Combat is enhanced by the incorporation of weaponry to dismantle adversaries. With enough practice and experience, the weapon itself becomes an extension of you, the soldier. When it comes to one of the greatest warrior packs in the world, hailing from the battlefields of the sea, land, and air, there needs to be a weapon that serves as a worthy companion.
No, it’s not the M4A1 carbine or a hand grenade, but a tool that has been around for centuries. With precision, stealth, and performance, knives are the ideal weapon for Navy SEALs to have in their arsenal.
But that begs the question: what knives do Navy SEALs even use?
Combat Knives
With the introduction of technological advancements in today’s day and age, there has been a significant dip in the overall use of knives for combat. During World War II, military personnel would invest their own resources to purchase survival knives to help them through battlefields. Where a rifle is usually used for combat, knives are multi-purpose. There is a plethora of knives to choose from if you are a Navy SEAL.
Here is a list of blades that you may find sheathed by a Navy SEAL.
The United States Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) rejected the KA-Bar fixed knife due to its limited functionality. Instead, they wanted a more tactical blade. And this very need manifested itself as a 4-inch folding knife, The Strider SMF.
This revolutionary blade was heavily tested in the field in multiple facets of combat, which makes it so appealing to Navy SEALs.
Fun fact: few differences exist between the MARSOC used on the battlefield and for civilian equivalency.
Marine Corps (USA) KA-BAR
Presenting the most famous fixed combat knife in the world, hailing a reputation since World War II, the KA-BAR fighting utility knife was issued for the United States Marine Corps. But what earns the blade this reputation? For starters, its 6¼ inches blade is composed of a special steel alloy alongside a leather handle of about 5¼ inches. The knife balances out its sheer size with its light weight. Furthermore, the knife also comes packaged with a leather covering, which gives the blade much-needed durability.
Considering it was the go-to weapon for the Marine Corps, it would also benefit Navy SEALs in rigorous combat.
JTF2 (Canada)-Karambit
We’re heading to Canada for this one with the country’s elite Tier 1 special forces unit, Joint Task Force 2. This blade is known for its unique and aggressive design, which speaks for itself. Where most combat knives can be used for chopping wood for fire or constructing a shelter, the Karambit is solely made for assault.
Of course, this knife has its fair share of multi-purpose uses, but when we’re talking about the JTF2 in particular, its sole purpose is to draw blood.
Navy SEALs (USA) Survival Rescue Knife (SRK)
Among the various blade options, this particular one fits the requirements of Navy SEALs the best. During the recruitment process, men go through a challenging selection course known as the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training. Once the trainee survives the BUD/S training, they are awarded with the knife.
This knife comprises a 6” blade with a sturdy 5mm thickness (depending on the manufacturer). The build of the weapon is made to withstand the most grueling of conditions and is a powerful weapon indeed.
SEAL Team 6 (USA) – Fox RCST01 R.C.S.T. Folgore
What is the ideal blade for a team that is constantly on the move in some of the most perilous regions in the world? Considering the stature of USA’s SEAL Team 6, they need a weapon that lives up to their reputation and keeps up with their tempo.
The Fox RCST01 RCST Folgore enters the list with a 4.36” cobalt vanadium stainless steel tanto blade (depending on the manufacturer). This blade packs quite a punch; its sharp, durable edge deals damage with precision.
But that’s not all; the knife also features a handle with an integrated glass breaker for emergency extractions from a window or car. It also comes with a seat belt cutter, which is ideal for cutting wires or freeing a trapped teammate.
It also comes with a Cordura nylon belt sheath, which provides the user with multiple mounting options.
Even though knives are a helpful tool to power through armed combat, it is important to note that a blade is as potent as its wielder.
The only question remains: how will Alexander Gray, in Robert B. Marcus’ riveting action thriller The Far Side of Silence, utilize his weaponry as he takes on his most difficult assignment yet? The Ex-Navy SEAL finds himself facing an impossible task following the demise of the United States Air Force One over the Mediterranean Sea. The new president discreetly orders the US Navy to prepare the Sigonella Naval Air Station in Sicily to save the life of the Russian president who is suspected to be the mastermind behind Air Force One’s demise. And thus, Alexander Gray’s journey begins as he plans on outwitting enemy forces that pose a threat to the operation in its entirety.
Robert B. Marcus Jr. is one of the most exciting authors in the action-thriller genre and he is channeling his writing prowess with his most intense narrative yet. Will Gray be able to survive and bring the traitors to justice? Find out by picking up Robert B. Marcus’ book, The Far Side of Silence, now!
