Mk 3 MOD 0 Diving/Survival Knife: Issued knife of the U.S. Navy SEALs

Often people ask "what is the knife Navy SEALs use?". The short answer is- whatever knife they want/purchase to carry. Most of the time in the military this is a decision based on personal preference or choice.  However most military personal get issued a knife/bayonet/multi-tool based on their MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) or basically "job". The Mk 3 MOD 0 Diving/Survival knife manufactured by Ontario Knife company happens to be the SEALs issue knife during BUD/S. This knife is also used by Reconnaissance Marines at the Combatant Divers Course in Panama City, Florida.

This particular knife comes from Uncle Sam's Retail Outlet. We recently covered the USMC Survival Kit, also from Uncle Sam's Retail Outlet. They offer some of the fairest prices on military issued gear that I've seen locally or on the web. They are a surplus retailer, so inventories often fluctuate. If your interested in an item, I suggest going ahead and ordering it before they run out.

The Specs:

Manufacturer: Ontario knife company
NSN: 1095-00-391-1056
Blade Length: 6 inches
Total Length: 10.75 inches
Weight: 10 ounces
Blade Material: 440 Stainless Steel
Blade Thickness: 0.17 inches
Hardness: 49-54 HRC
Finish: Black Oxide

The Mk 3 MOD 0 was designed primarily to be used as a tool and this is evident by the features of the knife. Their is a striking butt that can be used for hammering, a serrated saw edge on the the spine, as well the ability to pry with the thickness of the blade. The knife also features a clip point with a very up-swept tip. Since this is an issued knife used for diving; I believe they chose 440 Stainless Steel for two reasons. One being somewhat corrosive resistant and the other being its a cost effective metal to mass produce. Another benefit would be the simplicity of sharpening in the field.  The Black Oxide finish would also facilitate in protecting the blade from rusting.

The handle is made of a black high-impact molded plastic. Featuring a checkered grip with "USN" markings in the center. The handle feels very solid and provides a good grip when wet or with gloves on. The handle also offers a lanyard and lanyard hole at the butt of the knife for even more security.

The sheath is also constructed of the black high-impact molded plastic. The knife can be affixed to web gear with a brass hanger or used on a belt loop. The sheath also comes with a leg tie down strap, which is common with dive purpose knives. Another feature that I really like is that the sheath actually locks the knife in with a pressure spring. So the knife stays secure in the sheath without the handle strap being snapped closed. This is a addition in safe guarding a dive knife, as well as saving the Navy's money from knives being lost in the ocean. Often Operators will attach a Mk 13 MOD 0, Signal, Smoke, and Illumination (basically a smoke and signal flare combination) as well as chem-lites.

So if your looking for a dive knife that has been proven by Operators, this would be a good place to start. Its a very solid knife for a great price and offers a bit of nostalgia.

For this knife and other military gear check out www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com





23 comments:

  1. My grand father died resently. He was in the Navy all his life, and when my came home from the funeral with a box of his old stuff, we came across his favorite military dagger: the MK 3 MOD 0. My dad keeps it upstairs, "hidden" away, but when he's not looking, I pull it out to take a look. I love that knife. When ever I hold it in my hands, I can almost feel my grand father next to me, telling me the proper stance and how to fight with it. Rest in Peace George Gipson.

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    1. Its a great service knife and your sentimental makes it priceless. Sorry to hear about your loss. Thanks for sharing.

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    2. Hey! You're a really good man! I'm glad someone else outside of my family cares! You know, I've always been interested in the military (since my family has GENERATIONS of fighters), I was wondering: could you tell me as much as you know, please?

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    3. I could tell you something you want if I need to.

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    4. Thats a pretty broad question. What specifically are you wanting to know?

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  2. Hmmm.......What about how the Navy defended themselves with this specific knife?

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    1. I didn't serve in the Navy. So I couldn't give you a good answer on that. This knife is more or so designed to be a utility blade more than an actual fighting knife.

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    2. Damn! Thanks any ways, dude!

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  4. Thanks for sharing your experience with your readers!! I love the pictures very much!

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  5. Very solid knife; not too keen on using it as a hammer but it beats the alternative like your hand or a stick. Used it for a couple maneuvers and found myself surprised by the balance it had and the natural feel it took in my hand. I was only able to really examine the knife and try some thrusts and slashes with it but I plan to pick on up ASAP. It works very well in the triangle position of knife fighting and allows you to slice, punch, or hammer a person with the knife in hand.
    Also to the gentleman who lost his grandfather, I have multiple knives of his (he collected them like I do) and there is a connection between the generations. He served proudly in the Navy hence why I want to pick up this knife; I know he wouldn't of used it but I like the idea of generational development. Sorry for your loss bro, I miss my grandfather everyday and try to make him proud of the tasks I've completed in my life.

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  8. I bought one of these knives when I was in Okinawa in 1985. The knife has been with me for every deployment to Japan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Most durable knife and I still use it now that I am retired. Semper Fi

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  9. Just found one of these washed up on a beach in New Zealand. Its been in the sea long enough to become pitted, but it still has an edge sharp enough to cut. Nice knife.

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  10. Great knife! I have had one for 20 years and it goes to the field when I go. It can do it all, light hammering, cutting food, saplings, you name it. I highly recommend one.

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  11. Thanks for sharing this useful post. What were the tips and guidelines. Mk 3 MOD 0 Diving/Survival Knife is really looking awesome. :)

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  13. Bought one back in 1989 for under $30 bucks. Still have it along with several K Bars. I use it as my dive knife.

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