---
title: "6 reasons to fear the knife-hand"
date: "2018-04-02"
modified: "2020-10-21"
authors:
  - name: "Orvelin Valle"
    link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/orvelinvalle/"
url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/6-reasons-fear-knife-hand/"
categories:
  - "Join the Military"
  - "Military Culture"
---

# 6 reasons to fear the knife-hand

![](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17290314/origin.jpg>)

The "knife-hand" is the multi-tool gesture of the military. Actually, you can think of it as a Swiss army knife – pun intended.

---

The knife-hand is used in a plethora of ways ranging from administrative to instructional and even to gauge anger, according to[ Terminal Lance](<https://terminallance.com/2010/08/27/terminal-lance-59-knife-hand-anger-gauge/>) creator Maximilian Uriarte. "Never, anywhere in the Marine Corps, have I ever seen the knife-hand so flagrantly used. I always took note, however, that the higher the knife-hand is on the drill instructor, the more pissed off he is."

![](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17290315/origin.gif>)
*Image courtesy of Terminal Lance*

Perhaps the reason the knife-hand commands so much attention is because they're deadly, [according](<https://www.duffelblog.com/2012/04/soldier-dropped-from-wlc-after-terrorizing-fellow-students-with-knife-hands/>) to Duffel Blog. Here are six videos showing knife-hand devastation:

### 1. A Marine demonstrates the knife hand knockout on his curious buddy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ej5mQODqwM

### 2. Another Marine nearly hits the deck after a knife hand attack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xaQPdaxmec

### 3. This guy takes two hits but is still able to walk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KxBqL2ITCk

### 4. It's a good way to stop friends' annoying shenanigans (if you know what you're doing).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awxv_OZfAyk

### 5. This nice couple practices their knife hands in front of their kids.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJDiHgRUM88

### NOW: [23 photos of drill instructors terrifying the Hell out of Marine recruits ](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/marine-drill-instructors-recruits-yelling/>)

### OR: [Marine veteran chokes the hell out of a guy trying to rob a gas station ](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/marine-choking-gas-station-thief/>)

## Author
OV is a Navy veteran and an expert in social media and entertainment marketing. Previously, with music electronics company Roland, he created social media outreach and growth strategies that became Roland's worldwide corporate standard. OV also managed social media and promotions for Madison Square Garden and Clear Channel Radio.