OKC-3S Bayonet
| OKC-3S Bayonet | |
|---|---|
OKC-3S bayonet
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| Type | Bayonet |
| Place of origin | San Diego, California |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2003–present |
| Used by | United States Marine Corps |
| Wars | War in Afghanistan, Iraq War |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2002 |
| Manufacturer | Ontario Knife Company |
| Produced | 2003–present |
| No. built | 100,000+ |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 13 in (33 cm) |
| Blade length | 8 in (20 cm) |
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| 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 as its service bayonet for the M16 family of rifles. This multipurpose bayonet provides greater durability than the M7 and also functions as a fighting knife.
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 and Production and distribution began in January 2003.
The OKC-3S is manufactured solely by the Ontario Knife Company and identical civilian versions are available for purchase. It bears a resemblance to the Marines' iconic Ka-Bar fighting knife, though it is not fullered. It is larger, thicker and heavier than the M7 although slightly thinner and lighter than the current U.S. Army-issued M9. A sharper point helps penetrate body armor that many modern adversaries wear; while serrations near the handle help improve its function as a utility knife. In one demonstration, a prototype was able to pierce a punching bag covered with aircraft aluminum and a ballistic vest. The entire weapon is designed to be corrosion resistant, and weighs 1.25 lb (0.57 kg) with its sheath. The scabbard and grip are colored to match the Corps' coyote tan gear, compatible with both woodland and desert camouflage. The is 1095-01-521-6087.
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