REVIEW: Bundeswehr combat knife KM 2000

When the Luftbewegliche Kräfte Command in Regensburg was reorganized into the Special Operations Division on April 1, 2001, soldiers were once again officially equipped with a combat knife, issued as part of the newly designed equipment for global missions. The Combat Knife 2000, developed by the renowned knife manufacturer Original Eickhorn-Solingen Co. Ltd., was designed to meet the new operational requirements of the modern Bundeswehr. Approximately 20,000 pieces have already been delivered. This knife can be found in dusty deployment areas in Afghanistan, the high plains of Kosovo, and even in the desert sands of Mali. Udo Lücken has tested it for SPARTANAT.

At first glance, this tactical field knife stands out for its completely black appearance and unusual Tanto blade. The Tanto-style tip, reminiscent of the ancient Samurai's Japanese daggers (Tantos) and swords (Katanas), can penetrate highly stable materials with relatively little effort.The 170mm long and 5mm thick blade, continuing all the way to the tip, is made of rustproof Böhler N695 steel (57 HRC hardness). It is sharpened on both sides for increased edge retention, and has a partial serration on the rear part of the edge measuring 70mm in length. This feature is designed for quickly cutting ropes, tendons, or bones. To prevent light reflections, the entire blade is coated with a matte black Kalgard finish. The blade extends 70% of its width into the ergonomically shaped handle and protrudes about 2mm at the pommel. This extension serves as a glass breaker (e.g., for vehicle windows). An eyelet for the (very useful) lanyard/Paracord is also located in the pommel. The handle, measuring 130mm in length and made of glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material (30-35% GFK), fits comfortably in the hand and offers a non-slip grip even in rain or with damp fingers, thanks to the four transverse grooves. It almost automatically slides into the correct grip position, even in darkness, and is suitable for both hands without needing to readjust. The handle and guard are a single unit, eliminating gaps where moldy deposits (or worse) can quickly accumulate. The thumb rest on the guard is equipped with raised transverse grooves for added grip.

The highly durable sheath serves as a carrying and protective case for the valuable knife. It features a protected diamond-coated Dianova sharpening plate for long-term sharpening of the smooth part of the blade in the field. Two small openings are located at the tip of the sheath to allow moisture and water to drain off, and also to provide passage for the leg straps. Inside, a rustproof metal spring secures the blade (even overhead) and prevents the knife from rattling in the sheath. One-handed withdrawal of the knife remains possible.

The sheath is securely attached to the carrying system via a snap button, two snap buckles, and a wide Velcro strap. This carrying element is made of abrasion- and tear-resistant DuPont Cordura fabric, commonly used for motorcycle protective clothing and mountaineering gear. It is used to attach the knife to the belt system or combat vest. The sheath can be rotated 180° within the carrying system, allowing the knife to be carried with the handle facing down. With five loops on the back of the carrying system, the knife can be quickly attached to any belt, harness, or vest system (Molle/IDZ).The KM 2000 is designed as a combat knife for cutting, stabbing, and slashing movements, as well as for levering, prying, splitting, chopping, and chiseling tasks, and even as a light hammer. The materials used remain operational at temperatures ranging from -30°C to +50°C (plastic can withstand temperatures from -40°C to +80°C). The entire knife is resistant to aggressive substances such as oil, gasoline, insect repellent, fats, types of fungi, and mold (common substances encountered in the field or daily work). With a total length of 305mm and a weight of 550g, the flat and compact KM 2000 is lightweight and comfortable to carry on the equipment.

A knife significantly eases life and work in the "field". It represents the most essential multipurpose tool outdoors.

CONCLUSION: It would be desirable for the Bundeswehr not only to issue the KM 2000 to soldiers without explanation, but also to provide realistic (i.e., close-to-mission) training on how to use the knife. The Afghanistan mission has shown that close combat encounters did occur. Apart from the KM 2000, the company Original Eickhorn-Solingen Co. Ltd. also offers various blade and equipment variations developed by knife designer Dietmar Pohl in collaboration with members of the military. These include the KM 3000 with a Spear Point blade, KM 4000 with an additional wire cutter and back saw, and the KM 5000 with a dagger blade. Criticisms from the military have focused on the fact that the KM 2000 was only available in black, which did not match standard camouflage or desert camouflage patterns. For this reason, the Solingen knife manufacturer now offers the KM series in sand or olive coloring as well.

The KM2000 can be found at knife dealers starting from 119 euros and up.