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When a newly minted Green Beret grasps the Yarborough Knife, he holds far more than a finely honed blade—he inherits a legacy forged in the crucible of Special Forces training. Crafted with military precision by Chris Reeve Knives and designed by knife maker Bill Harsey, the Yarborough Knife serves as both a utilitarian field tool and a lasting symbol of the dedication required to earn the coveted Green Beret. You’ll see how General Yarborough’s initial concept took shape over decades of testing and design refinements, ultimately becoming the trademark presentation blade for every SFQC graduate. Beyond its ceremonial role, the Yarborough Knife stands out for its exacting specifications: a 7-inch CPM S35VN or MagnaCut blade, a slim canvas Micarta handle, and that unmistakable matte finish. Whether you’re a collector tracking down a serialized military issue or a civilian enthusiast eyeing the “Green Beret Knife” variant, understanding its history enriches both its practical value and its deeper meaning.
Whether you’re a collector tracking down a serialized military issue or a civilian enthusiast eyeing the “Green Beret Knife” variant, understanding its history enriches both its practical value and its deeper meaning
Image Credit: RR Auction.
In the early 1960s, Major General William P. “Pogo” Yarborough—later hailed as the “Father of the Green Berets”—recognized the need for a distinctive combat knife to honor and equip his Special Forces graduates. Inspired by traditional Bowie and Ka-Bar designs yet demanding higher steel performance, Yarborough challenged American knife makers to develop a blade worthy of the new Special Forces ethos. His vision: a knife that balanced cutting power, corrosion resistance, and ergonomic handling for the most demanding missions.
Between 1963 and 1968, small-batch prototypes were quietly crafted and field-tested by select SF units at Fort Bragg.
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experimented with blade profiles ranging from clip-point to spear-point, paired with rugged handle materials like stacked leather and canvas Micarta. Although none of these early models entered full production, the data gleaned during those trials informed the eventual 2002 design. Each prototype brought the project one step closer to the knife that would carry General Yarborough’s name—and the weight of Special Forces history—into the 21st century.
William Pelham “Pogo” Yarborough (1908–1991) spent more than three decades forging the U.S. Army’s unconventional‐warfare doctrine. A 1932 West Point graduate, he earned jump wings in World War II, led Ranger and airborne units in Korea, and ultimately commanded the Continental Army Command (CONARC) at Fort Monroe. In 1961, recognizing that America’s newest Special Forces needed their own identity—and tools worthy of their mission—Yarborough wrote the now‐famous memo: “Silver wings, silver badge, silver knife.”
He challenged cutlers to produce a blade combining combat toughness, corrosion resistance, and ergonomic handling, one that would both serve and symbolize the Green Beret ethos. His forward‐thinking directive shaped the very culture of SFQC graduates, inspiring not just a knife, but an elite brotherhood defined by adaptability, precision, and steely resolve.
Brigadier General William Pelham Yarborough (May 12, 1912 – December 6, 2005).
Since August 2002, every soldier who graduates from the Special Forces Qualification Course at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School has received a Yarborough knife. The knife had its own serial number and each soldier had to sign in a special ledger along with most of the elite members of the United States Army, including that same Yarborough. The knife was originally also available for current Green Berets and Special Forces veterans.
The issuance of Yarborough knives was discontinued in 2004 after about a thousand handcrafted knives were produced. Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Csrnko, USA JFKSWCS Commander, reinstituted the issue of the knife and he was the first to sign up for the new blades in 2008. Moreover, each knife now contains not only the serial number but also the limited edition number of its blade.
The moment every Green Beret takes the stage after SFQC, they are receiving the legacy of the Brotherhood of Special Forces, signing the pages of an illustrious history that is accessible to a select few. Just a few years after its inception, the honor of the Yarborough knife has become almost as much of a Special Forces legacy and tradition as the Green Beret itself and also has been shared with a small number of dignitaries such as President George W. Bush. 
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Designer | Bill Harsey |
| Manufacturer | Chris Reeve Knives |
| Introduced | August 2002 |
| Intended Use | Combat, Utility, Survival |
| Length | 12.375 inches (overall) / 315 mm |
| Blade Length | 7 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 12.8 ounces (363 grams) |
| Blade Material | Civilian version: CPM MagnaCut steel; Military Yarborough: CPM S35VN steel |
| Hardness | CPM MagnaCut 61–62 HRC (Rockwell Hardness); CPM S35VN ~57 HRC |
| Handle Material | Slim, contoured canvas micarta for improved grip and durability |
| Finish | KG Gun-Kote |
| Serial Number | Each knife is individually serialized and recorded in a special ledger |
| Availability | Exclusively awarded to graduates of the U.S. Army Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) |
| Civilian Variant | “Green Beret Knife” available through Chris Reeve Knives without the “Yarborough” inscription |
| Symbolism | Represents the heritage, dedication, and skill of the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets) |
| Presented To | Select dignitaries, including President George W. Bush |
The first Yarborough Knives, delivered in August 2002, were crafted from CPM S35VN stainless steel—chosen for its fine grain, toughness, and edge retention. Each blade measured 7.00 inches in cutting length with a flat grind tapering to a razor‐sharp edge. Heat-treated to approximately 55–57 HRC, the steel strikes a balance of hardness and fracture resistance suited to combat field use. General Yarborough’s specification sheet called for a drop-point profile, full-tang construction, and a muted, low-glare finish.
In 2008, demand from civilian collectors and rising interest in advanced alloys prompted Chris Reeve Knives to reissue the design using CPM MagnaCut steel. MagnaCut’s carefully controlled alloying yields exceptional toughness and corrosion resistance at a higher hardness—61–62 HRC—without the brittleness of similar “super steels.” Aside from the upgraded steel, dimensions and profile remained identical to the original issue, preserving the knife’s handling characteristics while boosting edge life and ease of maintenance.
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Each Yarborough Knife awarded to a Special Forces graduate is stamped with a unique serial number on the blade’s ricasso and entered into the SFQC registry maintained by U.S. Army Special Operations Command. This one-of-a-kind identifier not only guarantees authenticity but forever links the knife to its recipient. Upon graduation, the knife arrives in a custom, velvet-lined wooden display case alongside a parchment certificate signed by the SFQC commandant.
Notably, serial number 0001 was the very first knife in the series—presented by Lieutenant General William P. Yarborough himself to his son, LTC (Ret.) William “Lee” Yarborough, on November 10, 2003—and remains unique for lacking the usual maker and designer stamps on the ricasso. In May 2023, that historic blade resurfaced at RR Auction, drawing intense collector interest as the prototype Green Beret Knife [rrauction.com].
Together, the serial plate, the official ledger entry, and the presentation kit transform the Yarborough Knife from a field implement into a lifelong symbol of a soldier’s achievement and the storied brotherhood of the Green Berets.
The Neil Roberts Warrior Edition was introduced in 2004 to honor Petty Officer First Class Neil Roberts—BUD/S Class 184 and the first U.S. Navy SEAL killed in action during Operation Anaconda, Afghanistan, in 2002. Bill Harsey and Chris Reeve collaborated on a limited run of 184 knives, each bearing the engraving “Neil Roberts BUD/S Class 184” on the ricasso and reserved exclusively for the SEAL community.
After the initial military-only series sold out, a small civilian run was offered in CPM MagnaCut with identical dimensions and markings (minus the “Neil Roberts” engraving) to meet collector demand. This edition remains one of Chris Reeve Knives’ most sought-after collaborations, melding battlefield heritage with precision craft.
The civilian Chris Reeve “Green Beret Knife” mirrors the military issue in every respect, save for one key finish difference. Each blade is cut from CPM MagnaCut steel, hardened to 61–62 HRC for outstanding toughness and edge retention. The full-tang construction sports slim, contoured Canvas Micarta scales for a secure, slip-resistant grip. Unlike the military model’s KG Gun-Kote, the civilian Green Beret Knife also available a durable black Cerakote ceramic coating, chosen for its superior corrosion resistance and non-reflective matte appearance. Buyers may also select plain or partially serrated edges and receive the knife in either a black or coyote-brown nylon sheath, complete with belt loops and a quick-release snap, alongside a certificate of authenticity and presentation pouch.
With each Yarborough Knife comes a parchment Certificate of Authenticity that mirrors the pride of Special Forces service. Embossed with the knife’s unique serial number, the graduate’s name, and the date of issuance, it’s personally signed by the SFQC commandant. The document is printed on heavyweight, archival-grade stock—complete with a gold-foil seal—so it can be framed or stored alongside the knife without yellowing or fading over time.
Image Credit: RR Auction.
Whether awarded at Fort Bragg or shipped to a collector’s home, the Yarborough Knife’s packaging underscores its dual role as a precision tool and a cherished heirloom.
Practical field tests of the Chris Reeve “Green Beret” Knife reveal a finely tuned cutter with surprisingly mixed toughness results. In slicing trials—cutting rope, tomato, and thin cardboard—the hollow-ground drop-point profile delivered clean, precise cuts without snagging, and the partial serrations at the blade’s base proved effective on fibrous materials. Overall slicing performance ranked on par with other high-end fixed blades.
However, when pushed beyond cutting chores, its resilience faltered. In wood-working tests, the knife could bore a hole through a 2×6 pine board with the tip intact, yet repeated metal-sheet stabs ultimately snapped the slender point. Heavy impacts against a vice-clamped tang—using a 3 lb steel mallet—broke the handle assembly after only two strikes, underscoring a weakness in handle-tang robustness. Subsequent flex testing of the broken blade section showed it would bend to roughly 30° before fracturing, indicating limited ductility under extreme load.
Edge retention also proved only average: after just a few baton-chopping sequences, the blade lost much of its initial sharpness, requiring frequent re-honing to maintain slicing performance. Additionally, the exposed metal liners around the Micarta grip, although visually striking, caused discomfort during aggressive impact work, digging into the tester’s hands. [BladeForums.com]
Summary: The Green Beret Knife excels at precise cutting and features well-implemented serrations, but its overall toughness and edge retention fall short of expectations for a $375 fixed blade. Enthusiasts seeking a dedicated cutter will appreciate its balance and ergonomics, yet those who need a true “beater” for hard use may find more durability in comparable or even lower-priced alternatives.
Video Credit: Dutch Bushcraft Knives.
Military Presentation vs. Civilian MSRP
Image Credit: RR Auction. 
Which knife do Green Berets carry on graduation day?
Each new Special Forces soldier receives the Yarborough Knife, a purpose-built combat blade co-designed by Bill Harsey and Chris Reeve. It’s reserved strictly for graduates of the SFQC and never appears for sale on the open market.
Who manufactures the Yarborough Knife and what makes its construction unique?
Chris Reeve Knives in Boise, Idaho, forges every Yarborough Knife from premium powder-metallurgy steel (originally CPM S35VN, later CPM MagnaCut). The blade runs full-tang through slim, canvas-Micarta scales and wears a low-glare finish—details specified by General Yarborough himself in the early 1960s.
What distinguishing features set this knife apart?
Look for a 7″ flat-ground drop-point profile, a spine thickness just under 0.20″, and a non-reflective coating (KG Gun-Kote on military issues, KG Gun-Kote or Cerakote on civilian models). The handle’s gentle palm swells and finger grooves give secure purchase in rain, mud, or blood, while each knife’s unique serial ties it to its owner forever.
Can civilians purchase the Yarborough Knife? Civilians cannot buy the serialized military issue, but they can order the nearly identical Green Beret Knife from Chris Reeve Knives. It matches military specs, omitting only the “Yarborough” inscription. Does the civilian Green Beret Knife come with serrations? Yes. Buyers may choose either a plain edge or partial serrations when configuring the Green Beret Knife. What is the significance of the serial number on each Yarborough Knife? Each blade is laser-engraved with a unique serial and recorded in the USASOC SFQC registry, ensuring authenticity, provenance, and linking the knife permanently to its graduate or owner.
From General Yarborough’s original vision to every SFQC graduate’s proud moment of presentation, the Yarborough Knife has become more than a mere combat tool—it embodies a century of Special Forces heritage. Its precise engineering and rigorous testing ensure it performs in the harshest conditions, while its unique serial and presentation rituals tie each blade to a soldier’s personal story.
Over time, the knife’s reputation has spread beyond Fort Bragg, inspiring a civilian “Green Beret Knife” that lets collectors and enthusiasts own a piece of Special Forces history. Yet whether held in the hands of a freshly minted Green Beret or displayed in a collector’s case, the Yarborough Knife remains a steadfast symbol of commitment, adaptability, and the unbroken brotherhood forged in elite training.
As you handle or admire this blade, remember that it carries both the steel of modern metallurgy and the spirit of countless missions undertaken by those who have earned the Green Beret. It stands as a reminder that true excellence demands precision, resilience, and an unwavering sense of purpose—qualities that live on in every edge, every handle contour, and every story behind its serial number.
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Author: Aleks Nemtcev | Knifemaker with 10+ Years of Experience | Connect with me on LinkedIn | Follow me on Reddit
Author: Aleks Nemtcev | Knifemaker with 10+ Years of Experience | Connect with me on LinkedIn
References:
U.S. ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND HISTORY OFFICE website.
William_P._Yarborough en.wikipedia.org
Gen William Yarborough Washingtonpost
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Great history of this knife. I think it should clarify that MagnCut steel was only introduced in 2021. Most existing CRK Green Beret knives are S35VN, with only the more recent being MagnaCut.
Since the inception of the GB unit, the SOG Bowie knife has been closely associated with it. The Yarborough knife represents my attempt at innovation, as evidenced by the date of its introduction and the relatively short period it has been in use. It absolutely does not deserve (at least not yet, and certainly not until it surpasses the SOG Bowie’s period of use) to be labeled as a historical, unique, or similarly significant GB knife. It does not merit such a designation.
When were Green Berets issued this knife? I was in Special Forces from 1969 to 1971 and never saw one. I bought a Gerber Mark II at Fort Bragg.
The Yarborough Knife began to be issued to graduates of the Special Forces Qualification Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in 2002. This would explain why you didn’t see this knife during your service from 1969 to 1971. Instead, the Gerber Mark II, which you mentioned purchasing, was a popular choice among U.S. troops during the Vietnam War era, including those in the Special Forces.
The Gerber Mark II, introduced in 1966, quickly gained popularity for its durability and design, making it a preferred personal purchase for many soldiers at the time.
What civilian would carry a knife that could be traced back to him/her? God forbid you have to defend yourself and sliced and diced your attacker you drop your weapon and keep walking. Carrying a serial numbered weapon begs for prison time.
Great insight into the history and significance of the Yarborough knife. For someone interested in obtaining a Yarborough, are there any specific authentication marks or features to ensure its genuineness?
Can a civilian buy a Yarborough knife?
While the Yarborough knife presented to graduates of the U.S. Army Special Forces Qualification Course is a unique symbol of their hard-earned status, civilians can indeed purchase a knife of the same design. However, it’s important to note that the version available to the general public won’t carry the specific serial number or the exact markings found on the knives awarded to Green Berets.
Chris Reeve Knives, the manufacturer, offers a civilian version called the ‘Green Beret Knife.’ It’s essentially the same knife in terms of craftsmanship and quality, but without the specific distinction the Yarborough holds within the Special Forces community. So, if you’re interested in owning a piece of this storied craftsmanship, you definitely can, even if you’re a civilian!