Most of the early WWI trench knives were made by hand by individual soldiers or blacksmiths.  Oftentimes they were Army Issued bayonets that were sharpened and shortened.  

The first official U.S. trench knife that was adopted for service was the US M1917 trench knife. Designed by Henry Disston & Sons and based on examples of trench knives then in service with the French Army. The M1917 featured a triangular stiletto blade, wooden grip, metal knuckle guard, and a rounded pommel. Within months of the M1917 issue, the M1918, was adopted.  The M1918 is almost identical to the M1917, differing primarily in the construction and appearance of the knuckle guard. 

During World War II, the US Mark I was issued in 1942 and 1943 to airborne troops, Army Rangers, and Marine Raiders.  The Mark I featured a full-tang design with a double-edged blade and a heavy bronze hilt incorporating a guard ostensibly shaped as a knuckle duster.    

Embodying history and RMJ Tactical's own design philosophies, the Marauder is RMJ's twist on a larger than life, Trench Bowie.  RMJ decided to go big with a 15" overall length, and 9 5/8" CPM-3V bowie style blade with an aggressive fuller.  The knuckle duster style handle acts as a guard to protect your hands, and the aggressive outward shape works well for raking.  To round out the overall shape, the end of the handle features a pronounced pommel for hammer-striking.  The handle is finished with G10 handle slabs that are attached with Grade 5 Titanium fasteners.  Marauders include a leather sheath with camo inlays on both sides.  The sheath is ambidextrous, and can be worn on a belt or attached to PALS webbing.   

• Blade Length: Approximately 9.63" ~ 245 mm
• Blade Material: Graphite Black Cerakote CPM-3V
• Blade Thickness: Approximately 0.1875" ~ 4.8 mm
• Hardness: 60 - 61 HRc
• Blade Style: Plain Edge
• Lock Style: Fixed Blade
• Open Overall Length: Approximately 15.0" ~ 381 mm
• Handle Material: Dirty Olive G-10
• Sheath: Black Leather and Vietnam Tiger Stripe Camo Canvas
• Weight: Approximately 17.20 Ounces ~ 488 Grams (Knife Only)
• Special Features:
  Made in USA