Most of the early WWI trench knives were made by hand by individual soldiers or blacksmiths. Oftentimes they were Army Issued bayonets that were sharpened and shortened.

The first official U.S. trench knife that was adopted for service was the US M1917 trench knife. Designed by Henry Disston & Sons and based on examples of trench knives then in service with the French Army. The M1917 featured a triangular stiletto blade, wooden grip, metal knuckle guard, and a rounded pommel. Within months of the M1917 issue, the M1918, was adopted. The M1918 is almost identical to the M1917, differing primarily in the construction and appearance of the knuckle guard.

During World War II, the US Mark I was issued in 1942 and 1943 to airborne troops, Army Rangers, and Marine Raiders. The Mark I featured a full-tang design with a double-edged blade and a heavy bronze hilt incorporating a guard ostensibly shaped as a knuckle duster.

Embodying history and our own design philosophies, Lady Death is our rendition of the classic trench knife. We decided to go big, like no other, with a 15" overall length, and 9 5/8" CPM-Magnacut double-edge dagger blade with a long fuller down the middle. The knuckle duster style handle acts as a guard to protect your hands, and the aggressive outward shape works well for raking. To round out the overall shape, the end of the handle features a pronounced pomel for hammer-striking. The handle is finished with Dirty Olive G10 handle slabs with a checkered texture that is suitable in dry or wet conditions. The handle slabs are attached with Grade 5 Titanium fasteners that are electro-anodized in bronze to round out the look. Lady Death includes a brown leather sheath with a contrasting green canvas inlay. The sheath is ambidextrous, and can be worn on a belt or attached to PALS webbing.

Specifications

Overall Length: 15”
Blade Length: 9 5/8” Measured from the Handle
Edge Length: 8 5/8”
Blade Thickness: 3/16”
Weight: 18.3 Ounces without sheath
Blade: CPM-Magnacut (HRC 61-62)
Blade Coating: Cobalt Cerakote
Handles: Dirty Olive G10
Handle Hardware: Grade 5 Titanium - Bronze Anodized
Sheath: Leather & Canvas

In The Box: Lady Death Trench Knife, Sheath, lanyard with bead, Lady Death Playing Card, user documentation.