10 military knife models deciphered
The Army, and more specifically the Special Forces, are composed of soldiers trained to become the most lethal and intelligent human weapons on the planet. These heroes are tasked with carrying out extreme missions despite the chaos they may encounter on the ground.
These soldiers can serve as rescuers, protectors, and, if necessary, as surgically precise executors. They transform and adapt according to the needs of each mission. Thus, every piece of equipment they carry must meet their requirements. Their knives are among the essential elements of their kit.
A well- crafted blade can be a companion and savior to the soldier who wields it. Created specifically for combat, the blades we're about to present to you are built to kill. In our search for the best special forces knives , we considered the knife's reliability in the field. We also made sure to find a civilian equivalent so you can own one of these weapons.
Be careful, some blades are too dangerous for civilians. Each of these knives was created to be a reliable self-defense tool, allowing its owner to survive
Ari B'Lilah
At first glance, the Ari B'Lilah looks like a blade the legendary Rambo might wield. However, this knife is indeed a weapon of war. It is used by the Israeli counter-terrorism unit YAMAM (Yeḥida Merkazit Meyuḥedet).
Formed after the Ma'alot massacre in 1974, the YAMAM specializes in hostage rescue operations and takeover raids. To handle the extreme operations they engage in, it makes sense that they need a knife that looks intimidating. The blade is made of vanadium-niobium stainless steel with jimping on the spine and a G10 fiberglass handle.
The Ari B'Lilah, as you might expect, has no civilian equivalent.
- Year: 1974
- Steel type: vanadium-niobium stainless steel
- Blade length: 6 inches
Ballistic knife
Developed for the Russian Spetsnaz special forces, the ballistic knife is a hybrid blade and a pretty badass projectile. The blade of a ballistic knife can be fired at the push of a button and travel about five meters at around 60 km/h, in case a Spetsnaz soldier is unable to chase down the enemy. Some ballistic knives use compressed air or even gas propulsion for added power, making them even more destructive.
Spetsnaz are known to practice throwing knives with a surgical technique, eliminating their target in one swift and silent movement. This isn't a one-shot projectile, as you can reload another blade by sliding it into the spring.
It's probably a smart idea that this knife isn't available to the general public.
- Year: 1983
- Steel type: stainless steel
- Blade Length: 5 inches
CRKT Kukri
The Gurkha Brigade is an umbrella term for all units of the British Army composed of Nepalese Gurkha soldiers. Raised in a hostile environment, the Gurkhas developed into soldiers with superhuman abilities.
You can witness their skills at an annual race called the Trailwalker 100km, which typically takes 12 to 13 hours to complete. The Gurkhas win it every year, with a time of about eight hours.
The Kukri (aka Khukuri) is their weapon of choice and it is as sharp as their physical attributes. Nepalese Gurkhas grew up sharpening tools and hunting animals with the curved blade, allowing them to easily master this weapon of war.
You can purchase a CRKT Kukri made of 65Mn carbon steel with an overburdened thermoplastic rubber handle.
- Year: 1810
- Steel type: 65Mn carbon steel
- Blade Length: 15-17 inches
KA-BAR US Marine Corps Combat Knife
Since 1942, the KA-BAR has been the combat knife of the United States Marine Corps. It is a knife that has been stained with blood on several occasions to defend American soldiers, particularly during World War II. It continues to be the preferred knife of many U.S. Marines today.
The 7-inch fixed blade is made of 1095 Cro-van steel and has a 56-58 HRC, which means it is strong enough for any mission even in a degraded context.
The American-made blade is considered by many to be the highest quality blade in the world. The legendary knife continues to serve our country well and will likely do so for many lifetimes to come.
- Year: 1940
- Steel type: high carbon steel
- Blade Length: 6-8 inches
Sheffield Fairbairn-Sykes Dagger
Founded in 1941, the British Special Air Service (SAS) has proven its versatility by undertaking counter-terrorism, covert reconnaissance, hostage rescue, and direct action missions. Many SAS actions and operations are highly secret, but we still know what knife they use.
Perhaps the most elegant blade on this list, the British Sheffield Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger first saw service during World War II. Born from the minds of William Ewart Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes, this slender blade was designed specifically for surprise attacks and close-quarters combat. The double-edged blade with a vase handle can easily slide between the ribs for critical damage. It also has a well-balanced design, fitting properly in your hand without feeling heavy in action, making it one of the best combat knives in the field.
- Year: 1960
- Steel Type: 440A Stainless Steel
- Blade Length: 6 inches
Ontario MK III
Of all the blades that Navy SEALs can receive in their kit, the Ontario MK III knife is the best . It meets the requirements of elite units and is still in use today.
The 6-inch 440A stainless steel blade with a black oxide finish is built to last and withstand the most chaotic of times. It features an impact-resistant polypropylene handle for a comfortable and reliable grip and a sheath with a brass belt loop and holder so you can keep it handy at all times.
The blade has a serrated back and a reinforced curved tip, making it durable for almost any job. It is a versatile knife that can also be used as a hammer and pry bar.
- Year: 1942
- Steel type: Cro-van 1095 steel
- Blade Length: 7 inches
Gerber Mark II
Designed by retired U.S. Army Captain Bud Holzman, the timeless Gerber Mark II combat knife was based on the Mainz Gladius, a famous ancient Roman sword.
The blade was first used during the Vietnam War and was used by many soldiers, including U.S. Special Forces. It was actually deemed too basic and was abandoned in the 1970s until Gerber designer Al Mar added saw-tooth serrations toward the handle to reinvent it as a survival tool instead of a combat knife. It gained popularity in 1981 thanks to the cult classic film The Road Warrior, the popular sequel to Mad Max.
With a sturdy dowel and a blade designed to pierce , this knife can do a lot of damage in close combat. The black oxide coated 420HC serrated blade with a die-cast aluminum handle is still sold by Gerber today.
- Year: 1966
- Steel type: 420HC
- Blade Length: 6.5 inches
SOG SEAL Team Elite
The SOG SEAL Team Elite knife is an updated version of the original SEAL knife. It has undergone an extensive and intensive evaluation program by the U.S. government and has been successfully adopted.
Many Navy SEALs looking for an alternative to their blade turn to this cutting-edge piece of equipment. The Team Elite knife is constructed with AUS8 steel and a glass-reinforced nylon handle.
The blade has straight and serrated edges for versatile functionality. Like its predecessor, it is also powder coated for improved durability and rust resistance.
- Year: 2012
- Steel type: AUS8 steel
- Blade Length: 7 inches
Emerson Combat Karambit
Task Force 2 is an elite Canadian special operations force considered one of the finest special forces units on Earth. They are trained to specialize in hostage rescue, foreign internal defense, and direct action, conducting numerous counterterrorism missions.
The Southeast Asian Karambit knife with a curved raptor claw silhouette is their blade of choice. Originally a farming tool, the karambit knife is also perfect for gutting and cutting. There are many karambit makers, but the Emerson Combat Flipper Karambit is one of the best models. It has a 154 cm single-edged blade and a G10 handle, all finished in black.
- Year: 11th century
- Steel type: 154 cm
- Blade Length: 4+ inches
Green Beret Knife
U.S. Special Forces undergo grueling training and have a reputation for exceptional resilience. Each graduate receives the Green Beret Knife (aka Yarborough Knife), designed and crafted by the renowned Chris Reeve.
The blade has a tapered dorsal profile with 55-57 HRC and a profiled sheet micarta handle. You can get it directly from Chris Reeve 's website with or without serrations and choose from two blade length options.
- Year: 2002
- Steel type: S35VN stainless steel
- Blade Length: 7 inches
0 comments