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A trench knife is a knife which has been specially designed for close-quarters combat such as that which characterized the trench warfare of the First World War. In fact, the trench knife design originated during this conflict, and it proved so useful that militaries continued to issue trench knives long after the days of trench warfare were over. Suppliers of knives and military equipment often carry trench knives, including replicas of famous models from the WW1 & WW2
The key feature of a trench knife is that it is short, allowing a solider to use it in close quarters, and also extremely sharp. The blade is classically straight, and it may be grooved with a single channel. The earliest trench knives were simply personal weapons or modified bayonet blades and swords, but military strategists quickly realized that issuing a special-purpose trench knife would be highly advisable.
In addition to having a rather wicked blade, many trench knives also have a heavy, solid pommel which can be used very effectively for punching, especially for blows to the skull. Some trench knives also have a hand guard which can theoretically double as yet another surface which can be used for punching. These “knucklebuster†trench knives sometimes have handles shaped like brass knuckles, providing a solid grip while offering hand protection to the user.
The key feature of a trench knife is that it is short, allowing a solider to use it in close quarters, and also extremely sharp. The blade is classically straight, and it may be grooved with a single channel. The earliest trench knives were simply personal weapons or modified bayonet blades and swords, but military strategists quickly realized that issuing a special-purpose trench knife would be highly advisable.
In addition to having a rather wicked blade, many trench knives also have a heavy, solid pommel which can be used very effectively for punching, especially for blows to the skull. Some trench knives also have a hand guard which can theoretically double as yet another surface which can be used for punching. These “knucklebuster†trench knives sometimes have handles shaped like brass knuckles, providing a solid grip while offering hand protection to the user.
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