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What Knife Does John Wick Use? – John Wick’s Knife Collection Through the Movies

What Knife Does John Wick Use? – John Wick’s Knife Collection Through the Movies

What Knife Does John Wick Use

John Wick, the character who's captured the imagination of movie fans worldwide, is more than just tailored suits and impeccable combat skills. This Keanu Reeve's portrayal in the famous action film series showcases an impressive arsenal that defines the legendary hitman. Although attention is often directed toward his firearms, genuine knife aficionados understand the pivotal role that the sharp edge of Wick's blade plays in his quest for vengeance.

The franchise has now grown to four films and continues to evolve, making it difficult to spotlight every knife featured. Let's examine the standout favorites among his unique collection of blades presented throughout the series.

This man of sheer willpower goes beyond guns and cool blasters. When duty calls, he'll expertly use knives, nunchucks, bare hands, or famously, a pencil, to dispatch a seemingly limitless number of assassins. Since the first movie, we've known his preference for sharp, pointy things – whether to silently eliminate a bad guy or simply clean blood from under his fingernails.

Now, let's explore the best blades from John Wick. Are you interested in similar knives? Browse our collection today!

The Importance of Knives in the John Wick Universe

In the John Wick films, knives aren't just weapons—they're extensions of the character himself. The meticulous weapon choices reflect his close-quarter combat skills and tactical willpower. When guns run dry or the situation demands silence, Wick's blades become his most impressive tools.

Knife enthusiasts and fans alike are intrigued by the unique collection of edged weapons throughout the series. Each knife serves a critical role, whether to silently eliminate a bad guy or dispatch a seemingly limitless number of assassins in tight spaces. From sharp, pointy things used to clean blood from under fingernails to iconic knives wielded during his revenge journey, these blades showcase the impeccable precision that defines the Baba Yaga's reputation.

As we dig into the knives of John Wick, we'll explore how each selection perfectly complements his famous action film series arsenal.

Types of John Wick's Deadly Blades

Throughout the films, John Wick showcases exceptional skill with a variety of knives, each functioning as natural extensions of his deadly fighting style. Let's explore the blades he prefers:

  • Automatic Knives: Wick's Signature Weapons

Automatic knives (OTF knives) represent Wick's primary blades of choice. These clever tools extend from the handle's front with the press of a button. The double-action switchblades showcased in films enable rapid deployment and immediate retraction, making them perfect for fast-paced close combat situations.

The John Wick series prominently features Microtech's Ultratech and Combat Troodon models. Microtech's partnership with the filmmakers plays a crucial role in the loyal following these models have attracted. Their sleek design and formidable dual-edge blade perfectly capture Wick's energy, precision, and tactical efficiency.

  • Specialized Tactical Blades

The Balisong Knife or butterfly knife serves as a highly recognizable weapon with distinctive two handles that rotate around the tang, which Wick masterfully uses for lightning quick, precise cuts.

The distinct Karambit, known for its curved blade and inspired by Southeast Asian martial arts, occasionally appears in films. While it is primarily used by Shinobi assassins, John Wick utilizes it for defensive grappling techniques rather than for offensive strikes. Its unique curved shape and versatility significantly improve the fight choreography in the movie.

On the other hand, the Tanto Knife, a traditional Japanese knife featuring a strong straight blade and a reinforced sharp tip, is ideal for piercing and thrusting actions. Wick is seen using it for devastating deadly strikes within tight spaces where other weapons prove not as effective.

What Knife Does John Wick Use?

1. The Ultratech: Chapter 1's Silent Companion

In the first film, John Wick stealthily eliminates several adversaries using the high-end Microtech Ultratech OTF knife. As an assassin reliant on top-quality equipment, Wick wields one of the finest OTF knives available on the market.

The Microtech Ultratech (2014) features a compact design with rapid deployment that aligns perfectly with John Wick's agile and lethal fighting technique. It utilizes a thumb switch to deploy its 3.4-inch blade in the blink of an eye. This double-action knife effortlessly opens and closes with a simple flick of the switch.

What makes it special is the quasi-tanto style blade with tip reinforcement - a great stabber with clean lines. The sharp double-edge blade (length 3.35″) is both practical and visually striking. Measuring 8.36" overall and made of premium steel, its contoured chassis handle provides a light, ergonomic feel with a smooth, flat finish.

2. The Combat Troodon: Chapter 2's Deadly Steel

The Legendary Troodon

John Wick wields the impressive Microtech Combat Troodon, a serious big knife sporting a 3.8" double-edged dagger blade with an elegant satin finish. More imposing than the standard Troodon, the Combat Troodon stands as the largest model in the lineup, celebrated for its rugged build and battlefield reliability weighing in at almost 6 ounces.

This double-action out-the-front (OTF) automatic knife is distinguished by its eye-catching, streamlined design and exceptional precision in fast-paced scenarios. The blade opens with remarkable accuracy, sure to catch the attention of the High Table. For John, this weapon is an essential part of his everyday carry (EDC).

Combat Performance

The knife is most memorably used during the intense train scene where Wick says the now iconic line, "Consider this a professional courtesy," as the blade perfectly portrays Wick's precise, professional demeanor, evident in every choice of weaponry.

This remarkable creation is not merely a movie prop; featuring a blade length of 3.8 to 4 inches in most variations and crafted from high-quality steel, it masterfully blends strength and precision, making it perfect for close-range confrontations with the world's deadliest assassins.

The ergonomically designed handle ensures a firm grip, even in the heat of the action. Since its launch, the Combat Troodon has become a true "legacy Microtech," cherished by knife aficionados and others alike, largely due to its iconic presence in JW2.

3. The Blade Ballet: Chapter 3's Legendary Arsenal

The Continental's Armory Unleashed

The now-legendary epic knife fight scene in the antique weapon shop redefines action cinema. In this scene, John Wick demonstrates that the well-known adage about bringing a knife to a gunfight isn't always a disadvantage. The sequence expertly highlights the franchise's choreography, surprising humor, and creative fight scenes, where edged weapons seamlessly integrate.

Microtech's Magnum Opus

Parabellum introduces viewers to the biggest Microtech yet – the formidable Microtech Cypher with its commanding 4-inch blade in a lethal dagger-style configuration. Following the pattern of every movie that goes a little bigger than the last, this precisely engineered blade is made to both cut and stab, actions Wick does plenty of throughout the film.

While the original Cypher that John Wick used has since been discontinued, its refined successor, the Cypher II, remains available to collectors. This premium OTF knife features a blade length of 3.53 inches crafted from premium Bohler M390MK steel, delivering excellent edge retention and battle-ready durability. Its considerate design boasts a lightweight aluminum handle and a double-edged dagger-style blade with a refined stonewash finish, resulting in a combination of sleek aesthetics and practicality.

Elite Supporting Blades

The Benchmade Infidel stands out as a key player in the memorable weapon shop showdown—a high-performance OTF knife with a formidable tactical advantage. Its lightning-quick blade engages faster than Wick can take out a room full of cold-eyed assassins, featuring an aggressive design that radiates efficiency through its fluid motion and menacing looks.

Wick's use of the exotic Karambit showcases his tactical adaptability and mastery of multiple martial arts. This distinctive curved, claw-like knife rooted in ancient Southeast Asian combat traditions particularly excels at fluid slashing attacks and disarming opponents. Its distinctive unique shape and lethal combat effectiveness make it an instant standout in Wick's arsenal.

Beyond Hollywood: Functional Art

These aren't merely movie props—they represent the zenith of bladesmithing craftsmanship and combat performance, making them a natural top choice for serious collectors seeking the perfect balance of form and function. Whether you already have so many knives your personal collection looks like the set of Wick's iconic battle or you're simply an outdoor enthusiast who always likes being thoroughly prepared, these exceptional blades remain a fantastic option for any dedicated Wick franchise fan.

4. The Hawk Deadlock: Chapter 4's Elite Cutter

John Wick: Chapter 4 represents a pivotal moment as we see Wick turn away from his trusty Microtech knives to embrace an even more exclusive new OTF—the legendary Deadlock from Hawk Knife Designs. JW Chapter 4 introduces this remarkable weapon that immediately stands out with its extraordinary custom titanium build and precision-engineered premium CPM-20CV steel blade.

Mechanical Perfection

Reportedly considered the best OTF on the entire market, the Deadlock Model C achieves what others can't with true zero-blade play—it absolutely doesn't wiggle in the slighted degree during use. Its lightning deployment is incredibly rapid through an innovative double-action thumb-driven design featuring an intuitive thumb release centered in the handle's middle. Each press confidently deploys a formidable dual-edge dagger blade made from strategically selected various high-quality materials.

With an optimal 3.5" blade length balancing concealability with stopping power, it delivers unmatched superior edge retention and battlefield corrosion resistance. The Deadlock Model C represents an unparalleled peak in bladesmithing artistry, ideally designed for John Wick's fierce confrontations with elite assassins.

Luxury Tactical Investment

When the cost aligns with the level of craftsmanship, this knife can be deemed truly remarkable. Starting around $1,800 for just the bare-bones model, these represent exceptionally serious quality knives. The most recent latest drop of limited Deadlocks cost a staggering mighty 3,500 dollars—even among the premium knives of John Wick, this one would definitely cost quite a few gold coins in the Continental's economy.

The Hawk's Deadlock Model C is one of the very few blades that attain true Zero Blade Play, alongside other exceptional examples like Microtech's Atreus and select Ultratech Zero Blade Play models. This specific version was designed for the production of JW4 and is sold as part of a special edition set for dedicated collectors.

Special Mention - The Infamous Pencil Legacy

Beyond knives, perhaps the most unlikely but memorable weapon associated with John Wick is his humble yet infamous pencil. The legend was first mentioned during the second movie through the chilling line about having "killed three men with a pencil"—a claim brilliantly demonstrated in the third movie when Wick efficiently killed two men using just a normal pencil in close-quarters combat.

This seemingly ordinary office supply has spawned several collector items designed inspired by this unforgettable scene. The tactical Baba Yaga Bo Shuriken Pencil and military-grade FN Pen 1.0 stand out in this category, with the latter specifically made featuring a reinforced tungsten carbide tip purposely used to break windows and ice alike in emergency situations.

Microtech, a premium knife maker, has introduced the Marfione Custom collector sets, which creatively feature replicas of the first two knives from the movie. Each luxurious package comes with three gold challenge coins, cleverly referencing the film's underground currency, as well as a replica of John Wick's pencil. Even the ultra-premium Hawk Deadlock Model C comes with an authentic John Wick Pencil when purchased as part of the limited edition collection.

The Elite Edge: What Sets Wick's Blades Apart

John Wick's knives transcend ordinary weapons to become true extensions of his character, embodying the surgical precision, tactical skill, and unrelenting determination that have made him the world's most feared master assassin. His approach to blade selection centers on three essential factors:

Supreme Engineering Excellence

Every knife within Wick's lethal arsenal represents an absolute engineering masterpiece featuring impeccable fit and flawless finish. The exceptional quality of these high-performance blades guarantees they never unexpectedly dull at the worst possible moment during the heat of battle. While the life-or-death stakes remain considerably lower for civilian collectors, this fundamental reason to focus on absolute reliability is universal.

Combat-Optimized Performance

From lightning-quick OTF knife deployment for tactical speed to rugged fixed blade designs for structural strength, all of Wick's choices prioritize performance above all else. He strategically never enters battle carrying any weapon not perfectly appropriate for the specific type of fight he anticipates. Each blade serves as precisely the right tool for the exact task in mind, enabling him to effectively improvise when circumstances demand while remaining combat ready around every treacherous corner.

Signature Aesthetic Authority

With their undeniable visual appeal, these cool-looking combat blades invariably turn heads whether displayed as a prized collection showpiece or carried on a tactical belt as an everyday EDC. Both visually impressive and inherently dangerous, these quintessentially Wick-worthy tools function as powerful symbols that provide dedicated knife enthusiasts and fans of the films unique sharp insight into the elite world of high-performance cutlery.



Get the Look: John Wick-Inspired Knives in Our Store
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Sharp Endings: Legendary Blades of an Assassin

While the guns in the John Wick universe receive much attention for being notable and almost always high-quality blasters, his collection of knives follow precisely the same route of excellence.

Every knife featured throughout the films represents a meticulously crafted high-quality tool that rightfully carries a substantial premium price tag. There's definitely something to be said about a film series that consistently stacks its high-end assassins with equally high-end weapons—undoubtedly why these films succeed so brilliantly.

The thoughtful John Wick's choice of cutting knives showcases a masterful blend of tactical functionality, exceptional craftsmanship, and striking style. From the beautifully crafted Microtech Ultratech to the cutting-edge, high-performance Hawk Deadlock Model C, every blade plays a crucial role in the films.

These weapons are more than mere props; they are essential to John Wick's character and his renowned combat abilities. Devoted fans of the series and serious knife enthusiasts alike value the exceptional craftsmanship and precision that have elevated these weapons to iconic status. Browse our complete collection today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the knives used by John Wick legal to own?

The legality of John Wick's knives varies by location. OTF knives like the Microtech Ultratech and Hawk Deadlock face restrictions in many areas. Always check local laws before adding these high-performance blades to your collection. Some blade types and mechanisms are regulated differently than others.

Can I buy the same knives used in the movie?

Yes! Most of John Wick's screen-used knives are commercially available. The Microtech Combat Troodon, Cypher, and even the Hawk Deadlock Model C can be purchased, though some may require waiting lists due to limited production. Many knife enthusiasts and fans of the films pursue these iconic weapons as collector items.

Are Microtech knives a valuable investment?

Microtech knives are recognized for their outstanding quality, precision, and craftsmanship, which warrant their higher price tags. Their dependability in challenging circumstances has garnered them favor with both collectors and practical users. Their status as high-end weapons in the film series has only enhanced their reputation for performance and style.

 

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