In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the relatively rare or new knives, bayonets and multi-tools of Russian armed forces and special police units. Some of these edged weapons are adopted in small quantities by special forces, others are newly adopted and are being widely supplied to Russian armed forces. I’ll skip the well known and old ones like AK-47 and AK-74 bayonets, about which there is a plenty of information available. Also, this post doesn’t include machetes and axes. So, without further ado, let՛s get started (in no particular order):

1) OBS-3 (ОБС-3)

This is a recently designed survival knife, which will be adopted by an unknown Russian special forces unit. It is based on Oboroten (Оборотень – Shapeshifter) hunting/survival knife. OBS-3 has a pretty unique butterfly design. It has a normal knife blade on one side and a saw/multi-tool on the other side. The butterfly design exposes or hides in the handle one end at a time. The multi-tool side has a wood saw, metal saw, nail puller, can opener and a screwdriver on the same blade. The handle also has a built-in wire cutter. The knife has an overall length of 9.65″ (245mm).

2) NS-2 (НС-2)

NS-2 is a new multi-tool adopted by the Russian military. It will be issued to sappers and demolition specialists. It is made by a Russian company called KAMPO (КАМПО). The multitool weighs 10.6oz (300 grams), has a special anti-corrosive coating and is issued with a MOLLE compatible sheath.

3) KAMPO Bayonet 6×9-1

This bayonet is included into Russian equipment and arms upgrade kit called “Ratnik”. It is an AK-compatible bayonet designed by KAMPO, too. It is reportedly a very high-quality bayonet made of high strength steel with a titanium based coating. The wire cutting function is completely transferred to the sheath, which is a polymer made one. The sheath also stores a sharpener for the blade. The overall length of the Kampo bayonet is 11.4″ (290mm) with a blade length of 6.4″ (162mm).

4) Shmel bayonet (Шмель – bumblebee)

This bayonet is also included in the Ratnik program. It is made by a Russian company SARO (САРО). It was initially designed for AK-12 and reportedly is adopted along the previous bayonet.

5) Ratnik Multi-tool 6E6 (6Э6)

This multi-tool is also made by SARO and adopted by Russian military with the Ratnik program. It includes a knife, pliers, metal and wood saws, a screwdriver and an awl.

6) Rys (Рысь – Lynx)

This knife is issued to Moscow SOBR (СОБР), which is a special police force similar to SWAT. It is issued to all SOBR officers. The knife is made of stainless steel and has a lynx head (logo of SOBR) engraved both on the blade and butt.

7) DV-1 and DV-2 (ДВ-1, ДВ-2)

These combat knives are made upon request of Far East region Spetsnaz. The handle is made of walnut or leather. All metal parts have a matte finish and they are issued with a black leather sheath. The distinctive feature of the knives is the hemispherical cutout right where the blade starts. It is a finger cut to allow a firm grip when pulling out the stuck knife.

8) Karatel (Каратель – punisher, chastener)

Karatel is a series of knives adopted by FSB (Federal Security Service – the successor of Soviet KGB). The knives have several versions featuring various sheaths, handle materials and slightly different blade shapes.

9) Vityaz (Витязь – epic Russian warrior)

Vityaz is another Spetsnaz adopted knife. It has a relatively narrow, but long and heavy blade. The officer version of the knife has a bit different handle shape.

10) Antiterror

This knife is also made for FSB special forces. It comes with a leather sheath and has a reputation of a very strong, reliable and ergonomic knife.

11) Katran (Катран – mud shark)

These are also series of knives with different shapes and materials. Katran knives are adopted by a number of special forces units, including paratroopers and divers. There is also a civilian version of the knife.

12) Shaitan (Шайтан – Satan (Arabic))

Shaitan is designed based on the specifications of Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (Police). They issue it to special police units. The knife has two modifications: the usual one with leather handle and Shaitan-M with skeletonized handle. Both versions are designed so that they can be used as throwing knives.

13) Akela (Акела)

Akela is a double edged knife issued to SOBR units. It is a relatively small knife and is used in urban, undercover operations. Small sizes allow to conceal it better. The handle is made of rubber.

14) Smersh-5 (Смерш-5)

This one is a classic Russian combat knife. It is based on an older knife (NR-43) used in WW2. “Smersh” is an acronym meaning “death to spies”, which was the name of a WW2 Soviet counter-intelligence agency.

15) Gyurza (Гюрза – Viper)

This one is also adopted by FSB forces and has two versions with minor differences in appearance.

16) Cobra (Кобра)

Yet another knife adopted by SOBR. It is also used in urban operations. According to SOBR officers, its blade and handle design allow them to do a number of different drills with the knife.

17) Vzryvotekhnik (Взрывотехник – demolition specialist)

This is a massive knife with 7.1″ (180mm) blade length. It is issued to sapper units of FSB. The knife is designed to be used in multiple roles: sapper, survival and combat. It features a leaf blade, wooden handle and a hardened steel butt. The latter is used as a blunt weapon or hammer.

18) OTs-4 (ОЦ-4)

OTs-4 is designed by a Russian company called TsKIB SOO for special police units. It is a big and heavy knife. The handle is made of polymer and has a distinctive “grenade” texture. The sheath is a metal made one and retains the knife by a built-in leaf spring.

19) Elf (Эльф)

Elf is adopted by small intelligence units. It is known to be a very reliable and effective knife.

20) Basurmanin (Басурманин)

This is a typical survival knife. The handle is made of metal and has a compartment inside it housing a number of small survival tools. The sheath also has several functions including wire cutter, screwdriver, wrench etc.

I tried to include as many knives as I could find information about and hope you enjoyed this brief review of Russian knives.

Sources:

www.militaryarms.ru ; www.rusila.su ; www.topwar.ru ; www.zonwar.ru