C.A.C. Commando Marine nationale: a limited-edition French military knife
The C.A.C. Commando Marine nationale is a special version of the C.A.C. multifunction knife, short for Combat Assistance Campagne, manufactured by TB Outdoor in Thiers. Created in collaboration with the Marine nationale brand to mark its 400th anniversary, this edition draws direct inspiration from the world of French naval infantry and naval commandos. It combines the functional characteristics of the C.A.C. with a distinctive design and several commemorative engravings. Unlike many knives that simply adopt a military aesthetic, the C.A.C. is produced by a manufacturer whose products have been selected by the French armed forces since 1996. This Commando version nevertheless has a particular status: it is a commemorative edition limited to 400 examples, created to celebrate four centuries of the French Navy.
A knife inspired by the naval commandos
The identity of this edition is immediately apparent in its khaki-green handle, a colour chosen in reference to French naval infantry and naval commandos. One side of the blade features an engraved depiction of a commando accompanied by the MN400 marking. The other side bears the word “AGILITÉ”, chosen to evoke the adaptability associated with these units. Another detail directly recalls the traditions of the French Navy: a red screw references the pompom on the bâchi, the traditional sailor’s cap worn by ratings and petty officers. It also bears the individual serial number of each knife. The knife is supplied in a carrying case with a certificate of authenticity displaying its number. Production is limited to 400 numbered examples. The entire knife is made in France, in Thiers, a town historically associated with French cutlery.
The C.A.C., a knife designed as a field tool
Beneath its distinctive decoration, this edition retains the architecture of the C.A.C. The knife has a 145 mm handle and is fitted with an 85 mm blade. Its stated weight is 195 grams. The handle is made from glass-fibre-reinforced PA6, a polymer chosen notably for its resistance to deformation and impact. A textured finish enhances grip. The knife is also ambidextrous: its locking mechanism can be operated from either side, while the belt clip is reversible to accommodate right- or left-handed carry. An attachment point also allows a cord or lanyard to be fitted. The mechanism uses a movable pivot that locks the blade while allowing any play to be adjusted. The design therefore allows adjustment after prolonged use if lateral play develops around the pivot.
A Nitrox steel blade
The 85 mm blade is made from Nitrox steel, a nitrogen-enriched stainless steel. Its stated composition notably includes 16% chromium and 0.35% carbon. Its hardness is rated at approximately 55 HRC. This choice notably favours corrosion resistance while allowing the blade to remain relatively easy to sharpen. This corrosion resistance is particularly important for a knife associated with a maritime environment. It does not, however, eliminate the need for maintenance: in damp or saltwater environments, the metal components should be protected and maintained regularly. The blade combines a conventional cutting edge with a serrated section. The stated sharpening angle is 17 degrees per side. This configuration combines a section intended for everyday cutting with serrations suited to certain materials that are more difficult to cut.
Integrated strap cutter and glass breaker
The C.A.C. offers more than its main blade. It features an integrated strap cutter, which can notably be used on a seat belt or paracord. This function allows certain materials to be cut without having to deploy the main blade. A glass breaker completes the equipment. It uses a tungsten carbide ball located at the end of the handle. A corkscrew is also included in the configuration specified for this edition. These different features make the C.A.C. more of a multifunctional field tool than a conventional folding knife.
From military knife to commemorative piece
The distinctive character of the C.A.C. Commando lies in the combination of two dimensions. Its design originates from a knife conceived as a robust and versatile tool, while this MN400 version adds a commemorative and collectable dimension. The engravings, khaki handle, numbered red screw and certificate of authenticity distinguish this version from a standard C.A.C. The model is also part of a series dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the French Navy, featuring several interpretations, including Tradition, Pilote and Forces sous-marines. This distinction helps avoid an important misunderstanding: the references to the naval commandos and the MN400 marking form part of the identity of this commemorative edition. They do not, in themselves, mean that this numbered version is a regulation knife specifically issued to French naval commandos.
A “naval commando” knife made in Thiers
French manufacturing is another important part of the model’s identity. The C.A.C. Commando MN400 is produced in Thiers, in the Puy-de-Dôme, an area closely associated with the history of French cutlery. With its 85 mm Nitrox blade, glass-fibre-reinforced handle, ambidextrous system, strap cutter and glass breaker, this edition retains the main functional characteristics of the C.A.C. Its distinctive features come from its French Navy styling and its production limited to 400 examples. The C.A.C. Commando Marine nationale therefore sits at the crossroads between a field knife and a military collectable. It does not attempt to reproduce a historical knife: instead, it applies the colours, symbols and references of the French naval commandos to a contemporary platform, as part of a series created to mark the 400th anniversary of the French Navy.
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Editor: Éric Barse
Journalist, entrepreneur, and founder of the websites www.cafe-racer-only.com and www.scooter-3-roues.com, Eric Barse divides his time between his passions: motorcycles, travel, and watches. A graduate of the Saint-Cyr military academy and the 2nd RPIMA (Parachute Regiment) before pursuing a career in communications and digital media, he has a true passion for authentic watches that have accompanied his two-wheeled adventures for many years, from the Indian Ocean to Africa and Latin America!
