In the September issue of "Leatherneck Magazine" starting on page 54 the USMC puts "combat" folders to the test.
A gentleman by the name of Homer Brett* Was the lead on this testing program. The testing preformed by 6 US Marines.
The knives that were tested were:
1. Spartan--------------Cold Steel
2. XM-2TS--------------Ontario Knife Co
3. Dozier Bobcat--------K-Bar
4. M16-14ZSF-----------Columbia River (CRNT)
5. 200ST-----------------Zero Tolerance
6. Griptillian------------Benchmade Knives
7. Kalashnikov 101------Boker USA
8. 18 Delta---------------Timberline Tactical
9. TF-7 Trident-----------SOF
10. Applegate-Fairbairn--Gerber Knives
11. Endura----------------Spyderco
12. Buck/Tops CSAR-T---Buck Knives
The Tests
1. Cut a commercial grade cardboard sheet into a dozen pieces
2. Cut through a 1-meter length of 1.5 mm military web straps
3. Cut through a .5 meter length of heavy nylon-poly rope
4. Cut through two 7/8 in hardwood dowel rods
5. Cut through two 2x4 pine boards
6. Stab through a Kevlar Flak jacket (without plates) 3 times
7. Split a piece of firewood using a 2x4 as a field-expedient hammer
8. Bury and uncover a simulated mine
9. Open a steel can.
The article noted that the blades were sharpened with a Benchmade sharpening tool as needed.
Apparently In this testing they determined that the Kalashnikov 101--Boker USA was the overall "stellar preformer' with some minor quirks.
For further indepth information read the article.
I don't recall the article acknowledging how these knives were chosen to be tested.
* Homer Brett is a Marine veteran and the Subject Matter Expert on edged weapons for the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. He authored the book “The Military Knife & Bayonet.”
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