The color photo that begins the article, shows the issue MPT above, and an issue, but serial numbered MPF, with the original, long cross pin. The serial numbered MPF is #003, of a total of twenty knives that were serial numbered. Both knives are nonmagnetic.

In Waffen Digest '96 your author covered the developments of the American firm of Mission Knives. This new company successfully designed and delivered to the United States Special Operations community, the now internationally known, Multi Purpose Knife, the MPK. The MPK has a blade of high grade titanium and the entire knife and scabbard system are nonmagnetic, and noncorroding. The knife is currently used by all four of the American military services in their Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units. The MPK is also issued by the U.S. Navy Seal Teams, the United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance units, as well as by a number of non-U.S. Special Forces units, including the entire Spec Ops unit of one of the western allied, Gulf States.

Keeping in mind that the original WD '96 article was published in 1996, and begun in late 1995, much has happened since then, both to Mission Knives and to its many developing products. In this article the author will endeavor to cover the many new knives and products developed by Mission, and to bring the reader up to date on all the further developments in the MPK's history.

Of special note is that Mission Knives ceased to exist as a company in the winter of 1997, and a new corporation took its place. Mission Knives' President and knife designer, Rick Schultz, who is ably assisted by his skilled and experienced Vice President and Operations Manager, John R. Moore, started up the new corporation, now officially registered as Mission Knives & Tools, Inc.

Mission Knives & Tools, is now located in Laguna Hills, California. This corporate name change represents a partial change of ownership, and also a public statement of the new corporation's abilities to work in titanium and other advanced materials.

(Top) The side view of the prototype, nonmetallic CT knife.

(Bottom) A top view showing the three different widths of the prototype, nonmetallic CT knives, 1/4", 3/8", 1/2".

The CT knife--In 1995, At the request of members of the Naval Special Operations Command, Mission Knives began the design of a very simple, nonmetallic, nonmagnetic, knife made of G-10 high pressure laminate. This knife was created as an emergency back up knife for active duty use, especially overseas where a metal knife was not suitable. The knife was meant to be compact and easily concealable for those often unforeseen circumstances that may be encountered by military, and also specialized law enforcement personnel in the fulfillment their sworn duties.

(Top)The nonmagnetic, waterproof, diamond sharpener (extended), using the carrying tube has a hand grip --- and closed with the sharpener reversed into the protection of the carrying tube.

(Bottom) The first-production CT knife, with its black web scabbard showing the stitched on belt loop and the web and velcro cross strap.

First a series of light greenish-yellow colored prototype knives were made, all with the same style of V-ground, double edged blades, and identical hilt designs, but with varying thickness of the G-10 material. The three thicknesses that were tested, were 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". Approximately 15 of these 23. cm long, prototype knives were manufactured, all without scabbards. After a number of field and operational tests, the design of the "first-production" G-10 knife was completed. Then this new knife was officially designated the "CT" or "Counter Terrorism" model.

a) The CT-1 M (mini) at the top. b) The standard CT-1 in the middle.

c) The standard CT-1 web scabbard with its removable and swiveling belt loop.

Only fifty units of the first-production CT knives were manufactured, and these were completed in early 1997. This entire group of knives was made from black colored, 1/4" thick, G-10 material, with a slim, flat sided, and compact design. The knife's overall length was 23.5 cm, and the V-ground blade was 11. cm, being designed more for thrusting than for cutting, but the CT is quite capable of both maneuvers. Each of the first-production knives was provided with a black colored, nylon web sheath, with a velcro cross strap, and a permanently attached velcro tipped belt loop. This nonmetallic knife was designated the CT-1, and the first U.S. naval unit to purchase these was one of the Coronado based Seal Teams.

a) The standard CT-3 at the top. b) The standard CT-3M (mini) in the middle.

c) The CT-3M scabbard with its removable and swiveling belt loop.

From the very first, Mission requested feedback on the CT-1's usage from all of its military and law enforcement purchasers. After this data was collected, the company planned to make any design changes or improvements that seemed either practical or user efficient.