OKC-3S bayonet
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (July 2015) |
| OKC-3S Bayonet | |
|---|---|
 OKC-3S bayonet | |
| Type | Bayonet |
| Place of origin | San Diego, California, United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2003–present |
| Used by | United States Marine Corps |
| Wars |
|
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2001–2002 |
| Manufacturer | Ontario Knife Company |
| Produced | 2003–present |
| No. built | 100,000+ |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 13 in (33 cm) |
| Blade length | 8 in (20 cm) |
| Blade type | High carbon steel clip point with full tang |
| Hilt type | Metal guard, latch, & clasp, with Dynaflex grip |
| Scabbard/sheath | polyester elastomer |
The OKC-3S is a bayonet developed by the United States Marine Corps to replace the M7 bayonet and M9 bayonet as its service bayonet for the M16 family of rifles and M4 series carbine. This multipurpose bayonet provides greater durability than the M7 bayonet and it also functions as a fighting knife.
History
The OKC-3S is part of a series of weapon improvements begun in 2001 by Commandant of the Marine Corps James L. Jones to expand and toughen hand-to-hand combat training for Marines, including training in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and knife fighting. In the Multi-Purpose Bayonet program, 33 different knives were evaluated. The OKC-3S performed best, or next to best, in nearly all testing categories. A contract for OKC-3S was made in December 2002, with production and distribution beginning in January 2003.[1]
Design
The OKC-3S is manufactured solely by the
The OKC-3S features an 8 in (20.32 cm) long, 1.375 in (3.49 cm) wide, 0.2 in (0.51 cm) thick blade. The serrations measure 1.75 in (4.4 cm) of the blade length on the true edge. The blade is made from
The grip is made of Dynaflex, a synthetic non-slip material, is ergonomically grooved, and is more oval than round. This design helps prevent repetitive-strain injuries and hand fatigue during training. It also features an embossed Eagle, Globe, and Anchor molded in to allow a user to identify the direction of the blade in the dark. The encapsulated tang connects the cross guard/muzzle ring (which is .165 in (0.42 cm)) and pommel latch plate that clasps the barrel lug; both are phosphate coated like the blade. Former Ontario Knife Company president and chief executive Nick Trbovich Jr. said of it: "We spent a lot of time making sure the handle was ergonomically correct… There are no blister points on the handle."[2]
The
See also
- List of individual weapons of the U.S. armed forces
- List of weapons of the United States Marine Corps
References
- ^ Vincent, Shawn (8 September 2004). "New multi-purpose knife replaces old bayonet". Marine Corps News. Military.com. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
- ^ Perry, Tony (January 19, 2003). "New Bayonet Puts Marine Corps on the Cutting Edge". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.- "OKC 3S Miltipurpose Bayonet/Knife System user's manual" (PDF). Ontario Knife Company. United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 6 January 2010.[permanent dead link]
- Vincent, Cpl Shawn (September 8, 2004). "New multi-purpose knife replaces old bayonet". Marine Corps News. Marine Corps Base Quantico: Military.com. Archived from the original on 28 October 2009. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
- "Ontario OKC3S Marine Bayonet". One Stop Knife Shop. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
