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{{Era|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Wikipedia}}
{{Disambig header|the UNSC weapon|other uses|Knife}}
{{Disambig header|the UNSC weapon|other uses|Knife}}
{{Wikipedia}}
{{Weapon
|image=[[File:Combat Knife.png|120px]]
|name=Combat knife
|manufacturer=Humans
|model=
|type= Melee weapon
|cost=
|length-title= Blade length
|length= Varies:
*UNSC standard issue: {{Convert|20|cm|ftin|sp=us}}
*M11: {{Convert|36.58|cm|ftin|sp=us}}
|ammotype=
|operation=
|rate=
|accuracy=
|range= Close-quarters
|service=[[Insurrection]] <br>
[[Human-Covenant War]] <br>
[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|role= Hand-to-hand combat
|affiliation= [[Human]]s
}}


A '''combat knife''' is a multi-purpose knife designed for military use. Several types of combat knives are used by the [[United Nations Space Command]], as well as other [[human]] organizations. All UNSC troops are issued a combat knife for field and utility uses, as well as a backup weapon for desperate close-combat situations.
[[File:HINF NowTheseAreKnives.png|right|thumb|250px|Various combat knife types. All manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]].]]
{{Quote|A sharp blade never runs out of ammo, doesn't need to recharge, and can't be disabled by EMP. It can be gripped even when mortally wounded and the Mjolnir's power has failed. It can never betray you or be turned by the Flood. And yet, some in the UNSC are surprised by the rapid adoption and popularity of knife-fighting skills among Spartans.|An observation regarding Spartan combat knife use.{{Ref/Game|Id=Garita|HINF|Armor customization (Halo Infinite)|Armor Hall|Detail=TAC/Garita Omega - Shoulder Armor Description}}}}
 
A '''combat knife''' is a knife designed for close-quarters combat. They are primarily used for [[Planetary warfare|trench warfare]] and [[Naval boarding|boarding actions]].{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22|Enc22|Page=185}}
 
The Covenant use knives as well; the Jiralhanae use their [[Jiralhanae combat knife|own combat knives]] as well as a multitude of bayonet-like blades. The Sangheili sometimes use [[curveblade]]s, which inspired the design of the [[Type-1 energy sword]]. The [[blamite]]-bladed [[energy cutlass]] is an analogous weapon used by the [[Kig-Yar]].{{Ref/Book|Enc09|Page=329}}{{Ref/Novel|CH|Page=125}}
 
==Overview==
[[File:Combat Knife.png||left|thumb|100px|The [[M1 combat knife]].]]
===Design details===
One version of the UNSC's multi-purpose combat knife has a 20-centimeter (7.9&nbsp;in) blade made of high carbon steel, an anti-flash, non-reflective [[titanium]] carbide coating, edge coated for corrosion resistance and is {{Convert|43.3|cm|ftin|sp=us}} long when sheathed. It is also balanced for throwing.{{Ref/Novel|TFoR|Page=80}} The [[Spartan-III]]s' standard-issue combat knife features a self-sharpening blade made of a hyperdense material.{{Ref/Book|HM|Page=77}} Modern UNSC combat knives are made of strong enough material to pierce a [[Spartan]]'s helmet,{{Ref/Game|HR|[[Multiplayer]]}} and the hull of a [[Lich]].{{Ref/Level|H4|[[Shutdown]]}}
 
The placement of the combat knife sheath varies depending on the combat uniform and individual loadout, and may be kept, for example, on the shoulder with the handle pointing downward,{{Ref/Reuse|Thornblade}} sideways on the lower back,{{Ref/Game|H2|[[ODST]] model}} or on the side of the boot.{{Ref/Novel|TCP|Page=128}} Some [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]] keep their knives sheathed in a wrist compartment.{{Ref/Comic|HEsc|Issue=3}}


==Design details==
There are a few different manufacturers of combat knives for the UNSC, including [[Watershed Division]]{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}{{Ref/Reuse|Thornblade}} and [[Misriah Armory]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}{{Ref/Game|Id=M1|HINF|Detail=[[Armor customization (Halo Infinite)#Mark V (B) core|M1 combat knife]]}}{{Ref/Game|Id=Mk88|HINF|Detail=[[Armor customization (Halo Infinite)#Mark VII core|MK 88 Ratio]]}}{{Ref/Game|Id=Model52|HINF|Detail=[[Armor customization (Halo Infinite)#Mark VII core|Model 52 Navy knife]]}} In some cases, the Misriah logo was printed on the knife blade.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
One version of the UNSC's multi-purpose combat knife has a 20-centimeter (7.9&nbsp;in) blade made of high carbon steel, an anti-flash, non-reflective [[titanium]] carbide coating, edge coated for corrosion resistance and is {{Convert|43.3|cm|ftin|sp=us}} long when sheathed. It is also balanced for throwing.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 80''</ref> The [[Spartan-III]]s' standard-issue combat knife features a self-sharpening blade made of a hyperdense material.<ref>'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 77''</ref> Modern UNSC combat knives are made of strong enough material to pierce a [[Spartan]]'s helmet,<ref>'''[[Halo Reach]]''' - [[Multiplayer]]</ref> and the hull of a [[Lich]].<ref>'''[[Halo 4]]''', campaign level, ''[[Shutdown]]''</ref>


Some soldiers in service with the UNSC carry a combat knife of their own design or choice. [[Faison|Major Faison]] had a very large knife that he kept sheathed at his ankle, with the words "Bug-Hunter" engraved on the blade.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 104''</ref> [[Emile-A239]] used a large [[Wikipedia:Kukri|kukri]] for his weapon of choice.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', campaign level ''[[Noble Actual]]''</ref> [[Roland-B210]], a member of the SPARTAN-III program's [[Headhunters]] division, also used a custom combat knife.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', "[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]", ''page 158''</ref>
===Usage===
Some soldiers in service with the UNSC carry a combat knife of their own design or choice. [[Faison|Major Faison]] had a very large knife that he kept sheathed at his ankle, with the words "Bug-Hunter" engraved on the blade.{{Ref/Novel|TCP|Page=104}} [[Emile-A239]] used a large [[Wikipedia:Kukri|kukri]] for his weapon of choice.{{Ref/Level|HR|[[Noble Actual]]}} [[Roland-B210]], a member of the SPARTAN-III program's [[Headhunters]] division, also used a custom combat knife.{{Ref/Anthology|Evo|[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]}} [[Frederic-104]] possesses particular skill with combat knives, and it can be interpreted that he has a liking for their use.{{Ref/Novel|FS|Page=2 (2003 edition); 11 (2010 edition)}}{{Ref/Film|HLeg|Episode=[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]}}  During the [[Battle of Trove]], Sergeant [[John Forge]]'s combat knife "Lucy" was used to seriously wound [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]], allowing Forge to kill 'Moramee with his own [[energy sword (fiction)|energy sword]].{{Ref/Level|HW|[[Escape]]}}


The placement of the combat knife sheath varies depending on the combat uniform and individual loadout, and may be kept, for example, on the shoulder with the handle pointing downward, sideways on the lower back, or on the side of the boot.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 128''</ref> Some [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]] keep their knives sheathed in a wrist compartment.<ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|Issue #3]]''</ref>
During the Human-Covenant war, the Thornblade would cease production for cost reasons. A small stockpile of them were kept by [[Team Omega]] following the [[Battle for Arcadia]].{{Ref/Reuse|Thornblade}}


==Models==
During the [[Battle of Kamchatka]], Spartan [[Jameson Locke]] uses his combat knife to fight and kill [[Jul 'Mdama]] the leader of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|the reformed Covenant]].{{Ref/Level|H5G|[[Osiris (level)|Osiris]]}}
'''M11 combat knife''': A combat knife designed and built for [[Spartan]]s,<ref>'''ThreeA''': ''[[:File:ThreeA Recruit 1.jpg|Promotional image]]''</ref> and the standard close combat weapon of [[Spartan Operations]]. Manufactured by [[Watershed Division]] since [[2551]], the M11 is constructed with hyper-dense metal alloys, making it nearly unbreakable. When wielded by a Spartan operator, the blade can be thrust with force sufficient to penetrate [[energy shielding]] or hardened armor. These blades are extraordinarily sharp and retain their edge even after repeated use. The M11 combat knife is 365.8 millimeters in length and weighs 2 kilograms.<ref>''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'', p. 182</ref>


==History==
==Variants==
Knives have been used in battle almost since the dawn of warfare, first as a sharp piece of rock, and then when metal proved effective during a period of time where projectile weapons were not readily available. Even after the invention of the firearm, knives were still used as bayonets for close-quarters-combat and in the event of an enemy's cavalry charge. As more modern times came about during the 21st century, combat knives became almost exclusively used for utility purposes in the field, and were only used as a weapon during desperate situations, simply due to the fact that they were impractical for use during combat in most situations due to firearms and other advanced weaponry.
Large-scale manufacturing and broad leeway with usage means there are hundreds of variations available to UNSC personnel including [[kukri]]s, ulus, billhooks, and push daggers.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
*'''Lucy''': The combat knife in possession of John Forge.<ref name="gd">[http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/halo-wars-character-profiles-forge-and-the-arbiter/?page=8 '''GameDaily''' - ''Halo Wars Character Profiles (defunct)'']</ref>
*'''[[M1 combat knife]]''': A combat knife used by UNSC personnel during the end of the Human-Covenant War.{{Ref/Reuse|M1}}
*'''M5 combat knife''': The most common knife in service across all UNSC branches. It has an operational history of decades.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
*'''[[M11 combat knife]]''': A combat knife designed and built for [[Spartan]]s.{{Ref/Generic|ThreeA|[[:File:ThreeA Recruit 1.jpg|Promotional image]]}}{{Ref/Book|Id=OSFM|OSFM|Page=182}}
*'''MK 88 Ratio''': A compact survival and utility knife commonly carried by UNSC and militia forces.{{Ref/Reuse|Mk88}}
*'''Model 52 Navy knife''': A large knife preferred by UNSC Navy special forces.{{Ref/Reuse|Model52}}
*'''Thornblade''': An advanced experimental blade manufactured by Watershed Division that requires a charge, but ceased production during the Human-Covenant War due to cost.{{Ref/Game|Id=ThornbladeBrace|HINF|Detail=[[Armor customization (Halo Infinite)#Mark VII core|TAC/Thornblade Brace]]}}{{Ref/Game|Id=Thornblade|HINF|Detail=[[Armor customization (Halo Infinite)#Mark IV core|TAC/Thornblade]]}}


By the 26th century, the UNSC still use knives in their operations, showing that such an easily accessible and created weapon and tool still runs strong even thousands of years later. Even the Covenant use knives; the Jiralhanae use their [[Jiralhanae combat knife|own combat knives]] as well as a multitude of bayonet-like blades. The Sangheili sometimes use [[curveblade]]s, which inspired the design of the [[Type-1 energy sword]]. The [[blamite]]-bladed [[energy cutlass]] is an analogous weapon used by the [[Kig-Yar]].<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 329''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 125''</ref>


==Trivia==
<gallery>
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
File:HR-SpartanKnife.png|An M1 combat knife and its scabbard.
*[[Frederic-104]] possesses particular skill with combat knives, and it can be interpreted that he has a liking for their use.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 2'' (2003 edition); ''page 11'' (2010 edition)</ref><ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''</ref>
File:Regicide13.jpg|An M11 combat knife.
*When performing an [[assassination]], a second knife spawns out of nowhere. This can be seen in Theater: despite using a knife to assassinate your opponent, it still appears sheathed on your chest.
File:HINF TAC MK 88 Ratio Chest Icon.png|An MK88 knife.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', the Security armor permutation for the right shoulder has a kukri on it. However, if a player equips it, there will still be a standard combat knife on your chest and the kukri will remain unused during assassinations.
File:HINF TAC Model 52 Navy Knife Utility Icon.png|A TAC/Model 52 Navy knife.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', should the sheathed knife be moved by any chest permutations, the player will still sheath the knife in the default position (this is most noticeable with chest pieces such as Tactical/Patrol).
File:HINF TAC Kukri Machete Chest Icon.png|A kukri.
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', Sergeant [[John Forge]]'s combat knife "Lucy" was used to seriously wound [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]], allowing Forge to kill 'Moramee with his own [[Type-1 energy sword|energy sword]]. In ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', Spartan [[Jameson Locke]] uses his combat knife to fight and kill [[Jul 'Mdama]] the leader of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|the reformed Covenant]].
File:HINF-TACThornblade.png|A Thornblade
{{Clear}}
</gallery>
 
==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
===Fracture: Entrenched===
{{Notice/Fracture|Entrenched|category=no}}
Knives are used throughout the Entrenched [[Fractures|Fracture]]. Different types can be seen on the EAGLESTRIKE armors.
<gallery>
File:HINF Trench Knife Chest Icon.png|A trench knife attached to an [[Eaglestrike]] chestpiece.
File:HINF GROGNARDS LShoulder Icon.png|A combat knife attached to a Grognards shoulder.
File:HINF TWIN TEETH Utility Icon.png|2 combat knives part of the Twin Teeth utility.
</gallery>
===Fracture: Firewall===
{{Notice/Fracture|Firewall|category=no}}
The [[Executor]]s of the Firewall Fracture are sometimes equipped with resonating crysknives, which come in various sizes.
<gallery>
File:HINF Flayer Crysknife LShoulder icon.png|A Flayer Cryknife attached to a [[Chimera (armor)|Chimera]] shoulder.
File:HINF - Crysknife Utility utility icon.png|A resonating crysknife utility.
</gallery>
===Fracture: Tenrai===
{{Notice/Fracture|Tenrai|category=no}}
Knives are used throughout the Tenrai Fracture. Different types can be seen on the Yoroi armors.
<gallery>
File:HINF Kunai of the Hidden Hand Chest Icon.png|Throwing knives on the [[Yoroi]] Kunai of the Hidden Hand chestpiece.
File:HINF - Chest icon - Twin Dragons.png|Sais on the Twin Dragons chestpiece.
</gallery>
==Gameplay==
When performing an [[assassination]], any knives placed on armor will not be used. This can be seen in Theater: despite using a knife to assassinate your opponent, it still appears sheathed on your chest.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:ODST Knife.jpg|A combat knife holstered on an ODST's shoulder from ''[[Halo: Landfall]]''.
File:ODST Knife.jpg|A combat knife holstered on an ODST's shoulder from ''[[Halo: Landfall]]''.
File:HR-CurvedCombatKnife-Replica.jpg|A replica of a curved combat knife created by [[Weta Workshop]].
File:HTMCC-H3 CQB Closeup.jpg|An unknown type of knife on the [[CQB-class Mjolnir]] chestpiece in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:Buck Knife.png|Edward Buck wielding a combat knife as he is about to stab a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] in the neck, in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:Buck Knife.png|Edward Buck wielding a combat knife as he is about to stab a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] in the neck, in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:ODST-BuckKnife.png|Detail of [[Edward Buck]]'s combat knife.
File:ODST-BuckKnife.png|Detail of [[Edward Buck]]'s combat knife.
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File:TML - McCraw n Knife.png|[[James MacCraw]] holding his combat knife in ''[[The Mona Lisa]]''.
File:TML - McCraw n Knife.png|[[James MacCraw]] holding his combat knife in ''[[The Mona Lisa]]''.
File:Headhunters - Knife.png|[[Jonah-B283]] wielding his combat knife in ''[[Headhunters (story)|Headhunters]]''.
File:Headhunters - Knife.png|[[Jonah-B283]] wielding his combat knife in ''[[Headhunters (story)|Headhunters]]''.
File:Halo Reach Assassination.png|A combat knife being used in an assassination in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:Grenadier (Noble Team).jpg|[[Emile-A239]] sharpening his [[kukri]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:Grenadier (Noble Team).jpg|[[Emile-A239]] sharpening his [[Wikipedia:Kukri|kukri]].
File:Reach 1504643 Full.jpg|An in-game screenshot of an [[M1 combat knife]].
File:Combat Knife.jpg|A Spartan-III player assassinating a Sangheili in the ''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]]''.
File:H4-Lich knife.png|John-117 using his combat knife to grapple onto the hull of a {{Pattern|Kmiro'sish|Lich}}.
File:Reach 1504643 Full.jpg|An in-game screenshot of a combat knife used by a Spartan-III.
File:H4-TJMurphy.jpg|[[TJ Murphy]] equipped with a knife.
File:HR-SpartanKnife.png|Detail of a combat knife and its scabbard in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR-Kukri_Sheath.png|Detail of Emile-A239's kukri knife and its sheath.
File:Halo4assassination.jpg|A [[Spartan-IV]] about to kill an enemy with his M11 combat knife in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:Regicide13.jpg|An M11 combat knife in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-Lich knife.png|John-117 using his combat knife to grapple onto the hull of a [[Type-56 Lich]].
File:HE Scruggs killed.jpg|[[Sarah Palmer]] killing [[Vladimir Scruggs]] with a combat knife in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:HE Scruggs killed.jpg|[[Sarah Palmer]] killing [[Vladimir Scruggs]] with a combat knife in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:H2A ODST-CombatKnife.png|A combat knife holstered on an ODST's back in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A ODST-CombatKnife.png|A combat knife holstered on an ODST's back in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
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File:HW2-Knivesstilldonothing.png|[[Douglas-042]]'s combat knife embedded in [[Atriox]]'s power armor in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2-Knivesstilldonothing.png|[[Douglas-042]]'s combat knife embedded in [[Atriox]]'s power armor in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HRoa 1 Showdown.png|Sergeant [[Kress]] using a combat knife in a final showdown with Atriox in ''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''.
File:HRoa 1 Showdown.png|Sergeant [[Kress]] using a combat knife in a final showdown with Atriox in ''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''.
File:HInf Marine Knife.png|A UNSC Marine wearing a combat knife in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF - Chest icon - TAC Letter Openers.png|Three combat knives on the MJOLNIR Mark VII TAC/Letter Openers chestpiece.
File:HINF - Left shoulder icon - TAC Thornblade Brace.png|2 Thornblades in a portable charger as part of the TAC/Thornblade Brace shoulder.
File:HINF Cut To The Quick Utility Icon.png|Three different knives as part of the Cut To The Quick utility.
File:HINF-LTACCrysFlatblade.png|A combat knife on the TAC/Crys flatblade shoulder.
File:HINF TAC CMA M-25 Chest Icon.png|A combat knife on the [[Rakshasa]] TAC/CMA M-25 chestpiece.
File:HINF UTIL Brace of Blades Utility Icon.png|Combat knives on the Brace of Blades utility.
File:HINF LifeguardDoc Chest Icon.png|A knife on the [[OSTEO combat engineering suit]] Lifeguard Doc chestpiece.
File:HINF - Chest icon - TAC-Dueling Gorget.png|A knife on the MJOLNIR Mark IV TAC/Dueling Gorget chestpiece.
File:HINF-IMAGaritaOmegaSykes.png|A knife on the IMA/Garita Omega Sykes shoulder.
File:HINF-TACGaritaOmega.png|A knife on the TAC/Garita Omega shoulder.
File:HINF - Left shoulder icon - TAC-Best Friend.png|A knife on the TAC/Best Friend shoulder.
File:HINF - Left shoulder icon - TAC-Sykes Delta.png|A knife on the TAC/Sykes Delta shoulder.
File:Enc22 Jai006.png|[[Jai-006]] equipped with a M1 knife.
File:Enc22 MarkG313.jpg|[[Mark-G313]] with an unknown type of knife.
File:HINF - Chest icon - UA Eloric.png|Knife on the [[UA attachments#Eloric|UA/Eloric]] chest.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
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*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
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*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Sanctuary (TV Series)|Sanctuary]]''
*''[[Halo: Flashpoint]]''
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{Melee Weapons}}
{{Melee Weapons}}
{{Human sidearms}}
{{Human sidearms}}


[[Category:UNSC infantry weapons]]
[[Category:UNSC infantry weapons]]

Latest revision as of 00:55, August 14, 2024

Wikipedia.png
 There is more information available on this subject at Combat knife on the English Wikipedia.
This article is about the UNSC weapon. For other uses, see Knife.
Various combat knives. Image partly reused in the Halo Encyclopedia (2022).
Various combat knife types. All manufactured by Misriah Armory.

"A sharp blade never runs out of ammo, doesn't need to recharge, and can't be disabled by EMP. It can be gripped even when mortally wounded and the Mjolnir's power has failed. It can never betray you or be turned by the Flood. And yet, some in the UNSC are surprised by the rapid adoption and popularity of knife-fighting skills among Spartans."
— An observation regarding Spartan combat knife use.[1]

A combat knife is a knife designed for close-quarters combat. They are primarily used for trench warfare and boarding actions.[2]

The Covenant use knives as well; the Jiralhanae use their own combat knives as well as a multitude of bayonet-like blades. The Sangheili sometimes use curveblades, which inspired the design of the Type-1 energy sword. The blamite-bladed energy cutlass is an analogous weapon used by the Kig-Yar.[3][4]

Overview[edit]

The M1 combat knife.

Design details[edit]

One version of the UNSC's multi-purpose combat knife has a 20-centimeter (7.9 in) blade made of high carbon steel, an anti-flash, non-reflective titanium carbide coating, edge coated for corrosion resistance and is 43.3 centimeters (1 ft 5.0 in) long when sheathed. It is also balanced for throwing.[5] The Spartan-IIIs' standard-issue combat knife features a self-sharpening blade made of a hyperdense material.[6] Modern UNSC combat knives are made of strong enough material to pierce a Spartan's helmet,[7] and the hull of a Lich.[8]

The placement of the combat knife sheath varies depending on the combat uniform and individual loadout, and may be kept, for example, on the shoulder with the handle pointing downward,[9] sideways on the lower back,[10] or on the side of the boot.[11] Some Spartan-IVs keep their knives sheathed in a wrist compartment.[12]

There are a few different manufacturers of combat knives for the UNSC, including Watershed Division[13][9] and Misriah Armory.[2][14][15][16] In some cases, the Misriah logo was printed on the knife blade.[2]

Usage[edit]

Some soldiers in service with the UNSC carry a combat knife of their own design or choice. Major Faison had a very large knife that he kept sheathed at his ankle, with the words "Bug-Hunter" engraved on the blade.[17] Emile-A239 used a large kukri for his weapon of choice.[18] Roland-B210, a member of the SPARTAN-III program's Headhunters division, also used a custom combat knife.[19] Frederic-104 possesses particular skill with combat knives, and it can be interpreted that he has a liking for their use.[20][21] During the Battle of Trove, Sergeant John Forge's combat knife "Lucy" was used to seriously wound Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee, allowing Forge to kill 'Moramee with his own energy sword.[22]

During the Human-Covenant war, the Thornblade would cease production for cost reasons. A small stockpile of them were kept by Team Omega following the Battle for Arcadia.[9]

During the Battle of Kamchatka, Spartan Jameson Locke uses his combat knife to fight and kill Jul 'Mdama the leader of the reformed Covenant.[23]

Variants[edit]

Large-scale manufacturing and broad leeway with usage means there are hundreds of variations available to UNSC personnel including kukris, ulus, billhooks, and push daggers.[2]

  • Lucy: The combat knife in possession of John Forge.[24]
  • M1 combat knife: A combat knife used by UNSC personnel during the end of the Human-Covenant War.[14]
  • M5 combat knife: The most common knife in service across all UNSC branches. It has an operational history of decades.[2]
  • M11 combat knife: A combat knife designed and built for Spartans.[25][13]
  • MK 88 Ratio: A compact survival and utility knife commonly carried by UNSC and militia forces.[15]
  • Model 52 Navy knife: A large knife preferred by UNSC Navy special forces.[16]
  • Thornblade: An advanced experimental blade manufactured by Watershed Division that requires a charge, but ceased production during the Human-Covenant War due to cost.[26][9]


  • An M1 combat knife and its scabbard.

    An M1 combat knife and its scabbard.

  • An M11 combat knife.

    An M11 combat knife.

  • An MK88 knife.

    An MK88 knife.

  • A TAC/Model 52 Navy knife.

    A TAC/Model 52 Navy knife.

  • A kukri.

    A kukri.

  • A Thornblade

    A Thornblade

Non-canon and dubious canon appearances[edit]

Fracture: Entrenched[edit]

An image used for the Fracture notice.
 This article contains information from the Entrenched Fractures universe, and is not a part of the established Halo canon. To learn more information about the Entrenched universe, see its article.

Knives are used throughout the Entrenched Fracture. Different types can be seen on the EAGLESTRIKE armors.

  • A trench knife attached to an Eaglestrike chestpiece.

    A trench knife attached to an Eaglestrike chestpiece.

  • A combat knife attached to a Grognards shoulder.

    A combat knife attached to a Grognards shoulder.

  • 2 combat knives part of the Twin Teeth utility.

    2 combat knives part of the Twin Teeth utility.

Fracture: Firewall[edit]

An image used for the Fracture notice.
 This article contains information from the Firewall Fractures universe, and is not a part of the established Halo canon. To learn more information about the Firewall universe, see its article.

The Executors of the Firewall Fracture are sometimes equipped with resonating crysknives, which come in various sizes.

  • A Flayer Cryknife attached to a Chimera shoulder.

    A Flayer Cryknife attached to a Chimera shoulder.

  • A resonating crysknife utility.

    A resonating crysknife utility.

Fracture: Tenrai[edit]

An image used for the Fracture notice.
 This article contains information from the Tenrai Fractures universe, and is not a part of the established Halo canon. To learn more information about the Tenrai universe, see its article.

Knives are used throughout the Tenrai Fracture. Different types can be seen on the Yoroi armors.

  • Throwing knives on the Yoroi Kunai of the Hidden Hand chestpiece.

    Throwing knives on the Yoroi Kunai of the Hidden Hand chestpiece.

  • Sais on the Twin Dragons chestpiece.

    Sais on the Twin Dragons chestpiece.

Gameplay[edit]

When performing an assassination, any knives placed on armor will not be used. This can be seen in Theater: despite using a knife to assassinate your opponent, it still appears sheathed on your chest.

Gallery[edit]

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List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: TAC/Garita Omega - Shoulder Armor Description
  2. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 185
  3. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 329
  4. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 125
  5. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 80
  6. ^ Halo Mythos, page 77
  7. ^ Halo: Reach, Multiplayer
  8. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Shutdown
  9. ^ a b c d Halo Infinite: TAC/Thornblade
  10. ^ Halo 2, ODST model
  11. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 128
  12. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue 3
  13. ^ a b Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, page 182
  14. ^ a b Halo Infinite: M1 combat knife
  15. ^ a b Halo Infinite: MK 88 Ratio
  16. ^ a b Halo Infinite: Model 52 Navy knife
  17. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 104
  18. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Noble Actual
  19. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Headhunters
  20. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 2 (2003 edition); 11 (2010 edition)
  21. ^ Halo Legends, episode The Package
  22. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Escape
  23. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Osiris
  24. ^ GameDaily - Halo Wars Character Profiles (defunct)
  25. ^ ThreeA, Promotional image
  26. ^ Halo Infinite: TAC/Thornblade Brace

v • d • e
 
List of UNSC, Covenant and Forerunner melee weapons

v • d • e
 
List of sidearms and melee weapons produced and used by humans
SMGs and PDWs
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