When people think of Glock, the iconic polymer-framed handguns often come to mind. Known worldwide for their durability and reliability, these firearms have become a symbol of modern combat weaponry. But what many don’t realize is that Glock’s first big success wasn’t in the firearm industry at all – it was in the production of knives. Before revolutionizing handguns, Glock gained recognition for creating a blade that became a staple for military forces: the Glock Feldmesser 78.
The Birth of a Knife Company
Before Gaston Glock’s name was synonymous with handguns, he was an expert in plastic injection molding. Operating a small business in Austria, Glock and his wife manufactured everyday household products like curtain rods and door knobs. However, the 1970s were a time of rising global tensions due to the Cold War, and Austria found itself strategically located between the NATO and Warsaw Pact countries. Seeking to arm themselves without relying on foreign powers, the Austrian government turned to domestic production, including the development of military knives.
The Austrian Field Knife Competition
In 1978, Austria’s military announced a competition to design a new field knife, or “Feldmesser,” for their soldiers. The military’s criteria were strict, and the knife needed to serve multiple purposes, from self-defense to utility tasks. Gaston Glock saw this as an opportunity to expand his business beyond plastic goods, and thus the Glock 78 was born.
This new knife was more than just a sharp blade – it was an innovative tool. With a fixed 6.5-inch spring steel blade and a polymer handle, the Glock 78 was designed to be both durable and versatile. The simplicity of its design, combined with its functionality, made it stand out among the competition.
The Blade That Impressed
The Glock 78’s blade was made of high-quality spring steel with a hardness of over 55 on the Rockwell scale. The clip point design made it ideal for survival and self-defense, ensuring that it could pierce, slice, and endure tough conditions. But the true genius of the Glock 78 lay not in its blade but in its handle. Instead of opting for the traditional full tang design, where the metal extends through the entire handle, Glock innovated by giving the knife a hollow polymer grip. This not only reduced weight but allowed for additional functionality, such as the attachment to a rifle as a bayonet.
A Knife with Multiple Uses
The Glock 78 was designed to attach to Austria’s military rifle, the Steyr AUG, transforming it into a deadly bayonet. The hollowed-out handle allowed for a secure fit on the rifle, while the upturned cross guard fit snugly under the gun’s flash hider. Beyond its military applications, the knife also proved to be a surprisingly effective throwing blade, thanks to the weight distribution of the bayonet cavity.
Modern survivalists have found even more creative uses for the Glock 78. For instance, the hollow handle can be used to mount the knife on a stick, turning it into a makeshift spear. The knife’s bent cross guard can even serve as a makeshift bottle opener, adding to its utility in outdoor and survival settings.
A Military Staple
The Glock 78’s design was so impressive that it won the Austrian military contract, securing an initial order of 25,000 knives. This was Glock’s first major success, catapulting the company into the military equipment industry. To meet the demand, Gaston and his wife reportedly worked day and night, producing knives in their small workshop. This knife would go on to become the official service blade of the Austrian military and is still used today.
Continuous Improvement: The Glock 81
While the Glock 78 was a major hit, Glock saw room for improvement. In 1981, the company released an updated version called the Glock Feldmesser 81. This model retained many of the original features but included a saw blade on the spine of the knife. The saw blade made the Glock 81 even more versatile, allowing soldiers and outdoor enthusiasts to cut through wood and other materials more efficiently. Like the Glock 78, the 81 became a staple of the Austrian military and gained popularity among outdoorsmen.
More Than Just a Knife
The success of Glock’s knives was instrumental in the company’s future growth. The connections Glock made while supplying knives to the Austrian military were critical in securing contracts for their firearms. Without the success of the Feldmesser knives, the company might never have gained the reputation and resources necessary to develop the Glock 17 handgun – the firearm that would go on to redefine the industry.
A Knife That Stood the Test of Time
Even after more than 40 years, the Glock 78 and 81 are still in use by military forces and outdoor enthusiasts around the world. These knives have become a European equivalent to the American Ka-Bar, known for their ruggedness and practicality. Whether in combat, survival scenarios, or simply as a tool for the outdoors, the Glock knives have proven their worth time and time again.
Beyond the Battlefield
While these knives were designed with military use in mind, they’ve also gained popularity among hunters, campers, and survivalists. Their durability, lightweight design, and versatile functionality make them ideal for a wide range of applications. The Glock 78, in particular, has been praised for its balance, making it an excellent tool for both practical use and recreational knife throwing.
From Knives to Handguns
The success of the Glock knives set the stage for the company’s later achievements in firearms. When Glock introduced the revolutionary Glock 17 in the early 1980s, the company was already a trusted name in military circles thanks to their knives. This trust and recognition helped the company secure military contracts for their handguns, leading to the widespread adoption of Glock pistols by law enforcement and military agencies worldwide.
A Legacy of Innovation
The Glock 78 and 81 knives are more than just historical curiosities – they’re a testament to Glock’s legacy of innovation. From their inception, these knives have been designed with practicality and functionality in mind, using cutting-edge materials and thoughtful design features. In many ways, the success of these knives paved the way for Glock’s firearms to dominate the market in the years to come.
More Than Meets the Eye
So, the next time you think of Glock, remember that their success didn’t start with firearms. It started with a knife – a knife that became a trusted tool for soldiers and survivalists alike. The Glock 78 and 81 may not be as famous as their pistol counterparts, but their impact on the company’s history is undeniable. Without these blades, the Glock 17 and the entire line of Glock pistols might never have existed.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.