John Wick, the Baba Yaga, is renowned for his lethal skills with firearms, a fact widely discussed and celebrated among action movie aficionados. His arsenal of guns is iconic, but to truly appreciate Wick’s deadly efficiency, one must also examine his choice of knives. Beyond just firearms, John Wick is a master of improvisation, utilizing everything from nunchucks to pencils as weapons. Knives, however, hold a special place in his arsenal, appearing throughout the series as tools for both silent eliminations and close-quarters combat. Let’s delve into the world of John Wick’s knives and explore the blades that complement his deadly reputation.
From the outset, the John Wick series has established its protagonist’s affinity for sharp instruments. Whether for discreetly dispatching enemies, providing a tactical edge during reloads, or even for mundane tasks like opening packages, knives are integral to Wick’s world. Let’s examine the specific knives John Wick has wielded throughout his action-packed saga.
John Wick’s Knife Collection: Blades of an Assassin
John Wick exhibits a clear preference for automatic knives, particularly Out-The-Front (OTF) switchblades. While he occasionally utilizes karambits and fixed blades situationally, the knives he consistently carries are predominantly OTF models. Let’s explore these signature blades favored by the legendary assassin.
John Wick (2014): Microtech Ultratech OTF Knife – The Original Choice
In the film that launched the saga, John Wick utilizes the Microtech Ultratech OTF knife to devastating effect against numerous adversaries. For a professional like Wick, reliability and quality are paramount, making the Ultratech, a top-tier OTF knife, a fitting choice. This knife features a rapid, thumb-slide deployment mechanism, projecting a 3.4-inch blade in mere fractions of a second. Its double-action functionality allows for both opening and closing via the same intuitive switch.
Microtech Ultratech OTF knife with quasi-tanto blade
The Ultratech’s blade, often in a quasi-tanto style, is engineered for piercing strength, crucial for a tactical knife. Constructed from premium-grade steels, these blades are built for durability and edge retention. A built-in glass breaker adds another layer of utility, serving as an impromptu close-quarters weapon for skull strikes in dire situations.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017): Microtech Combat Troodon – Upgrading the Arsenal
The sequel sees John Wick once again brandishing a Microtech, this time the formidable Combat Troodon. While Microtech’s appearance in the first film might have been coincidental, by the second and third installments, the company officially collaborated with the production, supplying knives for the films. The Combat Troodon is a substantial knife, boasting a 3.8-inch dagger-style blade. It’s the larger variant of the standard Troodon, named after the Troodon dinosaur known for its sharp talons.
Microtech Combat Troodon OTF knife with dagger blade
The specific Combat Troodon model used by Wick features a double-edged dagger blade, prominently showcased during the intense train fight sequence in John Wick: Chapter 2. This blade design emphasizes thrusting and penetration, perfectly suited for Wick’s close-combat style.
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019): Microtech Cypher OTF Knife – Bigger and Better
As the John Wick series escalated in scale and action, so did the knives. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum introduces the Microtech Cypher, the largest Microtech OTF featured in the films to date. The Cypher boasts a 4-inch dagger-style blade and a sleek, stonewashed finish on its handle. Designed for both cutting and stabbing, the Cypher sees extensive use by Wick throughout the film.
Microtech Cypher OTF knife with stonewash finish
Like its Microtech predecessors, the Cypher is a double-action OTF knife, deploying via a side-mounted button. John Wick: Chapter 3 is arguably the most knife-centric film in the series, featuring a variety of blades alongside Wick’s signature OTF. The sheer volume of knife action in this installment could warrant a dedicated analysis on its own.
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023): Hawk Knife Designs Deadlock OTF – The Pinnacle of OTF Technology
In John Wick: Chapter 4, Wick deviates from Microtech, opting for the Deadlock OTF from Hawk Knife Designs. Widely considered the most advanced OTF knife available, the Deadlock represents the pinnacle of OTF technology. Its hefty price tag, starting around $1,800 for a basic model, reflects its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Hawk Knife Designs Deadlock OTF knife with dual-edge dagger blade
The Deadlock is renowned for its zero blade play, eliminating any wobble or movement for unparalleled stability. Its deployment is exceptionally fast and reliable, utilizing a double-action, thumb-driven mechanism with a centrally located release. The dual-edge dagger blade is crafted from various premium materials, ensuring top-tier performance. The latest iterations of the Deadlock can reach prices as high as $3,500, making it a truly high-value tool, perhaps worth a few gold coins in the John Wick universe.
Honorable Mention: KA-BAR Tanto – A Nod to Tactical History
In the original John Wick, during the iconic scene where he retrieves his hidden cache of weapons and gold coins, a KA-BAR Tanto is visible among the arsenal. While never explicitly used on screen, its inclusion is noteworthy. The KA-BAR, particularly the Tanto version, is a classic tactical knife with a strong association with military personnel, especially Marines. Its presence in Wick’s stash subtly hints at a potential military background, a concept that was later somewhat alluded to in subsequent films.
KA-BAR Tanto fixed blade knife with black handle
The Edge of Excellence: John Wick’s Knife Philosophy
Just as John Wick’s firearms are consistently high-end and meticulously chosen, so too are his knives. Each blade featured in the John Wick films is a premium tool, reflecting a commitment to quality and performance. The series’ success lies, in part, in its dedication to equipping its elite assassins with top-tier weaponry, both firearms and knives, enhancing the realism and visceral impact of its action sequences. John Wick’s knives are not mere props; they are extensions of his character, embodying his precision, lethality, and unwavering professionalism.
