Combat knife

Combat knives are designed for military use knife. While historical models were mainly used as a weapon, the focus of modern combat knives is the use as a tool.

Combat knife as a weapon

Historical combat knives were designed as a weapon. They therefore usually had a narrow blade sharpened on both sides. This blade shape is to penetrate with little resistance in the body and cause smooth cuts. It was assumed that closes a smooth cut through the blood vessel inside the body even worse.

In combat knives, which are designed as a weapon, can distinguish between slashing and stabbing.

When stabbing the tip is a direct extension of the handle to allow a currently running stitch. Hand protection on two sides in the rule in order to prevent the hand from slipping on the blade.

A predominantly designed as a slashing weapon combat knife is the Khukuri of the Gurkhas. It is inwardly curved, and has a length of about 30 cm.

Combat knife as a tool

Modern combat knives are designed as a robust multi-purpose tools, since the melee has lost militarily important. They therefore have wider, single-edged blade. Usually, the blades are blackened to avoid highly visible light reflections.

The modern form of the combat knife is also referred to as a tactical use knives, box knife or survival knife. The standard knife of the Bundeswehr infantry is the KM2000.

Often, the knives are equipped with additional functions. A serrated edge facilitates the cutting of fibrous material. A serrated edge on the back allows easier cutting of wood and sheet metal. A glass breaker at the end of the handle is suitable for smashing vehicle windows. A hollow handle is used for waterproof storage of small items. Modern bayonets can also often used as wire cutters, by connecting the blade to the scabbard.