Navy SEAL "Coch" Talks About His Knife Collection

Summary

In this video, the speaker reviews a variety of knives used throughout their military career, from SEAL training to operational deployments. They discuss the knives issued during different phases, including the K-Bar, USN Mark III, and Seal Pup, detailing their performance, advantages, and shortcomings. The speaker also highlights custom knives they’ve used and developed, like a collaboration with a skilled knife maker to create a tactical blade with features like wire cutters and glass breakers. Offering a blend of personal experiences and insights into military gear, the video provides an in-depth look at the practical use of knives in special forces operations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on various knives they used throughout their SEAL career, highlighting both practical and subpar models.
• 😀 The USN Mark II K-Bar was a key knife issued during their early days, providing good reliability despite being bulky.
• 😀 The speaker criticizes the USN Mark III, describing it as 'hot garbage' with poor metal quality and a weak point that could break easily.
• 😀 The Drager dive knife was another key tool, used effectively by the speaker during diving operations and securely attached to their gear.
• 😀 The Glock knife, issued later, was decent but prone to rust and generally not seen as a top performer in the field.
• 😀 The M9 bayonet, although versatile, was too large and heavy for practical use, often sitting unused in gear.
• 😀 The SOG Seal Pup was one of the more practical knives, offering good balance between weight, size, and edge retention.
• 😀 The Cold Steel SRK knife was still being issued at BUD/S and was valued for its durability and decent edge retention, though it was susceptible to rust.
• 😀 A custom Cold Steel Trail Master buoy was preferred for cold weather and camping tasks, praised for its cutting performance despite its heavier weight.
• 😀 The speaker also discussed smaller knives, such as the Gerber Mark II and Fairburn Sykes Commando dagger, which were more lightweight and tactical in design, but generally not carried every day.
• 😀 When working with Surefire, the speaker helped design a more compact, functional Seal knife, which combined utility with lighter weight, serving as a more practical option for SEAL team members.
• 😀 Off-duty knives like Spyderco models became common among team members, offering utility and ease of carry with a clip-on design that removed the need for a sheath.

Q & A

What knife did the speaker carry during his first platoon, and how did it perform?

The speaker carried the USN Kabar Mark II during his first platoon. It was a solid knife at the time, though it was a bit chunky and large. It served its purpose well, especially since body armor wasn't worn, and it was durable enough for everyday use despite some wear over time.

How did the US divers dive knife compare to the Kabar in terms of functionality?

The US divers dive knife, while adequate, was bulky and came with straps for the leg or dive belt. However, the speaker never had to use it significantly. Its main role was during swimmer inspections to ensure the knife was sharp, but the knife itself was not used in a critical scenario.

What were the issues with the USN Mark III knife?

The USN Mark III knife was criticized for poor metal quality that wouldn't hold an edge. Additionally, the thin point of the blade was prone to breaking, making it unreliable. The speaker referred to it as 'hot garbage' and considered it a downgrade from previous knives.

What does the speaker think about the Buckmaster knife?

The Buckmaster knife was regarded by the speaker as overly large and impractical, with a thick metal build and unnecessary spikes for grappling. It was considered an odd choice and ultimately not very useful, leading the speaker to request its return when leaving Seal Team 5.

Why did the speaker prefer carrying a smaller knife over bigger, heavier ones?

The speaker preferred carrying a smaller knife for practical reasons, such as the need for lightweight gear and the versatility of a compact knife. Larger knives like the M9 bayonet or Buckmaster were too heavy and cumbersome for regular use, especially in combat situations.

How did the Glock knife perform during service?

The Glock knife was functional but prone to rusting quickly. It had a decent edge but wasn't particularly remarkable. It was typically carried on a drop leg holster for easy access, and while it served its purpose, it was not a favorite among the team.

What was the purpose of the Seal Pup knife, and how did it perform?

The Seal Pup knife was a budget-friendly and efficient tool issued during training at BUD/S. It was lightweight and durable, with a reasonable cost (around $50), making it easily replaceable. It was well-suited for a variety of tasks, though the speaker noted knives like these are often used for mundane tasks rather than combat.

Why was the Winkler knife considered superior, and how was it carried?

The Winkler knife, a more recent issue, was considered 'badass' by the speaker. It was durable and functional, mounted across the back of the kit for quick access. Though more ceremonial for the speaker, it was highly regarded by team members for its design and utility.

What was the significance of the Cold Steel Trail Master knife for cold weather operations?

The Cold Steel Trail Master was favored by the speaker for cold weather operations due to its sharpness and utility in tasks like chopping wood or performing camp chores. It was heavier but manageable, as body armor wasn't worn during that time, making the weight less of an issue.

How did the speaker use his knives off duty, particularly with the Spyderco models?

Off-duty, the speaker carried Spyderco knives, particularly the Police Model or Endura. These knives were practical for everyday carry (EDC) tasks, such as food preparation. The speaker would carry two—one for personal use and another as a backup to hand to others when needed.