subordinate commands
Unites States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School Unit Crest

 Welcome to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warefare Museum
The Yarborough Knife

 
Picture of Yarborough Knife, SF patch and tab, USASOC patch, USAJFKSWCS patch and all active and NG SF groups

The serial number knife retail sale of the knife is now closed.

As of late 2005, all authorization letters for the 987 knives reserved for sale were issued. There currently is a waiting list for those who will be eligible to purchase the knife if a holder of an authorization letter forfeits his reservation. This does not impact the issuance of knives to the present day graduates of the Special Forces Qualification Course.

  • The Yarborough Knife, a nearly 12.5-inch combat utility knife (seven inches of blade) produced by custom knife maker, William W. Harsey, was conceived during an informal dinner discussion between Lieutenant General William P. Yarborough
    and Lieutenant General Doug Brown.  Lieutenant General Yarborough wanted Special Forces soldiers to have a distinctive edged weapon as did its ancestors in World War II – the First Special Service Force with its V-42 and the OSS with the Fairbairn-Sykes Knife.   In 2002, a program for issuance of knives to graduates of the US Army Special Forces Qualification Course was instituted. 987 knives were set aside for retail sale to former or current members of the US Army Special Forces.
  • The manufacturer of the knife is Chris Reeve Knives of Boise, Idaho, a company that has received several manufacturing quality awards.  In June 2003, the Yarborough Knife earned Bill Harsey and Chris Reeve Knives Blade Magazine's 2003 Knife Collaboration of the Year Award.  Non-serial numbers knives, to be known as "The Special Forces Knife" are available either through Chris Reeves Knives or Tactical and Survival Specialities, Inc.of Harrisburg, Virginia. Only serial number knives are known as "The Yarborough Knife."

       

A Message to all Holders of Authorization Letters.

The retail sale of the Yarborough Knife has now ceased. The deadline for purchase of the Yarborough Knife with by a current authorization letter holder is 1 April 2006. If the holder does not use his option to purchase a knife, he forfiets his reservation to someone on the waiting list. After all 987 knives have been purchased, no other serial numbered knives will be produced for retail sales. If authorization letter holder has problems and/or comments, please contact the Chief of Staff, USAJFKSWCS at 910-432-3819. 

How Do I Contact the JFK Museum Gift Shop to Purchase the Knife?

    After receiving the memorandum of authorization from the Chief of Staff, the purchaser may either go in person or mail the memorandum to the Gift Shop.  If presented with documentation in lieu of a signed memorandum, the gift shop clerk(s) will direct the purchaser to the Chief of Staff.  Faxes will not be accepted as the original memorandum must be provided along with a proof of identification. 
Knives will not be available for immediate purchase from the gift shop. The museum will order the knives in sequences of 10.  Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery from the manufacturer to the gift shop after the order is placed.
Address:
JFK Special Warfare Museum Gift Shop
P.O. Box 70060                      
Fort Bragg, NC 28307-0060   
Telephone: (910) 436–2366 or (910)436-1724.

RESTRICTIONS:

  • According to policy, the Yarborough Knife is a one-time presentation or one-time purchase item.  Eligible soldiers or retirees are only authorized the issue or sale of one Yarborough Knife.  If one is lost or destroyed, eligible personnel may request, accompanied by a sworn affidavit and any other supporting documents relative to the loss or destruction of the knife, a  waiver. 
  • Soldiers or their estates are not authorized to sell them to third parties.
  • Local commanders will establish policies for the wear and carrying of the Yarborough Knife consistent with operational requirements and local policies and laws.
  • The knife cannot be purchased by family, friends or estates of Special Forces personnel.
  • Knives are sold in sequence.