Bolos, Machetes and other Military Edged Tools
Military bolos, machetes and similar blades are used as tools to clear the heavy vegetation of the jungle, to cut and trim poles for tents or load carriers, as well as for general use. Other specialized blades serve functions in medical or air crew survival. The U.S. Army does not consider these edged tools as weapons, although they certainly have been used as both offensive and defensive weapons.
Some of the most significant edged weapons/tools in the U.S. military are further discussed on these Olive-Drab.com pages:
- Machetes
- Bolo Knives
- USMC Hospital Corpsman Knife
- LC-14-B Woodman's Pal
- ASEK: Aircrew Survival Egress Knife
U.S. Marine Raiders gathered in front of a Japanese dugout on Cape Totkina on Bougainville, Solomon Islands, January 1944. Machete on belt of Marine second from the right.
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