Knives Used By SEALs (member Qs)

[KenHash]

The Gerber Silver Trident is more than a symbol of Americas top Special Ops personnel. Its living proof that guys who handle our nations nastier chores will go through whatever kind of hell is necessary, so long as they have the best gear.
The Silver Trident has the most technically advanced handle ever engineered on a combat knife. Its resistant to heat, UV light and chemicals. The brainchild of William Harsey, Jr. and Chief Watson—a founding member of Navy Seal Team 2—the handle is a co-mold of two versions of the material called Hytrel. Inside, there's a rock-hard version for strength. Outside, there's the soft, textured version for extreme grip control. Use the stainless steel butt cap as a hammer.
The double-edged clip point blade is 154C stainless steel, heat-treated to achieve a hardness rating of HRC 59-61. That means you get excellent edge retention, strength and flexibility. The non-reflective black blade limits glare and corrosion.

• Overall Length: 11.22"
• Blade Length: 6.18"
• Weight: 17.4 oz.
• Blade Style: Drop Point
• Blade Material: 154CM
• Blade Type: Double Serration
• 

 

[WillB]

The Gerber Silver Trident is more than a symbol of Americas top Special Ops personnel. Its living proof that guys who handle our nations nastier chores will go through whatever kind of hell is necessary, so long as they have the best gear.
The Silver Trident has the most technically advanced handle ever engineered on a combat knife. Its resistant to heat, UV light and chemicals. The brainchild of William Harsey, Jr. and Chief Watson—a founding member of Navy Seal Team 2—the handle is a co-mold of two versions of the material called Hytrel. Inside, there's a rock-hard version for strength. Outside, there's the soft, textured version for extreme grip control. Use the stainless steel butt cap as a hammer.
The double-edged clip point blade is 154C stainless steel, heat-treated to achieve a hardness rating of HRC 59-61. That means you get excellent edge retention, strength and flexibility. The non-reflective black blade limits glare and corrosion.

• Overall Length: 11.22"
• Blade Length: 6.18"
• Weight: 17.4 oz.
• Blade Style: Drop Point
• Blade Material: 154CM
• Blade Type: Double Serration
• 

Tad confused why you're posting this stuff, but Chief "Patches" Watson was one of the founders of the UDT-SEAL museum, a true legend in the Teams, and that knife is on display at the museum in the knife display. The best 'nam era SEAL Book is Point Man, by Chief Watson BTW. He passed away a few years ago, but he was one of a kind.

 

[JokersFaceLifter]

i would assume somewhere in the SOG, gerber, kabar, ontario, cold steel, area. ultimately depends on the specific members taste; however I'm pretty sure they won't spend 100 dollars or more on a knife, imagine a SEAL carrying a rockstead , however hard to really tell, they all have their own money, and can buy whatever knife they really want. if i was a member id carry a spyderco folding knife and a fixed blade i could rely on. but like i said, ultimately depends on the person

 

[KenHash]

Tad confused why you're posting this stuff, but Chief "Patches" Watson was one of the founders of the UDT-SEAL museum, a true legend in the Teams, and that knife is on display at the museum in the knife display. The best 'nam era SEAL Book is Point Man, by Chief Watson BTW. He passed away a few years ago, but he was one of a kind.

Not sure why you are confused. The last post did not include your previous post as quotes and therefore was not addressed to you. It was a post for the BF community keeping in line with the subject topic. Just like the earlier post regarding the Buck 245 MWG. Your additional information of course is welcomed. Meantime, hope you can post the display knife names. Thanks.

 

[The Whip]

OK. I remember now that I had seen this photo of the knife display floating around on the internet and although the knife names are marked on blue tags. the photo was taken from too far away to clearly make out the writing. So the email I sent simply asked if there was a list of those knife names. If you would be good enough to let us know the names on those labels (including any new ones of course) I would appreciate it. Thanks very much.

Fixed blades, top to bottom:

USN MK 1
USN MK 2
Ka-Bar
Imperial Non-Magnetic Dive Knife
USN MK 3
Buck 184 Buckmaster
Phrobis Combat Utility Knife
SOG SEAL Pup
SOG SEAL 2000
Mission MPK-Ti
Gerber Silver Trident


Bottom shelf, left to right:

USN MK V
USN MK 2 (Robeson Shuredge version?)
Non-Magnetic EOD Knife (pretty sure this is a 1981 unidentified maker model)
Mad Dog SEAL ATAK


The picture of the folder in the upper-left corner is a Vietnam-era experimental Camillus Demolition Knife. The remainder of the Victorinox, Leatherman, and Gerber tools I'm sure you know.

More knowledgeable military knife enthusiasts than I can probably pinpoint manufacturers for the older knives. While this is a nice assortment of issued knives, it is in no way a comprehensive display of all UDT/SEAL knives issued to and/or carried by U.S. Frogmen over the years.


-Steve

 

[GermanyChris]

Are you able to provide any info on the topic if you have run ranges with teams?

Most of the guys that I have been around that carry a fixed blade knife have one that fits neatly behind an ammo pouch I've never seen a big knife on any special kid IRL though like most I've seen them on pictures of operators on the net. The vast majority of what I've seen is some sort of folding knife in a MOLLE sheath some where on their gear, in the same respect I don't know if what they throw on to train is the same layout they go to war with since I'm an outsider looking in.

He's just here to let everyone know he's a hardcore badass. Problem is guys with boat loads of experience are around everywhere and most don't particularly make it a point be the tactical badass. Shrug.


The fascination with SF is funny but I get it. They are the bees knees and they get much respect in the military. I think if someone claimed SEALs wore a certain underwear people would by them.

I know I'll not change your opinion but I've been in or worked for the Army for 18 years you get around and pick up training with the same employer for so long. I just spent seven years in Stuttgart Germany which is home to two COCOM's, lots of cool signal types, some MP's, and lot's of special kids to include 1/10 SFG and NSWU 2 and 10. Stuttgart isn't a normal military base, it's stupidly rank heavy therefore lots of little jobs like training management, ammunition management, range safety, and Anti-terriorism fall to civilians since there are few NCO's of the appropriate rank to do those jobs. The largest consumers of the ranges we have were in 1/10, the two teams, and the MP's so the people I interacted with the most were those people in about that order depending. I wasn't the only RSO nor was I the only person that could map the shoot houses but being that I was pretty much always there I was easy to hey you. Every one of those units had the preferable green suit version of me but never in enough quantity to have one always ready to go because they had jobs. In a regular installation like where I am now (Fort Drum) the idea that a civilian would do anything other than schedule and clean up ranges is completely unheard of and a joke but then there is only one command here and lots of NCO manpower.

I also think in terms of this board that the fascination with SF is kinda strange since the mission of the regular Army is so much different what a SEAL or an 18 might carry doesn't translate into what a private should.

 

[WillB]

Here ya go. The collection at the Museum along with a few others I thought people might appreciate. One of them is an inside joke at the museum and was never used/issued to SEALs. I'm sure most here can spot it...I also spoke with an active duty SEAL who was visiting what he'd been issued, and he said it was a SOG. He also confirmed what I wrote below, which is cut and pasted from another thread:

SEALs are no different than the rest of us in that some of them appreciate a good knife, some don't care and will use what ever they're issued. Two, SEAL teams have discretionary budgets, and some times a SEAL team may arrange for a team buy of X knife. So what SEAL Team 2 is currently carrying may not be the same as Team 8, and so forth. Three, some may get their own knife they prefer being into knives and want something specific. Four, some times a group within a team with pool some $ and get a knife they want. The point being, it varies, hence why you keep reading about how X SEAL carried Y knife and it's all over the place. Four, SEALs like free shit, and some times a knife manufacturer will send them a bunch to test, which then allows the company to never shut up about SEALs having used their knife. Some may like and keep what what sent, some may find it a POS and dump it pronto. Watches are similar in that respect. Within a Team, there will also be knives on an approved list, such as the CQC7 for DevGru.

 

[bubbaskyjacker]

Buck 184 old school , they are issued some SOG, and like the rest of the people are saying , they don’t really care. Only time I know someone in the military with a really knife knife was when someone gave it to them. Then they said it was too nice and didn’t bring it on deployment.


Priorities . A Gun skills are top priority. B, Tactics. C, coms ............... L. How to poop on a mission and have a clean butt................ Z1.7 what knife to carry.


If I had to think about how not to blow off my face with explosives or not kill a bystander while room clearing , I probably wouldn’t be on this forum or care too much about knives. But Since I’m Delta Farce and an Gravy Seal - long live the discussion of best handle material , proper grind for cutting medium rare elk and what brand to have when the world ends. !!!

 

[cut it out]

I’ll admit it that it truly intrigues me to know what gear they use but it doesn’t mean I’ll run out and buy it’s less I really like it or think it will help me in my day to day adventures. . Sounds to me they are able to use a wide range of any tool they feel fit. And as long as our boys make it home safe that’s all I care about. I would love to visit that museum. I love diving and combat diving has always been so interesting to me. Diving in general is a dangerous sport and if you add in combat well that’s a whole other side that we can’t even imagine. Man them boys are bad a$$’s!!!!

 

[cut it out]

Also the fact that most use common knives like sog, Gerber and other everyday knives just shows how much more important the man is than the tools.

 

[WillB]

Also the fact that most use common knives like sog, Gerber and other everyday knives just shows how much more important the man is than the tools.

All true, and of course it's emphasized heavily that the tools are of little importance to the man who is ultimately the weapon. However, even SEAL teams have a budget, and they have to direct where best to use the $, and a knife is low priority compared other places to spend $. They dropped the Tudor/Rolex watches in favor of G Shocks once tough digital watches came on line. Some of them do upgrade because they enjoy a nice watch. Note the SOG units above had custom made knives as they had the budgets, and no doubt some SMUs with the budgets, likely do too. I mean hey, if you're unit has the $ to spend, you'd want the best $ could buy no?

 

[KenHash]

Nice photos WillB. Do you know what that knife is to the right of the Gerber Silver Trident?

The SOG knife in the above photo looks like one from the March 1967 order lot numbered 1-3700. Earlier order lots were sterile.
I had also hoped that the MACV-SOG Scuba Demo used by the Naval Advisory Detachment might be on exhibit but I guess with only one left known to exist it didn't make it to the museum.

 

[dingy]

is there any seal member use Maddog knives ?

 

[evilgreg]

I know I'll not change your opinion but I've been in or worked for the Army for 18 years you get around and pick up training with the same employer for so long. I just spent seven years in Stuttgart Germany which is home to two COCOM's, lots of cool signal types, some MP's, and lot's of special kids to include 1/10 SFG and NSWU 2 and 10. Stuttgart isn't a normal military base, it's stupidly rank heavy therefore lots of little jobs like training management, ammunition management, range safety, and Anti-terriorism fall to civilians since there are few NCO's of the appropriate rank to do those jobs. The largest consumers of the ranges we have were in 1/10, the two teams, and the MP's so the people I interacted with the most were those people in about that order depending. I wasn't the only RSO nor was I the only person that could map the shoot houses but being that I was pretty much always there I was easy to hey you.

Interesting to hear how things have changed since I was assigned the 1/10 SFG(A). When we moved from Bad Tolz to Boblingen (Panzer Kaserne) that post was empty and much larger than necessary for a forward deployed SF battalion and a support company (the 7th SOSC at the time, IIRC).

Panzer had its own ranges then, and 1/10 made a shoot house for doorkicker drills out of an unused barracks building (there were plenty). There were no seal teams there then, though it makes sense that it went that way since 1/10 was there and SOCEUR was just down the road at patch barracks.

I also think in terms of this board that the fascination with SF is kinda strange since the mission of the regular Army is so much different what a SEAL or an 18 might carry doesn't translate into what a private should.

Agree with this completely. Obviously it sells, though, that's why EE never forgets to tell random strangers that he's an honorary seal, I suppose.

 

[Gideons]

Also the fact that most use common knives like sog, Gerber and other everyday knives just shows how much more important the man is than the tools.

Exactly, I think it shows in communities like these, many (including me at times) have become rather snobbish when it comes to a companies reputation or steel used in a knife. Knives are tools, first and foremost yet knives seem to becoming increasingly more artistic and less practical.

 

[GermanyChris]

Interesting to hear how things have changed since I was assigned the 1/10 SFG(A). When we moved from Bad Tolz to Boblingen (Panzer Kaserne) that post was empty and much larger than necessary for a forward deployed SF battalion and a support company (the 7th SOSC at the time, IIRC).

Panzer had its own ranges then, and 1/10 made a shoot house for doorkicker drills out of an unused barracks building (there were plenty). There were no seal teams there then, though it makes sense that it went that way since 1/10 was there and SOCEUR was just down the road at patch barracks.



Agree with this completely. Obviously it sells, though, that's why EE never forgets to tell random strangers that he's an honorary seal, I suppose.

If you look out of HHC's team rooms over the the parking area to the old motor pool that's where they are.

Panzer while still small compared to all the other installations it now has the Hotel, the PX, a Shoppette, and a Commissary. The issue is all the civilians are now there vs Kelley, I lived in the building that used to house the mail room to the left of 1/10's HQ building. They've been planning for years to move the special kids out to free up space to consolidate all the garrison people on Panzer leaving only us and the MP's. That move will free up some badly needed space for AFRICOM and give the special kids more space to train and their own air field which they need. With the money they plan on spending to re-open one of the closed installations to me it makes more sense to expand Pfullendorf and move them there instead of TDY'ing them. Heck you could put housing in Bad Tolz and let them commute.

 

[WillB]

Agree with this completely. Obviously it sells, though, that's why EE never forgets to tell random strangers that he's an honorary seal, I suppose.

Maybe I'm just not awares, but I don't think such a thing exists.

 

[evilgreg]

Maybe I'm just not awares, but I don't think such a thing exists.

It's not my claim, but you can hear it from the "industry icon" himself at about 11:20 in this totally not an OMG SEALS SEALS SEALS marketing clip:

 

[WillB]

It's not my claim, but you can hear it from the "industry icon" himself at about 11:20 in this totally not an OMG SEALS SEALS SEALS marketing clip:

Well, maybe he is an honorary SEAL named as such by someone, I have no idea. I'll assume it's above my pay grade and leave it alone. The few guys I know who have trained with him, spoke highly of him.

 

[Shotgun]

Exactly, I think it shows in communities like these, many (including me at times) have become rather snobbish when it comes to a companies reputation or steel used in a knife. Knives are tools, first and foremost yet knives seem to becoming increasingly more artistic and less practical.

They’re becoming jewelry. Same with watches. The less they’re needed the more the aesthetics come into play and things like “tight tolerances.”

As to the OP. I’ll read what they have to say but it’s a lot like asking a random farmhand about knives. They may know knives but they’re more likely the “use til dull and then buy a new one” type. You know, like most everyone.