In 2026, the French Navy celebrates its 400th anniversary. To mark this exceptional milestone, TB-Outdoor — a Thiers-based knifemaker and official supplier to the French armed forces since 1996 — has designed a series of four limited-edition C.A.C.® knives, each dedicated to a specific branch of the Navy. Tradition, Pilot, Commando, Submarine Forces: four identities, one same standard of excellence. Here's what you need to know about this collection.
Why 400 years of the French Navy?
The French National Navy is one of the oldest navies in the world. Officially founded in 1626 under Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu, it has navigated four centuries of conflicts, explorations, and commitments in service of the Republic. Today, with tens of thousands of sailors, it is the only European navy to operate an autonomous carrier strike group — the Charles de Gaulle — and one of the few in the world to maintain an oceanic nuclear deterrence component with the Strategic Oceanic Force (FOST).
To honor this anniversary, the French Navy brand authorized TB-Outdoor to create an official licensed collection, featuring the anchor, symbols, and mottos of the various Navy components. Each knife is limited to 400 numbered copies — a deliberately restricted run, reflecting the rarity of the event.
The C.A.C.®: The collection's core tool
The C.A.C.® — Combat Assistance Campagne — is TB-Outdoor's benchmark tactical folding knife. Used by the French armed forces since 1996, it is designed for degraded environments: marine, mountain, jungle, urban. Its Nitrox® steel blade — a nitrogen-doped stainless steel with 16% chromium and 0.35% carbon — provides superior corrosion resistance compared to conventional martensitic steels, while maintaining easy sharpening in the field (hardness: 55 HRC, sharpening angle: 17° per side).
The basic tactical functions are present on all models in the MN400 collection: combo blade (plain edge + serrations), integrated strap cutter, tungsten carbide ball glass breaker, ambidextrous reversible belt clip, movable axle locking mechanism with play compensation. Weight: 195 g. Blade length: 85 mm. Total open length: 145 mm. Made in France, in Thiers (Puy-de-Dôme), at the Générale de Découpage workshops.
The 4 models of the C.A.C.® MN400 collection
1. C.A.C.® Tradition French Navy — €139
The Tradition edition is the centerpiece of the collection. It pays homage to the history and deep identity of the Navy as a whole. Its Nitrox® steel blade is adorned with a bluish PVD coating — the iconic color of the Navy — with golden finishes on the backlock and belt clip. Engraved on the front face: the French Navy anchor insignia and the "MN400" marking. On the reverse: the word "PATRIE" (Homeland), a simple reminder of the sailors' unwavering commitment to the Nation.
The red screw that secures the individual serial number evokes the red pompom of the "bâchi" worn by ratings and quartermasters — a masterly detail that immediately resonates with enthusiasts. Delivered in its official transport box with a certificate of authenticity stating the issue number. Limited edition of 400 copies.
2. C.A.C.® Pilot French Navy — €129
Naval aviation has its own codes. The Pilot edition translates them onto the C.A.C.® with an assertive operational aesthetic: black Nitrox® blade with a toxified coating, gray handle, black belt clip. Sober, coherent, without frills — reflecting the nature of naval aviation missions.
The laser engraving on the blade depicts the silhouette of a Rafale Marine, the multi-role combat aircraft of the carrier strike group. On the reverse: the word "AUDACE" (Audacity). The red screw carries the serial number. This model is particularly aimed at enthusiasts of naval aviation and the embarked naval air component of the Charles de Gaulle. Limited edition of 400 copies.
3. C.A.C.® Commando French Navy — €129
The Marine Commandos are the special forces of the French Navy. Heirs to the Kieffer Commandos and the traditions of the marine riflemen, they are recognized as among the most seasoned units of the French armed forces. The Commando edition pays direct tribute to them with a khaki green handle — the reference color of the marine riflemen — and a sober blade of formidable efficiency.
The front face of the blade bears the engraved face of a commando, determined gaze, mission posture. The "MN400" marking completes the blade. On the reverse: the word "AGILITÉ" (Agility), the tactical signature of the Navy's elite units. Strictly limited edition of 400 copies.
4. C.A.C.® Submarine Forces French Navy — €129
The world of submariners is unique. Long, silent missions, in depths where the slightest lack of rigor can be fatal. The Submarine Forces edition captures this universe with a deep black handle evoking the darkness of the deep, and a Nitrox® blade with its corrosion resistance pushed to its maximum — an absolute requirement in saline and pressurized environments.
The laser engraving depicts the silhouette of a nuclear attack submarine (SNA) from the Submarine Forces and Strategic Oceanic Force (FOST). On the reverse: the word "RIGUEUR" (Rigor) — an obvious choice for anyone familiar with submariners. The red screw carries the individual serial number. Strictly limited edition of 400 copies.
Summary table of the MN400 collection
| Model | Handle color | Blade finish | Front engraving | Reverse engraved word | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradition | Deep blue | Bluish PVD + golden finishes | French Navy anchor + MN400 | PATRIE | €139 |
| Pilot | Gray | Toxified matte black | Rafale Marine + MN400 | AUDACE | €129 |
| Commando | Khaki green | Matte black | Commando face + MN400 | AGILITÉ | €129 |
| Submarine Forces | Deep black | Matte black | SNA silhouette + MN400 | RIGUEUR | €129 |
All models: Nitrox® steel, HRC 55, combo blade (plain + serrations), strap cutter, glass breaker, reversible belt clip. Weight 195 g. Made in France — Thiers (63).
What distinguishes this collection from generic military knives
There are a multitude of knives on the market that claim to be "military." The MN400 collection does not claim to be: it is. The difference is fundamental. TB-Outdoor has been the referenced supplier to the French armed forces since 1996. This is not a marketing argument: it is a fact documented by renewable public defense contracts, which imply requirements for reliability, maintainability, and robustness that a knife designed for display simply cannot meet.
The collaboration with the French Navy brand for this MN400 collection is based on an official license agreement. The symbols applied — anchor, Rafale Marine, commando, SNA — are not generic representations: they are validated by the communication services of the French Navy. Each knife comes with a certificate of authenticity stating its individual issue number out of 400.
Who is this collection for?
The MN400 collection appeals to three distinct profiles:
- Collectors: limited edition of 400 numbered copies, certificate of authenticity, official box — all the attributes of a premium military collector's item.
- Sailors, former sailors, and military families: an object rich in meaning, directly linked to the identity of a specific branch or component (naval aviation, marine commandos, FOST).
- Enthusiasts of Made in France tactical cutlery: a C.A.C.® in its most visually accomplished version, without compromising on performance.
The Tradition, Pilot, Commando, and Submarine Forces knives are available in limited stock at tb-outdoor.com/collections/c-a-c-marine-nationale. Several models are already out of stock — production is closed at 400 copies per model, with no possibility of restocking.
Frequently asked questions about the C.A.C.® French Navy collection
Are the MN400 knives real military knives or just collector's items?
Both. They are based on the technical foundation of the C.A.C.® used operationally by the French armed forces since 1996, with all its tactical functions (strap cutter, glass breaker, combo blade). The specific engravings and finishes also make them limited-edition collector's items.
How many copies are produced per model?
400 copies per model, each individually numbered. This run will not be renewed.
Where are these knives made?
In Thiers (Puy-de-Dôme), at the workshops of Générale de Découpage, an industrial subsidiary of the Tarrerias Bonjean group that controls the entire value chain, from raw steel to the finished product.
Can the blade be customized?
Yes. TB-Outdoor offers a blade marking service to personalize your knife with text or an identification number.
