Tactical Knives

by Pohl, Dietmar

• ISBN13: 9780873496360
• ISBN10: 0873496361
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-11-01
• Publisher: Krause Pubns Inc

Summary

Tactical knives are nothing like the combat knives of World War I and World War II. As all-purpose instruments, they are tools and weapons rolled into one. The tactical knife has become an essential piece of equipment for military and police forces around the world. For the first time, this comprehensive work presents the development, diverse models, materials and uses of this modern style of knife. As a recognized designer and journalist specializing in the area of tactical knives, the author offers a unique knowledge of the field of police and military knives. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

Foreword	7	(9)
Conrad ``Ben'' Baker
Introduction	9	(4)
What Characterizes a Tactical Knife?	13	(42)
Combat knives of WWI and WWII	15	(7)
Influences and developments during the Vietnam War	22	(18)
Conrad ``Ben'' Baker and the secret knives of the MACVISOG	28	(8)
Randall Made 8Knives in Vietnam	36	(4)
New trends in knives in the early 1980s	40	(5)
Developments by close-range combat specialist Rex Applegate	45	(10)
Knives in Tactical Deployment	55	(22)
Commando Special Forces (Kommando Spezialkrafte)	61	(3)
Border Protection Squadron 9 (Grenzschutgruppe 9)	64	(4)
Police special forces (Spezialeinsatzkommandos & Mobilen Einsatzkommandos)	68	(5)
Customs Central Support (Zentrale Unterstutzungsgruppe Zoll)	73	(4)
Folding Tactical Knives	77	(14)
One-handed knives	81	(4)
Switchblade knives	85	(6)
Fixed-blade Tactical Knives	91	(26)
General-purpose knives	93	(4)
Maritime knives	97	(6)
Survival knives	103	(5)
Hatchet knives and field knives	108	(4)
Concealed knives	112	(5)
Tactical Specialized or Auxiliary Functions	117	(10)
Handle: Design Aspects and Materials	127	(16)
Forms	128	(2)
Handle materials	130	(9)
Hilts, pommels and thumb supports	139	(4)
Blades and Their Importance in Tactical Deployment	143	(22)
Shapes, geometries and styles	144	(5)
Blade materials	149	(9)
Serrated edges and teeth	158	(2)
Types of surface treatments	160	(5)
Tactical Carrying Possibilities and Systems	165	(14)
Folding knives	171	(2)
Fixed-blade knives	173	(3)
Optional sheaths and carrying accessories	176	(3)
Multifunctional Tools in Tactical Deployment	179	(5)
Appendix
Special Report: Got Game? Go Tactical	184	(5)
Final thoughts	189	(1)
About the author	190	(1)
Essential Internet sites devoted to tactical knives and accessories	191