The knife-hand is a staple gesture in the military. It conveys a sense of power from those who use it wisely and temporarily cripples those who get one stuck in their face.
Delivering the proper knife-hand takes skill, and each one is special in its own subtle way.
Related: This video answers the question of the casualty radius of Mattis’ knife hand
9. The “re-adjusting” knife-hand
This knife-hand is being perfectly deployed to let this boot know his hand salute wasn’t up to freakin’ par. There, that’s better.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17282266/origin.png?strip=all&quality=95)
8. The famous “get ready for freakin’ boot camp” knife-hand
These knife-hands are meant to be up-close and personal with the “poolee,” as this is the first of many to come.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17282267/origin.png?strip=all&quality=95)
7. The “double-hand” knife-hand
This type of knife-hand is becoming an endangered species, as it takes a mighty human to deliver such a gesture. This double-handed gesture can be specially deployed when talking to a group of screw-ups.
It’s beautiful.
#MattisForPresident
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17282268/origin.png?strip=all&quality=95)
6. The “interview” knife-hand
This particular knife-hand is also meant to display power and convey a clear message of, “you better f*cking listen.” Notice how the general’s thumb is raised, not laid flat alongside his other fingers. Like Mattis, that’s a legit sign of a warrior.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17282269/origin.png?strip=all&quality=95)
Also Related: This is where drill instructors come from
5. The “drive-by” knife-hand
This fine display sends the message of, “stop being a f*ck-up” as you walk by someone who is probably going to f*ck up.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17282270/origin.png?strip=all&quality=95)
4. The “I can’t believe you’re eyeballin’ me” knife-hand
Sometimes, recruits and other boots eyeball the instructors and they need a quick attitude adjustment. That is all.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17282271/origin.png?strip=all&quality=95)
3. The “are you freakin’ serious?” knife-hand
This excellent display of aggressiveness toward another soldier is remarkable. Some say there are no stupid questions. Well, in the military, there are — and this is how they’re met.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17320115/origin.png?strip=all&quality=95)
Don’t Forget: 6 times Gunny Hartman was guilty of hazing
2. The “officer and a gentleman” knife-hand
This distinctive hand gesture is formulated especially for men who want to become Naval officers one day.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17320116/origin.png?strip=all&quality=95)
1. The “don’t question me” knife-hand
Self-explanatory.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17320117/origin.png?strip=all&quality=95)
Bonus: What it looks like to receive a knife-hand
They fun as hell to hand out, but they suck to receive.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17320118/origin.png?strip=all&quality=95)