Glock Knife 78 vs 81 [Field-Tested Differences That Matter]

Glock doesn’t just build world-famous pistols. Their field knives, the Glock 78 and Glock 81, also earn high marks from military personnel, outdoor adventurers, and survivalists.

At first glance, both knives look nearly identical same handle, same sheath, same rugged build. But one key difference turns these siblings into tools for different missions. The Glock 78 keeps things straightforward with a classic, no-nonsense fixed blade.

The Glock 81 adds a sawback spine, giving it a more tactical edge for cutting through wood, bone, or thick brush. Blade thickness, balance, and intended use set them apart even more. Each knife offers reliability, strength, and a reputation built on real-world use.

Deciding between the two doesn’t just come down to looks. It depends on what you need in the field. Dive into this comparison and find out which Glock blade matches your mission.

Glock Knife 78 vs Glock Knife 81

Tactical knives need to be strong, simple, and ready for hard work. Glock makes two well-known field knives: the Glock 78 and Glock 81.

Both are designed for military and outdoor use. Each one has its own shape and purpose, but they also share many things in common.

Let’s break down both models. First, we’ll take a close look at the Glock 78. Then we’ll move on to the Glock 81. After that, a side-by-side comparison, FAQs, and final thoughts will help you decide which one fits your needs.

Glock Model 78 Field Knife

The Glock 78 is a military-style field knife. It comes with a strong spring steel blade. The blade has a black non-reflective finish to reduce shine. Its Rockwell hardness falls between 50 and 55.

That gives a good balance between strength and flexibility. The blade does not have any serration. It features a straight spear-point edge.

A crossguard protects the user’s hand during work. The knife also comes with a lightweight polymer sheath. It is designed well for throwing and feels balanced in hand.

Features

• Spring steel blade with hardness of 50-55

• Black coated finish to reduce reflection

• Straight edge spear-point blade

• Cross bar for hand protection

• Balanced weight for throwing

• Includes a polymer sheath

What Is the Good?

The Glock 78 is tough and easy to handle. Its straight blade works well for cutting, piercing, and even light chopping. The finish helps avoid shine in the field. It feels balanced and strong, making it easy to throw. The crossguard is useful during intense use.

What Is the Bad?

This knife lacks a saw or serration. That makes it less helpful for cutting rope or wood. The plastic sheath feels simple and might not impress some users. Also, it doesn’t have extra features like storage or grip texture.

Overall Opinion

The Glock 78 is simple, strong, and made for action. It works well for field tasks, self-defense, and light survival work. People who want a no-nonsense knife will like it. It does what it’s built to do.

Glock KB17281 81 Field Knife

 

The Glock 81 takes the basic design of the 78 and adds more. It features a 6.5-inch spring steel blade with a spear point. The blade is treated with phosphate to protect it from rust.

The biggest difference is the saw teeth on the back of the blade. These allow cutting through wood or rope with ease.

This knife weighs about 8 ounces. It is about 11.4 inches long and comes with a polymer sheath. The design allows both right-handed and left-handed use. It’s strong, simple, and ready for the field.

Features

• 6.5-inch spring steel blade

• Phosphate-treated to fight rust

• Saw back for cutting tough material

• Spear-point blade with plain edge

• Ambidextrous grip

• Lightweight polymer sheath

• Made in Austria

• 2-year manufacturer warranty

What Is the Good?

The saw adds real value in outdoor use. It helps cut branches or rope without needing another tool. The phosphate treatment helps protect the blade in wet or dirty conditions. The knife feels balanced and strong in hand. The sheath works well and keeps the knife secure.

What Is the Bad?

The saw teeth can get in the way during some tasks. The blade might feel a little thick for fine slicing. The plastic grip may feel too smooth for some users. It doesn’t have extra grip texture or finger grooves.

Overall Opinion

The Glock 81 is like the 78, but with more function. The added saw makes it better for survival and camping. It’s good for those who want one knife to handle both cutting and sawing. It’s tough and reliable without extra fluff.

Detailed Comparison for Glock 78 vs Glock 81

Both the Glock 78 and Glock 81 are made from spring steel. Both include polymer sheaths and feature spear-point blades. The main difference is in the blade design.

The Glock 78 has a plain edge with no saw teeth. It’s great for combat, throwing, or general field use. Its blade is simple and clean. The Glock 81 adds saw teeth along the spine. This gives more function for outdoor or survival use.

The 81 has a phosphate coating to protect against rust. The 78 uses a non-reflective black coating instead. Both are durable, but the phosphate finish may last longer under hard use.

The 78 feels slightly better balanced for throwing. The 81 feels more practical for outdoor work. Both knives are light, strong, and made to take a beating.

FAQs

What’s the biggest difference between the Glock 78 and 81?
The Glock 81 has saw teeth on the blade. The Glock 78 has a clean, plain blade.

Is the Glock 81 better for survival?
Yes. The saw back makes it more useful for wood or rope cutting.

Can the Glock 78 be used for throwing?
Yes. It’s balanced well and works nicely as a throwing knife.

Are both knives legal to carry?
Check local laws. Rules about blade length and saw edges may differ by country or state.

Do both come with sheaths?
Yes. Both include strong plastic sheaths for belt carry.

Conclusion

The Glock 78 and Glock 81 are both tough field knives. Each one brings something different. The Glock 78 is simpler, cleaner, and great for combat or throwing.

The Glock 81 adds more function with a saw back and a rust-resistant blade. Your choice depends on your needs. Want a clean blade for tactical use? Go with the 78.

Need a multi-use knife for the outdoors? Pick the 81. Both give solid performance, simple design, and the kind of strength people expect from Glock.