Category: Knives

USMC Fighting Utility Knife

The USMC knife (designated USN Mark 2 Utility Knife) was designed and produced for the United States Military during World War II. This Knife design was manufactured by four different cutlery companies, one being the Union Cutlery Co. Union Cutlery Co. ricasso stamped their knives they manufactured with their trademark KA-BAR. Soon the USN Mark 2 Utility Knife was nick-named the KA-BAR, regardless of the manufacturer. This knife being well liked during World War II soon became a popular knife thereafter, and has been used in every military conflict since. This knife is has now become a favorite choice of hikers, campers, hunters, and survival enthusiast.

The USMC Fighting Utility Knife is made in USA. This knife is made of great craftsmanship using only quality materials.  This knife is 11-7/8 inches overall length, with a 7 inch fixed blade which can be used for bigger task such as chopping wood to skinning a deer.  It is a full “Tang” blade going through the handle, this make the blade harder to break and more durable. (USMC) Fighting Utility Knife, is made of carbon steel of 1095 Cro-Van and the blade being 0.165” thick sharpened to a 20 degree angle that comes to a clipped point. This steel is great when heat-treated it has excellent properties such as strength, toughness, and resistance to wear and fatigue.  Weighing in at .70 lb it is light weight to carry nicely on your belt.

The handle is made of leather strips with groves in between for a  easier grip.  The USMC is ricasso stamped near the handle guard. The blade comes black powder coated to resist corrosion and doesn’t reflect light.  This knife has other defining features such as a blade guard, capped handle, blood groove and a top swage taper ground tip.

 

USMC Fighting Utility Knife

 

The sheath is sturdily made of oiled leather and comes with a large belt loop. This knife has a military version sheath that is MOLLE compatible. It can be used for hand to hand combat, carving, chopping, splitting wood and other camp task.  The USMC knife has a rich military history with great quality used the world over.

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Everyone Needs a Reliable Tactical Knife

Despite confusion surrounding the true definition of tactical knives, their popularity has surpassed military use and is now mainstream. Due to their popularity many companies now offer a wide selection of knives under the term. Many boot knives, straight knives and folding pocket knives bare the moniker to increase a companies knife sales.

The tactical knife was originally a military knife. They were required and standard issue for every solider in World War Two and made famous by the more sought after Navy SEALs black blade version. “Tack” knives are for use as a last resort during a soldiers combat and were originally made tough enough to hold up against any foe a soldier might encounter. They were also discovered to be handy in day to day survival for the soldier and were used for anything from cutting branches to laying traps.

In an attempt to make the tactical knife even more versatile later versions of the knife have a serrated section of blade used for sawing through many materials that the foot soldier might find of use. Many so called “survival knives” are based on the original tactical knife.

The history of the tried and true tactical knife has proven it’s durability. As a result special military forces, as well as police and swat teams all use versions of this combat knife. Specialty knives made for every thing from throwing to sawing are used in the everyday life of the trained specialist.

So why does a common civilian need a tactical knife?

As generations of military buffs and knife collectors alike have already discovered, the tactical knife is one of the most reliable and versatile tools one can own. They are a camping staple and a handy tool for home and garden projects of all kinds. Most importantly, they are known as one of the most trusted knives for self defense and protection. Many versions of tactical knives are available to fit specific needs.

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Gerber Epic (30-000176)

The Gerber Epic is a great little, snub nosed knife. It’s light, but has a very sturdy feel to it. The front finger grove sits nicely in the hand, with your pinky finger sitting over the bottle opener at the end of the knife.  While you might get a better grip with a longer handle, for a small fixed blade knife, it has enough grip to feel like you have a good

The sheath has a reversible pocket clip, so it can be switched to work for carrying it on the right or left.  The sheath has drawn some criticism in some reviews.  The knife snaps into the sheath with the ridges at the top of the blade.  But this does require a bit of force to get it in and out.  Personally, I like that (I own one of these).  The Gerber Epic is well seated and it stays in without falling out.  But you defiantly don’t just ‘drop it in’.

The other point of criticism was over the blade scoring the sheath after extended use, while sliding in and out.  I’ll have to watch it and see how much of a problem this becomes.  So far, I don’t think this will be a huge problem.

Features:

  • Blade Material: Hard chrome-molybdenum stainless steel
  • Handle Material: Textured, glass-filled nylon
  • Blade Style: Drop-point
  • Handle Length: 3.85in (9.8cm)
  • Blade Length: 3.45in (8.8cm)
  • Total Length: 3.45in (8.8cm)
  • Weight: 5.12oz (145g)

 

What’s in the Box

  • Gerber (30-000176) Epic Knife with Serrated Edge
  • Rigid Sheath

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How to Choose a Tactical Knife

For all intents and purposes, a tactical knife is what is commonly known as a combat knife. It is also called a fighting knife. The military perfected the use of the tactical knife for soldiers to use when they are engaging in close or hand to hand combat. The tactical knife is often called a combat knife. The tactical knife has a long history, and was the weapon of choice to use in combat situations. Tactical knives are of course still used for fighting, but they have been reinvented to meet the needs of the solider, outdoors person, or something to use around the house.

Why Choose a Tactical Knife?

The main reason is for working outdoors. A soldier stationed in a jungle or wooded area would need a tactical knife to do things such as cutting branches, cutting through or trimming brush. The knife can also be used to hunt for food, and of course to protect oneself. The tactical knife can be used in any of these situations.

Perhaps you are not the outdoors type person hunting in the woods. A tactical knife is still a good thing to have if you for instance live on a farm. You could be someone who makes their living working outside. The tactical knife is great for completing simple chores such as cutting wires, ropes, or lines.

There are a variety of different tactical knives available and different models for people to choose from. When looking for a tactical make sure you are getting a good quality knife. Look for a good steel blade, and all the safety standards you feel you will need with your tactical knife. If you choose a knife which folds make the sure the knife has a very good locking mechanism. If you choose one which is non-folding, you will need to get a good holster to keep your knife in.

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