'Combat knives' are mainly used in
close combat.
Modern combat knives come in many shapes and sizes. Most militaries today have standardized the types of combat knives issued to infantry soldiers.
In the
United States Marine Corps, the standard issue combat knife is the
KA-BAR, and has been since
World War II. A typical KA-BAR knife has a 7" clip-point blade. It is made of 1095 carbon steel and features a leather-washer or synthetic handle made of
Kraton (a substitute for rubber, non-slip grip).
The famed
Gurkha regiments favor the
Kukri, a bladed weapon that more closely resembles a
machete or
Filipino bolo sword than a knife. With quick, chopping blows, a well trained Kukri wielder is devastating in close combat.
One famous combat knife is the
British Fairbairn-Sykes, which is very much like a dagger in its thin, double-edged design. Its specific purpose is silently killing an unprepared sentry or other foe, or knife fighting.
Large knives meant for combat are also used extensively in jungle or swamp conditions, and are useful for actions such as cutting vines or roots.
External links
★ The
Advanced Combat Knife of German
Bundeswehr
★ Pictures of the
Kampfmesser 2000
★ Information:
Use of Fighting knives