When certain socket bayonet blades became obsolete, the Manufacture d'armes de Châtellerault converted them into the Modéle 1833 Naval Boarding Dirk, and France issued them to its seafaring force. Thanks to improving Naval Gunnery, edged weapons became obsolete and the knives were finally relegated to the closet. When WWII engulfed Europe years later, the French Army realized it needed a silent, deadly weapon for surprise night-time enemy encounters in the trenches, and the government re-commissioned 10,500 of the old knives from storage. Issued to the four most resolute men in each squad, this knife was about as single purpose as a knife can be. Like the stiletto from the Italian Renaissance, the strong triangular blade didn't have an edge, and was designed purely for stabbing and making short, quick work of the enemy.
This faithful reproduction has all the attributes of the original: a triangular, carbon steel blade that's hollow-ground on all three sides, a double branch brass guard, and a tapered wooden grip with a lanyard ring on the butt. Includes replica steel sheath with heavy canvas belt hanger.
Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®.
Cannot be shipped to CA, MA or NJ.
