John Wick, Keanu Reeve’s character in the famous action film series, is known for his close-quarter combat skills and meticulous weapon choices.
Among these, his selection of knives has intrigued fans and knife enthusiasts alike because some of them were made only for his movies. Since John Wick is a mercenary, he uses a unique collection of weapons.
This article breaks down the blades featured throughout the movies and why he chose them. So, let’s take a look at John Wick’s finest blades!
John Wick’s Choice of Blade Type
John Wick’s knives are not just tools- they are extensions of his fighting style. Let’s explore the types of blades he prefers:
Automatic/Switchblade/OTFs
Automatic knives, also known as Out the Front (OTF) knives, are John Wick’s blades of choice. These knives deploy their blades through the handle’s front with the push of a button. OTF knives, especially double-action switchblades featured in the movies, offer both quick deployment and retraction, making them ideal for quick, close combat.
In the John Wick series, Microtech’s Ultratech and Combat Troodon are prominent. Microtech’s collaboration with the filmmakers is part of the reason these models became iconic.
They’re fan favorites for a reason—they perfectly embody Wick’s energy. For example, the Combat Troodon, with its sleek design and dual-edge blade, reflects his precision and efficiency.
Karambit
The curved karambit blade, inspired by Southeast Asian martial arts, appears in the films but is primarily used by Shinobi assassins. John Wick uses it for grappling moves rather than offensive strikes. This knife’s curved shape and versatility add to the movie’s fight choreography.
4 Knives Featured in Each Movie
John Wick’s arsenal, along with his choice of blades, evolves throughout the films. One constant in the first three installments is his reliance on Microtech blades. Let’s break down the blades featured in each John Wick installment.
1. Microtech Ultratech- John Wick (2014)
The first movie introduces fans to the Microtech Ultratech. This OTF knife’s compact size and quick deployment are perfect for John Wick’s swift and deadly combat style.
Its clean lines and sharp double-edge blade, whose length is 3.35″, make it both practical and visually striking. It is an 8.36” knife made of premium steel. The contoured chassis handle has a light and ergonomic feel and comes in a smooth, flat finish.
2. Microtech Combat Troodon- John Wick Chapter 2 (2017)
In the second chapter, John Wick wields the Microtech Combat Troodon. This knife features a 3.8” double-edged dagger blade with a satin finish. Known for its rugged build and reliability of almost 6 ounces, the Combat Troodon is designed for both combat and utility. It’s a comfortable fighting knife, which explains why John Wick would use it.
The Troodon was used during the train scene when Wick says the iconic line, “Consider this a professional courtesy”. It perfectly portrays Wick’s precise and professional demeanor, which is
evident in his choice of weaponry. The Troodon became a “legacy Microtech” in the knife enthusiast community and outside it because of its feature in JW.
3. Microtech Cypher- John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum (2019)
The third movie features the Microtech Cypher. The original Cypher that John Wick used has been discontinued but there its successor the Cypher II is available. This OTF knife has a blade length of 3.53 inches, made from premium Bohler M390MK steel.
It has excellent edge retention and durability. Its aluminum handle and double-edged dagger-style blade come with a stonewashed finish, giving it a sleek and practical appearance.
Additionally, the jimping on the chassis gives it its aesthetic appeal and also maximum grip during use. For accessibility, the knife has a 6AL4V pocket clip with a ceramic detent, which is a lot better
than the original Cypher. This combination of (literal) cutting-edge design and functionality makes the Cypher a standout blade in John Wick’s arsenal.
4. Hawk Deadlock Model C- John Wick Chapter 4 (2023)
JW Chapter 4 introduces the Hawk Deadlock Model C. This knife stands out because of its custom titanium build and premium CPM-20CV steel blade. With a dual-edged design and a 3.5” blade length, it’s got superior edge retention and corrosion resistance. The Deadlock Model C sets the highest standard of craftsmanship, which perfectly fits John Wick’s high caliber fights.
Hawk’s Deadlock Model C is one of the rare blades with Zero Blade Play. The others include Microtech’s Atreus and Ultratech (Zero Blade Play versions). This model was specially made for JW4 and when bought, it comes in a special edition set.
JW Chapter 4 introduces the Hawk Deadlock Model C. This knife stands out because of its custom titanium build and premium CPM-20CV steel blade. With a dual-edged design and a 3.5” blade length, it’s got superior edge retention and corrosion resistance. The Deadlock Model C sets the highest standard of craftsmanship, which perfectly fits John Wick’s high caliber fights.
Hawk’s Deadlock Model C is one of the rare blades with Zero Blade Play. The others include Microtech’s Atreus and Ultratech (Zero Blade Play versions). This model was specially made for JW4 and when bought, it comes in a special edition set.
Special Mention- The Pencil
Beyond knives, one of the most memorable “weapons” associated with John Wick is his infamous pencil. It was first mentioned in the second movie, where he killed three men with a pencil. This was also demonstrated in the third movie when he killed two men using a normal pencil.
A lot of “John Wick Pencils” have been designed inspired by the scene, like the Baba Yaga Bo Shuriken Pencil or the FN Pen 1.0 made with a tungsten carbide tip used to break windows and ice alike.
Microtech also offers Marfione Custom collector sets that come with the first two movie knives. The set includes the three gold challenge coins as a nod to the currency of the movie, and a “John Wick’s Pencil”. Even Hawk Deadlock Model C comes with the John Wick Pencil.
What Knife Does John Wick Use?
John Wick’s choice of knives is a blend of functionality, craftsmanship, and style. From the sleek Microtech Ultratech to the high-performance Hawk Deadlock Model C, each blade plays a huge role in the films.
These knives are more than just props; they are integral to John Wick’s character and his legendary combat skills. Fans of the series and knife aficionados alike can appreciate the detail and precision that goes into these iconic weapons.
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