Conrad “Ben” Baker was a problem solver. When special operations troops during the Vietnam War needed a “non-attributable,” or sterile, knife for cross-border reconnaissance and irregular warfare, Baker was uniquely positioned to design and procure their plausibly deniable piece of kit. From this request were born the rare and legendary MACV-SOG knives.
Background
In 1964, Baker was the Deputy Chief for the United States Counterinsurgency Support Office (CISO), based in Okinawa. Tasked with outfitting U.S. Army Special Forces, Civilian Irregular Defense Groups (CIDGs), and the Military Assistance Command/Vietnam (MACV), one of Baker’s many assignments was to produce an unmarked knife that could act as a survival tool or close-quarters weapon in the hands of U.S. soldiers or sailors.
One of several groups under MACV command was the Studies and Observation Group, or SOG. MACV-SOG conducted dangerous recon and raids “over the fence” into Laos, Cambodia and North Vietnam. A typical SOG team would consist of two to three U.S. SOG members and up to nine indigenous personnel (typically Montagnards, Chinese, or Cambodians). SOG began with Army Special Forces and CIA assets, but quickly brought in U.S. Navy SEALs and Force Recon Marines.
