5 Legendary Military Combat Knives Still in Use Today
When you think about the tools that have shaped history, few hold the same power as the combat knife. It’s the one piece of gear that has transcended every generation of warriors—from trench fighters in World War II to modern special operators. Despite the rise of advanced weapons and digital warfare, the knife remains a soldier’s most personal and trusted companion.
Today, we’re looking at five legendary military combat knives that still dominate the field or continue to inspire today’s elite blades. And in doing so, we’ll explore how Stroup Knives, one of the most respected veteran-owned knives companies in America, carries that proud lineage forward—crafting blades built for warriors, hunters, and patriots alike. Every knife featured here has earned its place through blood, battle, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities shared by every blade forged in the hands of a veteran.
1. The Ka-Bar USMC Fighting Knife – The Icon That Defined a Generation
No list of legendary military combat knives would be complete without the Ka-Bar. Born in the fires of World War II, this 7-inch, 1095 Cro-Van steel blade was designed for the U.S. Marine Corps and quickly became the standard for durability and performance. Its clip-point design, stacked leather handle, and balanced feel made it the go-to weapon and survival tool for Marines across every front.
Even today, the Ka-Bar remains in active use by military personnel and outdoor adventurers alike. What makes it timeless isn’t just its utility—it’s the spirit it represents: discipline, strength, and reliability. Many veteran-owned knives companies, including Stroup Knives, draw inspiration from this American legend, ensuring that the craftsmanship behind a blade remains as important as its function. The Ka-Bar is proof that when something is built right—by Americans, for Americans—it doesn’t fade; it forges its way into history.
2. The Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife – Precision from the Shadows
Developed in the early 1940s for British Commandos and U.S. OSS operatives, the Fairbairn-Sykes dagger was the embodiment of stealth and precision. Its symmetrical double-edged blade made it ideal for close-quarters combat, and its influence can still be seen in countless modern military knives.
Today, bladesmiths continue to refine its deadly elegance. Veteran-owned knives craftsmen in the USA—men like Chris Stroup—carry that same philosophy: every knife must feel like an extension of the hand. The Fairbairn-Sykes wasn’t just a weapon—it was a surgeon’s tool for war. And that same dedication to control and efficiency lives on in modern blades like the Stroup Knives Bravo 5, built for precision and balance.
3. The M9 Bayonet – The Battlefield Workhorse
If the Ka-Bar represents tradition, the M9 Bayonet represents evolution. Designed in the 1980s, the M9 became the U.S. military’s standard-issue bayonet and multi-tool, capable of slicing through wire, wood, and anything in between. Built from 420 stainless steel, it was engineered to attach seamlessly to an M16 or M4 rifle but also serve as a standalone combat knife.
Decades later, the M9 remains in service—a testament to its rugged dependability. And that same multi-mission design ethos is reflected in veteran-owned knives today. Stroup Knives, proudly Made in USA, takes those same battlefield lessons and applies them to modern craftsmanship. Every Stroup blade—from the Bravo 5 to the Nighthawk—balances military strength with civilian versatility.
4. The Gerber Mark II – The Vietnam Icon
The Gerber Mark II is a blade that became synonymous with the Vietnam War. Introduced in 1966, its sleek, double-edged design was favored by soldiers, pilots, and special forces alike. Lightweight yet deadly efficient, it bridged the gap between combat knife and precision instrument.
Though discontinued for years, Gerber later revived the Mark II due to overwhelming demand—a true mark of a legend’s endurance. Today, its spirit lives on through the hands of veteran-owned knives makers like Stroup Knives, who understand the balance between tactical effectiveness and craftsmanship. These blades aren’t just made—they’re earned through years of experience, service, and grit.
5. The Stroup Knives Bravo 5 – Modern American Steel, Forged by Veterans
Every generation has its blade. For ours, that blade is the Stroup Knives Bravo 5. Designed and handcrafted by veteran-owned knives makers in the USA, the Bravo 5 is a modern combat and survival knife that merges battlefield durability with unmatched precision.
Each Bravo 5 is forged from 1095 high carbon steel, heat-treated for maximum toughness, and fitted with textured micarta grips for a secure hold even in wet or gloved conditions. The blade’s design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a field-tested tool made by veterans who’ve lived through what they build for.
When you hold a Stroup Knife, you’re holding more than steel—you’re holding a legacy of brotherhood, discipline, and unbreakable craftsmanship. It’s the modern continuation of the Ka-Bar spirit and a tribute to every American who knows the value of hard work and purpose-built tools.
Forged in Tradition, Built for Tomorrow
From the trenches of WWII to the deserts of modern warfare, combat knives have remained an unshakable symbol of courage and craftsmanship. These five blades—Ka-Bar, Fairbairn-Sykes, M9 Bayonet, Gerber Mark II, and the Bravo 5—represent more than military history. They represent the enduring bond between warrior and weapon.
In the hands of companies like Stroup Knives, that bond continues to evolve through veteran-owned knives that are Made in the USA with precision, purpose, and pride. Because when a knife is built by someone who has served, it carries something deeper than steel—it carries the soul of the American fighter.
True warriors trust their tools. True patriots support their own. That’s why veteran-owned knives like those from Stroup Knives will always stand above the rest—because they’re more than blades; they’re battle-tested traditions reborn for a new generation.