OKC-3S Bayonet

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The OKC-3S bayonet

The OKC-3S is a bayonet developed by the US Marine Corps to replace the M7 bayonet as its service bayonet for the M16 rifle. This multi-purpose bayonet provides greater durability than the M7 and also functions as a fighting knife. The weapon upgrade is part of a push begun ca. 2003 by then-Commandant Gen. James L. Jones to expand and toughen hand-to-hand combat training for Marines, including more training in the martial arts and knife fighting. It bears a resemblance to the Marines' iconic Ka-Bar fighting knife, though it does not have a fuller. It is larger, thicker and heavier than the M7 and M9. A sharper point helps penetrate body armor that many modern adversaries wear and 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 flak jacket.

It is manufactured solely by the Ontario Knife Company and identical civilian versions are available for purchase.

The OKC-3S features an 8" long, 1-3/8" wide, .2" thick blade. It weighs 1¼ pounds with its sheath. It's made from high carbon steel and is capable of functioning without breakage in operating temperatures of -25 to to +135 degrees fehrenheit. (-31 to 57 celsius) The blade has a non-reflective phosphate finish.

The grip is made of a synthetic non-slip material, is ergonomically grooved, and is more oval than round. This design helps prevent repetitive-stress injuries and hand fatigue during training. It has a positioning access point for quick redirection of the blade in reduced visibility situations. "We spent a lot of time making sure the handle was ergonomically correct… There are no blister points on the handle. The Marines are the best and they deserve the best."[3]

The scabbard offers a weight/noise reduction from the previous M7 Scabbard and is ILBE compatible. It has a fitted internal stainless steel spring and friction device at its throat to secure the bayonet. A ceramic-coated aluminum honing rod is located on the back of the scabbard.

The scabbard and grip are colored to match the Corps' coyote tan gear, usable for arid and temperate environments. The scabbard is also compatible with the MOLLE/PALS modular attachment system.