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.
Rooted in history and shaped by Ryan's design philosophy, Lady Death is our bold take on the classic trench knife. It measures 15 inches overall and features a 9 5/8-inch, double-edge CPM-3V dagger blade with a long central fuller. The knuckle duster style handle protects the hand, while its aggressive outward profile supports raking. A pronounced pommel at the handle’s end is designed for hammer strikes. 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. Lady Death includes a leather and canvas sheath with a front mounted lighter pouch and lighter
