A more-rugged, utilitarian choice is the Combat Knife Infantry ($150), “a specialized tool for soldiers. It excels in various tasks, even in the most extreme conditions. From cutting dry branches, clearing small trees and bushes, to splitting firewood and crafting tent stakes, this knife is up for any challenge.” The Combat Knife Infantry features a stout, 6.89-inch, black stainless-steel blade.
A particularly interesting model is the Tactical Knife Needle ($135), a modern derivation of the famous OSS sleeve dagger of World War Two fame, usually strapped to an agent’s forearm beneath their shirt sleeve as a last-ditch, concealment weapon. The Needle features a very slim, 4.72-inch, natural-finish, stainless-steel blade, .46-inch (11.7mm) wide, and sharpened on only one edge, like the Vendetta dagger. “Its distinctive, ‘needle point’ design makes it an ideal weapon for stabbing and thrusting attacks in self-defense and tactical operations.”
Among the desirable attributes of BBK’s vast array of practical knives is the fact that each knife comes with a highly durable, one-piece, full tang, all the way from the tip of the blade to the back of the handle. All knives have fixed blades for strength and reliability, “which makes them ideal for combat or survival situations. Fixed-blade knives are ideal for duty, survival, and hunting, because they are dependable and strong.”
Blade Brothers Knives use 1.4116 Krupp stainless-steel blades on all combat knives, and high-carbon, 66Mn4 steel blades on their axes and machetes, all with a hardness of 57 HRC on the Rockwell scale of tensile strength, rated as “very hard steel.” There are no-nonsense, ABS plastic, textured handles for a positive grip, and each knife comes with a custom-fitted sheath for a perfect fit.
Vorobey specifically mentioned the Sniper military knife ($131), stating that, “We developed this knife together with Ukrainian snipers, drawing on their field experience to create a reliable, multi‑purpose tool for snipers’ needs. This knife is ideal for setting up positions, camps, and survival in extreme conditions.” According to the BBK website, “Survivalists, hikers, and anyone who chooses minimal gear for demanding treks will find in the Sniper a tool built for endurance, functionality, and trust.
“Blade Brothers Knives developed the Sniper knife in 2015 in close cooperation with Ukrainian snipers to meet their real-world tasks and needs. This military knife has been serving the defenders of Ukraine since 2015.” The blade is 7.4 inches long, and this is an extremely rugged knife.
One of their more unusual knives is the Flamberg tactical knife (from the German words “Flamme,” meaning “flame,” and “berg,” meaning “mountain,” $144), with a wavy, flame-like blade shape. The sharp blade is 5.2 inches long, of black stainless-steel, and is designed as a thrusting dagger, “primarily used for self-defense. The knife has strong, penetrating properties when stabbing.”
The EDC (Everyday Carry) Dagger Hector ($132), “is a double-edged dagger, perfectly designed for everyday concealed carry and self-defense…Striking a perfect balance between everyday practicality and self-defense readiness,” with a 4.21-inch blade.
The Tactical Knife Akinak ($144) “is a double-edged, powerful, combat dagger that is perfect for self-defense and tactical operations. The knife is excellent at cutting and stabbing. It is the ideal choice for tactical situations and self-defense…The Akinak is a double-edged weapon that was used by the Scythians, a group of nomadic warriors who inhabited the steppes of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.” Its blade length is 5.9 inches.
The city of Kharkiv, where their factory is located, was directly assaulted by Russian forces in 2022, but the Ukrainian troops valiantly pushed them back, and still have three mechanized brigades (the 72nd, 92nd, and 93rd) defending the local area. Two Russian armored regiments (the 237th Tank and 752nd Mech) and the 84th Reconnaissance Battalion are currently headquartered 70 miles to the northeast, and the war in Ukraine is still far from over.
These are just a few significant examples of the superb knives produced by BBK. Most of their current production runs are purchased primarily by Ukrainian soldiers, but also by the Ministry of the Interior troops, paramilitary groups, and ordinary civilians for self-defense. Oleksandr Vorobey states that, “No matter what knife you choose and what your hand-to-hand combat skills are, the knife won’t let you down in a conflict, whether it’s war or self-defense on the street.”
Blade Brothers Knives (BBK) aren’t fancy or engraved, not fussy or adorned with exotic, hardwood grips, but they definitely are very rugged, reliable, functional, affordable, and combat-proven in the most high-intensity war of the 21st century, and that speaks volumes for them. Eight different BBK knives, including the Akinak, are now available in the United States through White Mountain Knives of Barrington, New Hampshire.
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Warren Gray is a retired U.S. Air Force intelligence officer with experience in joint special operations and counterterrorism. He served in Europe (including Eastern Europe) and the Middle East, earned Air Force and Navy parachutist wings, four college degrees, and was a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Intelligence Operations Specialist Course and the USAF Combat Targeting School. He is currently a published author, historian, and knife collector.
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