Trench RaiderMost of the early WWI trench knives were made by hand by individual soldiers or blacksmiths. Oftentimes they were Army Issued bayonets that were sharpened and shortened. The first official U. S. trench knife that was adopted for service was the US M1917 trench knife. Designed by Henry Disston & Sons and based on examples of trench knives then in service with the French Army. The M1917 featured a triangular stiletto blade, wooden grip, metal knuckle