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Military Survival Knives: A little History
The modern military survival knife has its origins around the turn of the last century. A man by the name of Webster Marbles created the first modern style hunting knife and survival knives have taken their queue from that first hunting knife. Up until that time most hunting knives were little more than kitchen knives and survival knives were bayonets. Here is a great article about Webster Marbles’ knives if you want to learn more.
The military started buying survival knives in bulk and worked with the manufacturers to get the best possible knife for their troops. For instance, the saw teeth on the back of the blade were originally put there so that a downed pilot could cut his way through the thin metal of the fuselage.
In the 1980’s military survival knives saw a resurgence with the release of the Rambo movies. Although these knives worked well on screen, features like hollow handles for survival gear made the knives weak.
The following are some of the best knife companies and military survival knives available today.
Gerber LMF II
Gerber manufactures the LMF II series of knives. These knives have been approved by the US Airforce as an ASEK knife. ASEK stands for Aviation Support Element, Kaneohe… or Aircrew Survival Egress Knife depending on who you talk to.
This knife has a high-carbon stainless steel blade that is coated with a non-reflective black oxide finish and is designed with a partially serrated edge. This makes it perfect for cutting through things like rope, netting, and
branches.
In addition to its blade, the Gerber LMF II knife also features a glass-filled nylon handle that offers a comfortable, non-slip grip in any weather conditions. The handle is also designed with a butt cap that can be used as a hammer or a glass breaker. It makes a pretty effective weapon in its own right.
The Gerber LMF II knife comes in three different colors: black, coyote brown, and green. Each color has a specific meaning and is designed to meet the needs of different users. The black version is the Infantry model and is ideal for
military use or for those who want a sleek and professional-looking knife. The coyote brown version is designed for desert environments and blends in with the surroundings, making it ideal for hunting or outdoor activities in dry, sandy
areas. The green version is designed for jungle or forest environments and is designed to blend in with the foliage, making it ideal for wooded areas. You can read more about the Gerber LMF II in this article.
USMC Fighting/Utility Knife
Ka-Bar has been making the USMC Fighting/Utility knife since the mid 1920’s. This knife was approved for use by the United States Marine Corp.
The KA-BAR USMC Utility knife is a legendary tool that has been a favorite of military personnel, hunters, preppers, and campers for over 70 years. It was first introduced during World War II and quickly became a favorite among US Marines. The design was based on the US Navy Mark I combat knife.
This KA-BAR knife has a 7-inch, clip-point blade made from 1095 Cro-Van steel which is excellent for use in harsh outdoor environments. The blade is also coated with a black epoxy powder, which helps to reduce reflection and glare, making it ideal for military use.
It’s handle is made from stacked leather washers, which provide a comfortable and secure grip even in wet or slippery conditions and it is designed with a guard to prevent the user’s hand from slipping onto the blade during use, making it safer.
Cold Steel SRK Fixed Blade Knife
The Cold Steel SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) is a highly popular choice. This versatile knife has a number of advantages as a military knife, and comes in a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences.
This knife has a clip-point blade design as well, which makes it ideal for both combat and survival situations. The one I would go with is the SRK in 3V. It can’t be beat for hardness, toughness, and holding an edge.
The standard version of this knife features a 6-inch blade made from high-quality steel, while the mini version features a 3-inch blade for those who need a more compact option. The Cold Steel SRK is also available in different materials for the handle, including Kraton, which provides a comfortable and secure grip, and Cordura, which is more lightweight.
Morakniv Garberg Survival Stainless Steel Knife
The Morakniv Garberg Survival Stainless Steel fixed blade knife is a reliable and versatile tool that has gained a reputation for its exceptional performance in survival and outdoor situations.
It features a 4.3-inch full-tang blade and you can get it in several different types of steel. They currently make them in Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel which offers excellent corrosion resistance, edge retention, and overall strength. This knife can withstand the rigors of demanding tasks such as carving, batoning, or splitting firewood.
Another standout feature of the Morakniv Garberg is its versatile sheath system. It comes with a modular multi-mount sheath, providing multiple carry options and adaptability and it can be worn vertically on a belt, horizontally on a backpack strap, or even attached to MOLLE gear.
The spine of the blade features a specially designed 90-degree edge, perfect for striking a fire starter or creating sparks with a ferro rod.
Morakniv has garnered a strong following worldwide in the knife community. It’s worth noting that even renowned survival expert Cody Lundin, known for his expertise in primitive living skills, uses a Morakniv knife.
