7 Famous Military Combat Knives and Their Stories
Throughout the annals of warfare, one tool has remained a constant companion to the warrior: the combat knife. From muddy trenches to modern-day deployments, these blades are more than cutting tools—they’re symbols of survival, trust, and grit. In this blog, we’ll dive into seven of the most famous military combat knives in American history, uncover their stories, and show how Stroup Knives continues their legacy as a proud manufacturer of veteran-owned knives, made in the USA.
- Mark I Trench Knife (World War I)
The Mark I Trench Knife was a brutal response to brutal warfare. With a brass knuckle guard, steel blade, and a spike pommel, it was built for up-close trench fighting. Its intimidating design wasn’t for finesse—it was for survival in the mud, chaos, and blood of the Great War. It remains a stark symbol of hand-to-hand combat. - Ka-Bar USMC Fighting Knife (World War II)
Perhaps the most iconic of them all, the Ka-Bar was issued to Marines during WWII. Designed for utility and combat, it featured a 7-inch clip point blade that could do everything from cutting rope to dispatching enemies. This knife helped carve a path from the beaches of Iwo Jima to the forests of Okinawa. - Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife (WWII OSS)
Used by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and British Commandos, the Fairbairn-Sykes was designed for silent, lethal combat. With its double-edged dagger-style blade, it became the knife of choice for covert operatives. It wasn’t just a blade—it was a tool for justice behind enemy lines. - M3 Fighting Knife (WWII to Korea)
Standard issue for U.S. soldiers in WWII and Korea, the M3 was a versatile weapon and utility blade. Its narrow spear-point blade made it ideal for thrusting, while still functioning as a rugged field tool. It was a soldier’s lifeline when ammunition ran low and threats were close. - Gerber Mark II (Vietnam War)
Inspired by the Fairbairn-Sykes, the Gerber Mark II became synonymous with Vietnam. With its distinctive wasp-waist design, it was popular among Special Forces and LRRP units. It symbolized the silent danger of jungle warfare and the close-quarters engagements of Southeast Asia. - Yarborough Knife (Modern Special Forces)
Named after Lt. Gen. William Yarborough, the ‘father of the modern Green Berets,’ this knife is presented to every graduate of the Special Forces Qualification Course. It represents not only the skill of the warrior but also the legacy of excellence. Forged for today’s elite, it blends tradition with tactical innovation. - Stroup GP Knife (Modern Combat)
Designed and crafted by a U.S. Marine veteran, the Stroup GP Knife is a modern continuation of combat knife legacy. With a 1095 high-carbon steel blade, ergonomic grip, and no-nonsense profile, this knife is built for field use, survival, and combat. It’s proudly made in the USA and exemplifies everything that veteran-owned knives stand for—durability, dependability, and American grit.
Why Veteran-Owned Knives Matter
In a world full of mass-produced blades, veteran-owned knives bring back authenticity and purpose. Stroup Knives doesn’t just manufacture tools—it builds lifelines crafted by those who understand what’s at stake in the field. As a veteran-owned company, every blade from Stroup carries the spirit of American warriors past and present.
Whether you’re a soldier, prepper, or collector, owning a combat knife with history behind it means something. Stroup Knives ensures that the next generation of blades continues that lineage—made in America, made with grit, made by warriors.
If you’re searching for reliable, purpose-built gear, look no further than veteran-owned knives by Stroup. They’re more than tools—they’re a continuation of a battlefield legacy.