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Knives

The knife is a classic military tool and weapon. Knives have been standard issue for troops for centuries. Militaries around the world have also issued ceremonial and dress knives, sometimes known as daggers or dirks. Knives remained useful as technology evolved from swords to rifles. The knife was used by pike and spearmen to finish off calvary soldiers they had dismounted and was used extensively in the trench combat of World War I.

In the American Civil War, the knife was used for close quarters combat after the slow to reload rifle had been discharged. The modern combat knife often doubles as a bayonet and is used mostly as a tool. Knives are used by soldiers to dig holes, hammer in tent stakes, and cut everything from rope to MRE bags.


Quick Facts

  • The famed KA-BAR knife is reportedly named from a letter written by a barely literate trapper, who wrote he had “killed a bear,” with the knife
  • The Trench knife was named due to its use in World War I trench warfare. This intimidating weapon paired a knife with a metal knuckle duster for double duty in close range combat
  • The fierce Gurkha regiment of the British military is famous for their oddly curved Kukri, a knife used to great effect in many wars

Recommended Items at Auction

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Filipino Kris Dagger with Scabbard
Jun 21, 9:00 AM CDT
Filipino Kris Dagger with Scabbard
by Matthew Bullock Auctioneers
Est: $30- $300
$60015 Bids
South East Asian Kris or "Keris"
Jun 19, 9:30 AM BST
South East Asian Kris or "Keris"
by Martel Maides
Est: £100- £150
£50013 Bids
D-Guard Bowie Knife, Augusta Arsenal 1861
Jun 21, 9:30 AM EDT
D-Guard Bowie Knife, Augusta Arsenal 1861
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$32511 Bids
Ivory Handle G. Wostenholm XL Bowie
Jun 21, 9:30 AM EDT
Ivory Handle G. Wostenholm XL Bowie
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$1259 Bids
Hand Forged Confederate D-Guard
Jun 21, 9:30 AM EDT
Hand Forged Confederate D-Guard
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$3007 Bids
An Indonesian kris dagger in timber sheath (L:58cm)
Jun 19, 1:00 PM AEST
An Indonesian kris dagger in timber sheath (L:58cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD80- AUD120
AUD1106 Bids
A BONE HILTED GOLD DAMASCENED STEEL DAGGER (KINDJAL) CAUCASUS, 19TH CENTURY
Jun 18, 1:00 PM BST
A BONE HILTED GOLD DAMASCENED STEEL DAGGER (KINDJAL) CAUCASUS, 19TH CENTURY
by PLAKAS
Est: £600- £800
£6003 Bids
BRITISH FAIRBAIRN-SYKES FIGHTING KNIFE
Jun 26, 10:00 AM EDT
BRITISH FAIRBAIRN-SYKES FIGHTING KNIFE
by Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Est: $500- $600
$3003 Bids
'LITTLE BIG HORN' IRON ARROWHEAD
Jun 27, 10:00 AM EDT
'LITTLE BIG HORN' IRON ARROWHEAD
by Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Est: $400- $600
$2403 Bids
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Group of Arabian Curved Blade Knives with Scabbards
Jun 21, 9:00 AM CDT
Group of Arabian Curved Blade Knives with Scabbards
by Matthew Bullock Auctioneers
Est: $30- $300
$202 Bids
ITALIAN FASCIST MVSM PARADE DAGGER
Jun 26, 10:00 AM EDT
ITALIAN FASCIST MVSM PARADE DAGGER
by Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Est: $500- $700
$2602 Bids
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Group of African and Foreign Knives
Jun 21, 9:00 AM CDT
Group of African and Foreign Knives
by Matthew Bullock Auctioneers
Est: $30- $300
$202 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Knives


Albion Antique Auction Centre

Albion Antique Auction Centre

Einszwei Gallery

Einszwei Gallery

Czerny's International Auction House

Czerny's International Auction House

Veilinghuis Onder de Boompjes

Veilinghuis Onder de Boompjes