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 Trench Raider is their rendition of the classic trench knife.  RMJ decided to make something that was more true to size vs the behemoth that is Lady Death.  The Trench Raiders overall length is 11 3/8" overall length, and has a 7 3/16"" CPM-3V double-edge dagger blade featuring a long fuller down the center.  The knuckle duster style handle acts as a guard to protect your hands, and the aggressive outward shape works well for raking.  A small detail regarding the knuckles, the style is patterned after the knuckles that President Lincoln's bodyguard carried. The handle is finished with G10 scales with a checkered texture that is suitable in dry or wet conditions.  The handles are attached with Grade 5 Titanium fasteners that are electro-anodized in bronze to round out the look.  Trench Raider includes a leather and canvas sheath that has a pouch for a lighter mounted on the front.  The sheath is ambidextrous, and can be worn on a belt or attached to PALS webbing.  

• Blade Length: Approximately 7.1875" ~ 183 mm
• Blade Material: Black Cerakote CPM-3V
• Blade Thickness: Approximately 0.1875" ~ 4.8 mm
• Hardness: 60 - 61 HRc
• Blade Style: Double Plain Edge
• Lock Style: Fixed Blade
• Open Overall Length: Approximately 11.375" ~ 289 mm
• Handle Material: Black G-10
• Sheath: Brown Leather and Poppies of War Canvas
• Weight: Approximately 11.50 Ounces ~ 326 Grams (Knife Only)
• Special Features:
  Made in USA