exactly when and which country made this “household service” standard for its army (that is, issued to every soldier without fail).
Confusion is also brought about by the fact that small knives were often sold in “soldiers’ shops”, sent by relatives from home, and also served as objects of exchange and petty theft by colleagues, so there is tremendous confusion in this matter.
But we have starting points, so let’s go through the most venerable representatives of the family.
Strider SMF Marsoc
This is a pocket knife adapted specifically for military needs. In the US Army, it is used by elite SOCOM Marines.
The length of the model when unfolded is 23 cm, when folded - 13.3 cm. The product weighs 178 g. The blade is 9.9 cm long, made of Crucible CPM S30V powder steel, its Rockwell hardness is 58-60 units. The thickness of the butt is 4.8 mm, the handle is 1.4 cm. For convenient opening of the blade, there is a hole for the finger. There is a built-in mechanism to protect against accidental opening, a mount for carrying a knife on the belt, and there is also a hole at the end of the handle for attaching a safety belt.
Colt CT45 Jungle Commander
Developed by designer George Linehart, the army knife is almost similar in appearance to a machete, and therefore is used by American soldiers primarily as a working device, which is convenient for clearing a path, chopping branches, and breaking through bushes.
The blade is made of stainless steel. It is heavy, so the center of gravity is significantly shifted to the front, which is typical for weapons of this purpose. An additional working element is serrated, that is, ribbed sharpening. The sheath is equipped with two pockets.
The handle, made of high-density rubber, is designed in such a way that it allows you to make chopping movements with maximum comfort. The blade moves away from it at a slight angle, and a well-designed stop and pommel protect your fingers from slipping onto the blade.
Fallkniven G1 Garm Fighter
The model from the Swedish manufacturer is in demand not only among American Marines as a concealed defensive weapon, but also among hunters and travelers. Despite their compact size, these tactical knives are extremely sharp and functional. The model is not intended for sports throwing.
The length of the product is 19 cm, the blade is 9 cm. The thickness of the butt is 4.5 mm. The knife weighs 100 g. The blade is made of high-carbon, corrosion-resistant VG10 steel, subjected to molybdenum and cobalt alloying. The hardness of the blade is 60 Rockwell units, it cuts and pierces remarkably well, thanks to the sharp edge on both sides. Additional protection is CeraCoat 8H Teflon anti-reflective coating. The handle, made of Thermorun rubber, is comfortable to hold in the hand.
Bottom line
American knives are an example of high-quality and functional military equipment. They have been adopted in many countries and have been popular for decades. Each model has its own characteristics, which depend on the scope of application.
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Ontario Mk.3 Mod.0 Navy Seal Knife
American Marines use a naval military knife as a means of self-defense, less often for engineering and construction work.
The length of the model is 28 cm. The blade visually resembles an AK bayonet, its length is 15.4 cm, maximum width is 3.1 cm, thickness is 4.4 mm, Rockwell hardness is 54-56 units. Thanks to the sharp end of the blade and the pike-shaped bevel, the knife is effective as a stabbing weapon. The butt is equipped with a file with large cuts, which is convenient for cutting wire.
It is recommended to wear gloves when performing work that requires physical effort with a knife, since a straight guard with equal sides can injure your hand.
The plastic handle is comfortable in the hand, does not slip, and is equipped with a lanyard. Its back side can be used as a hammer. The plastic sheath is equipped with a strong spring mechanism that securely locks the blade in any position. The suspension is equipped with a wire retainer for attaching to a pistol belt.
Ontario SP6 Fighting Knife
A large and highly durable combat knife with high cutting, chopping, piercing, and planing capabilities is used by American special forces and infantrymen, as well as fishermen, hunters, and travelers as a means of self-defense and a working device.
The length of the knife is 33 cm. The length of the blade is 20.3 cm, thickness is 4.8 mm. The model weighs 320 g. The blade, made of carbon steel grade 1095, is resistant to breakage, remains sharp for a long time with regular use, has a special shape that increases the penetrating effect: the butt decreases towards the end in a straight line, and the false blade begins from the middle.
The handle, made of durable and elastic kraton material, does not slip in the hand, does not absorb odors, and is not susceptible to moisture and temperature fluctuations. It has a double-sided rest for ease of tactical use and transverse grooves for comfortable holding.
Story
The owner of the KA-BAR trademark, Union Cutlery Co., began using the name on its knives and in advertising in 1923 after receiving a letter from a trapper who had used the knife to kill a wounded bear that had attacked him. The hunter's rifle jammed, and the knife became his last chance for survival. According to company records, the letter was only partially legible and "ka bar" is part of the phrase "kill a bear." In 1923, the company adopted the name Ka-Bar from "the story of the bear" as its trademark. Beginning in 1923, the KA-BAR trademark was used by Union Cutlery Co. on a line of automatic folding knives, including the KA-BAR Grizzly, KA-BAR Baby Grizzly and KA-BAR Model 6110.
Becker Knife & Tool BK2 Campanion
The knife for American special forces is made of high-strength steel 0170-6C with an epoxy anti-corrosion coating, allowing both cutting and chopping. This is a strong and reliable weapon, although small: its length is 27 cm, weight is 400 g, and the blade is 13.3 cm. The center of gravity is distributed correctly, with emphasis on the index finger. The blade is sharpened in a special way to allow the application of significant physical force when performing work: towards the end it noticeably thickens and is also cut at a significant angle.
The strength of the knife is added by the special plate design of the handle: the blade turns into a wide and heavy “tail” with a slight narrowing, and both parts of the handle, fixed with screws, do not extend beyond the boundaries of the “tail”. The handle is made of high-strength polyamide. The well-designed shape of the stop and the back part, used as a hammer, allows you to comfortably hold the knife in your hand.
"Bowie": a typical American
The Bowie knife is a typically American product. Big, menacing and with a legend in his anamnesis. The name itself comes from James Bowie, a participant in the legendary knife duel that took place in the USA in 1827 and turned into a general stabbing. In this fight, Bowie had a large knife of his own design with a blade of a characteristic shape, and later all similar American blades also began to be called “Bowie”.
Confederates and Bowie
Knives of this type were used for cutting hunting prey, camp work and, of course, in all sorts of fights between gangs: from fights in the saloons of the “Wild West” to fights of the Civil War and scalping of Indians. There is no single version of the “Bowie” - they can have a different blade shape (usually with a one-sided sharpening), a regular cross guard or a “saber” type guard with finger protection. They have one thing in common - large mass and size, with a wide and thick blade 20-30 centimeters long or even more.
Pro Tech Elite Combat Dagger
The knife is not an official weapon of the American army, but is loved by special forces. Fighters often purchase this model at their own expense.
The knife, which was created by the famous designer Walter Brand, is distinguished by a fixed dagger-type blade. The model looks stylish, and in terms of its status it belongs to an elite military weapon. The blade is made of stainless steel, the handle is made of the popular synthetic material micarta.
American knives: the best modern manufacturers
There are many companies on the market that produce knives used by the military, hunters, and tourists. We can highlight several of the most popular and reliable ones.
Kershaw
The use of advanced technologies in production allows this company to create reliable tools. The lifetime warranty on products with a wide range of models makes them very popular among customers.
Kershaw 3850 knife.
Gerber Gear
The company produces so-called survival knives and cutlasses. With their help, it is easy to overcome obstacles in extreme conditions, which is often required by travelers. The weapon is made from high-quality materials - this ensures its durability.
Gerber Gear knives.
Emerson
The company produces some of the highest quality products. The blades are not subject to corrosion, and the titanium handle includes inserts made of heavy-duty plastic. Used not only by military personnel, this American hunting knife is highly valued by fishermen and active tourists.
Emerson Commander knife.
Buck Knives
The company produces knives that are popular not only in the United States, but are also exported to other countries. The brand is actively working to reduce costs and expand the model range. Blades are made from different types of steel and are highly durable.
Buck Knives 102.
Columbia River Knife & Tool
The brand appeared only in the 90s, but occupies a confident position in the market. The principle of their work is the production of affordable and high-quality products. The blades are made from inexpensive stainless steel, which reduces their cost. Used both for hiking and at home.
Columbia River Knife & Tool 9070.
Benchmade Knife
Benchmade Knife 556S.
The company produces folding and switchblade knives, which are very popular among hunters. Initially, manufacturers worked only with finished parts from which they assembled the product.
The company then moved to a full knife manufacturing process and opened its own expanded production facility.
Smith & Wesson HRT Military Boot
The knife, produced as part of a special order from the FBI, is used by American special forces and police. The weapon was issued as part of the weaponry for hostage rescue operations.
The product is compact, length is 18.4 cm, weight - 110 g. The blade, made of 7Cr17 steel with black oxide coating, has a length of 8.8 cm. Despite the dagger shape, the blade is sharpened only on one side.
The handle is made of a non-slip polymer material resembling rubber. The plastic sheath is equipped with a removable clip for belt carrying and a chain for carrying the blade on the chest.
Camillus Jet Pilots' Survival Knife
This is an old model knife that has been part of the US Air Force's inventory since 1957. Throughout its history, the blade has been produced by different companies; it is still popular today and comes in many varieties. This type of knife was especially in demand during the Vietnam War.
The length of the knife is 24.4 cm, weight - 240 g. Blade length - 13.2 cm, thickness - 4.8 mm. In the classic version, the handle is made of leather with a metal end. The scabbard is also leather.
The specially shaped handle with a metal back allows you to deliver strong blows that injure the bones and joints of the enemy.
Some modern models have a plastic handle rather than leather. The fuller has become narrower, the serrated sharpening has turned from a functional to a decorative element, and the finger rest has changed. But this did not particularly affect the reliability and effectiveness of the weapon.
Fairbairn and Sykes Dagger: Maximum Effectiveness
The British fighting knife Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife is another example of a bladed weapon, “sharpened” for maximum effective use in close combat, primarily in sudden attacks on enemy soldiers and officers for their quick and silent elimination.
The knife was developed in Shanghai (then a British colony) by local police experts Fairbairn and Sykes. It was launched into mass production in 1941 at the famous English factory Wilkinson Sword. FS knives were used by British commandos, Americans from the OSS, as well as many other special forces of the British Commonwealth countries and the USA. The dagger had a symmetrical double-edged blade about 17 centimeters long and a little more than two centimeters wide, with a corrugated round handle and an oval guard.
The British produced more than two million of these combat knives, which were widely used during the Second World War, the wars in Korea and Vietnam.
Camillus Medium Boot Knife Tan
This compact but reliable model was created specifically for the American military during the Gulf War. The length of the product is 17.8 cm, the blade is 8 cm. The dagger-type blade with double-sided sharpening is made of 440 stainless steel with a matte finish. The guard is represented by figured protrusions on both sides.
The handle is made of Valox plastic with mesh coating. Leather sheath, black. Equipped with a steel clamp for securing the weapon to the shoe.
Main types of knives
Combat knives can be divided into several types:
- bayonet;
- Marine;
- combat swimmer;
- for special operations;
- special.
Each of them comes in different models and has its own characteristics. Distinctive features are determined by the type of troops in which they are used, and the combat missions the implementation of which is assigned to one or another unit.
Trench knife.
