Delta Force is the U.S. Army’s elite counterterrorism unit that conducts specialized missions requiring precision and lethality. As such, Delta operators carry an array of customized weapons and gear to accomplish their objectives. This includes a combat knife designed for close quarters battle and utility purposes.
Background on Delta Force
Delta Force, officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), is one of the most secretive units in the U.S. military. Its operations and organization are highly classified to protect operational security. What is known is that Delta recruits from the Army’s elite Special Forces (Green Berets) and Rangers regiments. Delta operators undergo rigorous selection and training to join what many consider the premiere counterterrorism and hostage rescue unit in the world.
Given the covert nature of their missions, Delta operators are equipped with specialized weapons and gear tailored for close quarters battle, hostage rescue, counterterrorism, and direct action operations. This includes customized firearms like the Heckler & Koch HK416 rifle, integrally suppressed submachine guns, and their combat knives.
Background on Combat Knives
Combat knives have been an essential tool and weapon carried by soldiers for centuries. Modern combat knives serve various functions in the field:
- Close quarters fighting weapon
- Utility tool for cutting, slicing, hacking
- Emergency survival tool
- Rope/seatbelt cutter
- Prying/digging implement
An effective combat knife needs to be lightweight, durable, have a non-slip grip, retain a sharp fixed blade, and incorporate useful features like partial serrations. Quality materials like high carbon or stainless steel are preferred for the blade. The tang (portion of the blade extending into the handle) should run the full length of the grip for strength.
Common features in modern combat knives include:
- Partially serrated segments on the spine for cutting rope, seatbelts, etc.
- Blood grooves along the blade to allow blood to flow out, prevent sticking
- Textured handle scales for grip
- Lanyard hole in the pommel
- Durable, low-glare finishes like matte black
- Full tang construction
Quality combat knives are essential gear for specialized military units like Delta Force conducting counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and other clandestine operations worldwide.
Benchmade 3300 Infidel OTF
The standard issue combat knife for Delta Force is reportedly the Benchmade 3300 Infidel. This is an out-the-front (OTF) automatic knife made by Oregon-based knife manufacturer Benchmade.
Key features of the Benchmade Infidel OTF knife include:
- Double-action OTF automatic knife
- Opens via sliding trigger mechanism
- Made with 154CM stainless steel
- Partial serrations near bolster
- Blade Length: 3.91”
- Closed Length: 5.35”
- Overall Length: 9.26”
- Weight: 4.25 oz
- Glass-reinforced nylon handle scales
The Infidel uses Benchmade’s high quality 154CM stainless steel for the dagger blade. This provides excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention. The partial serrations near the blade tip are handy for cutting rope, seatbelts, and similar materials.
Made of glass-reinforced nylon, the handle scales offer a secure grip. A large trigger in the center of the handle activates the double-action out-the-front mechanism for extremely fast blade deployment with one hand.
This spring-loaded switchblade design allows the 3.9” dagger blade to rocket out instantly with the push of a button. A second push springs the blade back into the closed position. The double-action mechanism provides trusted deployment time after time.
With an overall length just over 9 inches and weight of 4.25 ounces, the Infidel offers an optimal balance of size and carrying ease. The matte black finish provides low visibility, suiting the stealth missions of Delta operators.
Why Delta Force Chose the Infidel OTF
Delta Force selected the Benchmade Infidel as their standard issue combat knife for very specific reasons related to their missions and needs:
- Speed – The spring-loaded double action gives extremely fast one-handed deployment critical in CQB.
- Action – The Infidel’s sliding trigger provides trusted action under stress compared to other autos.
- Size – Its mid-sized blade and overall length make it versatile for utility and fighting.
- Steel – The 154CM steel has the desired balance of hardness, toughness and corrosion resistance.
- Design – Made specifically as a tactical knife for military application.
- Quality – Benchmade is a proven maker of premium tactical knives used across U.S. armed forces.
- Proven – The Infidel has earned trust among Delta operators for mission-readiness and reliability.
The rapid deployment speed, mid-sized tactical design, proven materials and mechanisms, and Benchmade reputation together make the Infidel an ideal combat knife for Delta Force and their specialized needs.
Alternate Knives Used
While the Benchmade Infidel OTF is their standard issue, Delta operators have the latitude to carry other combat knives from Benchmade’s tactical line or knives from other manufacturers.
A popular alternate choice is the Benchmade 9400 Auto Stryker. This offers similar qualities to the Infidel but with a tanto-style blade and aluminum handle. Other automatic knives from Microtech, Protech, and Spyderco see occasional carry as well.
In many cases, whatever combat knife a Delta operator carried and trained with extensively in their former Special Forces or Ranger unit, they will continue to carry into Delta. Switching gear that works causes less disruption.
Some other notable combat knives seen within Delta Force include:
| Knife | Key Features |
| Emerson CQC-7 | Waved opening, g-10 scales, 154CM blade |
| Strider SMF | Titanium handle, S30V blade, thick spine |
| Spyderco Yojimbo 2 | Wharncliffe blade, leaf-shaped design, S30V steel |
| Chris Reeve Green Beret | 6″ bowie knife, one-piece construction, SK-5 steel |
| Benchmade 175 Adamas | Full tang, Damascus steel, G10 handle |
The choices reflect the varied personal preferences among operators while maintaining proven designs optimized for military application.
Training with the Combat Knife
All Delta Force operators undergo extensive training in using their combat knives for fighting, utility, and emergency purposes. This training includes:
- Slashing, stabbing, blocking techniques
- Knife fighting drills against multiple opponents
- Retention fighting when someone grabs your knife hand
- Tactical folding knife techniques – opening, closing, reverse grip, etc
- Improvised use of common objects as impact weapons
- Cutting seatbelts, rope, wire, tape, packaging
- Prying, scraping, digging functions
- Throwing for distraction or limited impact
- Stressing deploying under time pressure restraints
Delta operators train with their actual combat knives until drawing, gripping, and using the weapon becomes second nature even under stressful, dark, wet conditions. They practice edged weapon tactics both against unarmed and knife-armed attackers to hone their reflexive responses.
This extensive training ensures Delta operators can rely on their combat knife in the tight confines of planes, vehicles, rooms, ships, and other close quarters environments common in hostage rescues and counterterrorism missions.
Conclusion
Delta Force operators carry the Benchmade 3300 Infidel as their standard issue combat knife. The Infidel OTF auto knife provides rapid one-handed deployment, mid-sized tactical design, and proven performance that aligns with Delta’s specialized missions.
The spring-assisted dagger blade, durable materials, and trusted Benchmade pedigree make the Infidel the combat knife of choice for Delta. Their specialized training then maximizes its effectiveness as both weapon and utility tool during counterterrorism and hostage rescue missions.
While other knives see some carry, the Infidel’s balance of speed, utility, and ruggedness reflect why it earned adoption by the U.S. Army’s elite counterterrorism unit. When seconds count, the Infidel won’t fail.