"Best Combat Knives and Military Fighting Knives?" Topic

"To some, the knife may seem like an outdated weapon that has no place in this era of push-button mass death weaponry, but the truth is it's still one of the most versatile pieces of gear out there. That's why knives are still widely carried by even the highest level military units.

Remember, unlike people, not all knives are created equal (or even in America for that matter). There are many things to consider when choosing a combat knife (I'll list them all below the actual list of knives). The first being what you intend to use it for, as each style shines in different areas. While they're all effective for close-quarter fighting, some are more durable and double as multi-purpose or tactical knives…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Just in time for Christmas!

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand

Having owned seven or eight of the knives on that list, both in the Army and afterwards, I have to disagree with most of the author's selections. I think my preferred knife, if I were back in a situation where I had to depend on one, would be the Eickhorn Solingen KM2000.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KM2000

My KA-BAR, I've had it for over 35 years.

Many to choose from. I usually carried a USAF Survival Knife and on occasion along with the new bayonet.

One of the most likely uses of a knife is to silently take out a sentry. The most effective way is to approach from behind and stab at the neck/shoulder juncture at about 45-degree angle down angle. There is a soft spot with no muscle you can identify by probing with your index finger just in front of the rear neck muscle where the shoulder meets the neck. That's the spot.

Ideally, one stab will sever the subclavian and jugular, vagus nerve and into the windpipe stopping any vocal cord action and maybe the aorta if the person is small enough or you came in on their left side. This should stop the heart immediately eliminating that messy arterial bleeding. Wiggle the blade around too, that always helps. To effectively do this you ideally need a blade that is at least 6-7" long and a width of at least 1".

IIRC this was how the Roman Gladiators dispatched their beaten opponent.

My 1943 Ka-Bar fits the description in addition to being effective at chopping wood and other inanimate objects. I like the Tanto too which may be better for stabbing through resistance.

The "cut his throat" thing is not effective except in the movies.

Wolfhag

Thanks!

Amicalement
Armand

As a personal preference I don't prefer a tanto, and have almost always carried either a Kabar or AirForce survival knife.

Here is an account of a knife being used in close combat:
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When you are in contact a shorter blade may be best.

Wolfhag

I still have my USAF Survival Knife right here on one of my book shelves … But if someone breaks into my house I'll probably just use my AR-15 or .45 … or both !

My Gerber Mk II

Yeah I knew a number of guys carried Gerbers …

"Just in time for Christmas!"

Actually, my wife routinely gets me edged weapons for Christmas. This year it is a shasqua. In homage to The Sabers of Paradise.

Good for you my friend! (smile)

Amicalement
Armand

My favorite Gerber LMF II Survival Knife

Here you can find some good knife plansoutdoor.com

I hear the Gurhhas prefer their Kukri, which is a bit of a cross between a short sword, hatchet, and boomerang (the latter due to the shape).

Combat Knife

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Armand

I have 2 Kukris … in my knife inventory. One of the Co. Cdrs in our Mech Bn in the ROK carried a Kukri on his pistol belt while on ops, etc.