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Commemorative military knives for the French Navy’s 400th anniversary
To celebrate the French Navy’s 400th anniversary, family-run SME TB-Outdoor has launched a range of four military knives, available in limited editions numbered from 1 to 400. A few numbered examples are still available to buy at Euronaval, alongside unnumbered versions.
CAC French Navy 400th Anniversary – Tradition Edition (deep blue handle)
CAC French Navy 400th Anniversary – Commando Edition (khaki handle)
CAC French Navy 400th Anniversary – Pilote Edition (white handle)
CAC French Navy 400th Anniversary – FOST Edition (black handle)
© Mikhaël Brun
The knife weighs 195 grams. Its blade is made from Nitrox hardened stainless steel, an alloy containing nitrogen and 16% chromium, with a hardness of 55 HRC. It offers resistance to corrosion, moisture and salt, while also withstanding impacts and twisting without cracking.
“Above all, the blade can be sharpened, making the knife exceptionally durable,” says Carole Tarrerias, CEO of TB-Outdoor, a family business that has been based near Thiers since 1648, which she runs with her brother. “This tactical knife, known as the CAC (Combat Assistance Campagne), one of our trademarks, was selected by the French armed forces in 2016 and has been standard issue ever since.”
To mark the French Navy’s 400th anniversary, the company has produced a new version of the knife, in agreement with the Naval Staff, incorporating the latest technology. The blade has a physical vapour deposition (PVD) coating that increases its hardness and gives it a matt finish. The handle is made from PA6, a glass-fibre-reinforced plastic, with a textured surface that provides a comfortable, secure grip, with or without gloves. In keeping with the French Navy’s visual identity, the knife comes in four colours: khaki green for the commandos, black for the ocean depths, deep blue for the Tradition edition and white for naval aviation. Each knife is customised with an engraving on the blade depicting a commando, a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), an anchor or a Rafale Marine fighter aircraft. The belt clip also bears a dedicated motto, word or date, and each knife features a red screw engraved with its serial number, a reference to the red pompom on French sailors’ caps.
The French Navy officially adopted a standard-issue pocket knife in 1878. Although its official status was withdrawn in 1903, its use continued to be tolerated. Designed for both left- and right-handed users, the 400th-anniversary CAC also features a corkscrew, strap cutter, glass breaker and lanyard hole. It comes in a presentation box and costs €129, or €139 for the Tradition edition.
Now run by the 13th generation of the family, TB-Outdoor plans to continue producing the knife beyond the limited editions, until at least 2027.
- Aude Leroy
