When precision matters and safety counts, the MDV Trainer from Skallywag Tactical delivers. Designed to match the size, weight, and feel of the original MDV Plus 1, this purpose-built training blade allows you to sharpen your technique without the danger of a live edge. Whether you're a law enforcement professional, martial artist, or a civilian focused on self-defense, this trainer is engineered to support serious skill development.
Crafted from high-quality 6061 aluminum, the MDV Trainer is both lightweight and rugged. The blue anodized finish provides clear visual identification as a non-lethal training tool, making it safe for sparring, force-on-force scenarios, and structured blade work.
This is not a toy, it’s a professional-grade tool built for repeated use in demanding training environments. From draw-and-deploy drills to control and retention techniques, the MDV Trainer gives you the confidence to train hard and train right.
Specifications:
Material: 6061 Aluminum
Finish: Blue Anodized
Designed for: MDV Plus 1-style training
Purpose: Non-lethal blade training and drills
Includes: Trainer only – no sheath or additional gear
The MDV+1 Trainer is a nice trainer and it is basically exactly like the real blade, but minus the sharp edges and some of the extra weight obviously. However, some of the edges are still not something I would want someone slashing me with in practice, so I would tape or otherwise pad it a bit if you’re planning on training with a partner in a realistic way.
As far as the real blade goes, the MVD+1 is an awesome little blade. It’s very sharp, locks into your hand like few other knives out there, and being able to form the grip exactly the way my hands like it is actually quite nice. I was apprehensive about the amount of grip I would get with this handle, but even without taping it up it still locks in pretty darn well, and with the customized/cushioned tape it is not coming out of my hand unless I just completely let go of it. Very concealable as well.
Zachary L.5/5Verified
Bob appreciate the training blade!!
Erick S.5/5Verified
Perfection. Awesome replica of d2 blade. Bob approves. So far no damage to training dummy. Fits sheath and allows realistic drawing movement. Highly recommended to augment your skills training.
Eric S.5/5
Very nice color, nicely machined, feels good. Were some deep blemishes in the practice knife. Was a gift - other wise I personally wouldn't care to much about it.
Semper Fi,
Tae So
Tae S.4/5Verified
The trainer is essential. Worth every penny. You can be safe as you drill the routines of defending yourself and practice.
Christopher B.5/5Verified
Trainer for sheath draw practice, so stoked these are back in stock. My hands are a bit too big for a four finger grip. After many wraps with 2 inch hockey tape it spreads the fingers just enough to make the grip comfortable for me.
Lee5/5
Nice companion to the MDV-1.
I had to buy it separately, but I would recommend the set.
Karl W.5/5Verified
This is a fantastic training knife that is a must-have with the mdv 1. It fits in the sheath perfectly
Eric P.5/5Verified
Feels great in the hand, moves quickly, and great for training. Love that they offer this product!
Brandon B.5/5Verified
This was worth the wait.. I was able to get both the blade and the trainer.. I love the quality of this trainer.. alot of trainers kinda seem like a after thought, I'm here to tell you this one isn't. If you get the MVD+1 you owe it to yourself to get the trainer also .. and FYI get two rolls of monkey tape.
Joel L.5/5Verified
This trainer is excellent, helps you learn how to manipulate the knife and is a super less-than lethal tool. Jab it into a nerve cluster or pressure point and most punks will not be able to get away from you fast enough!
Morrison G.5/5
The trainer is awesome, its the exact dimensions as the D2, and Aluminum MDV-1 blade. Fits all of the MDV-1 kydex sheaths perfectly!
Jesus G.5/5Verified
I love my new blue MDV trainer. Beatdowb Bob is not to thrilled about it though.
Robin R.5/5Verified
Just a trainer and an extra sheath to use when practicing deploying the trainer. It works as advertised and with the trainer I can practice by striking a hard surface without worrying about damaging the real knife.
Geoffrey C.5/5Verified
Beautifully made trainer/replica blade. Absolute must buy if you're buying the MDV+1 live blade. Thank you Skallywag!!
Brandon L.5/5Verified
Excellent product it is a must have if you owned the MDV plus one! also you should really consider purchasing the MDV plus one training classes on Eliteyou with Michael Donvito it really helped me understand the madness and mindset behind this blade!
Side note for Skallywag owners you need to restock the live blade in d2 and Damascus I got friends who want this blade but it’s out of stock.
John C.5/5Verified
A perfect trainer. Feels like the actual knife and the bright blue color dispels any chance of confusion. Another top quality product from SKALLYWAG.
Frank A.5/5Verified
I was amazed at the number of useful videos done on the MDV knife. One in particular sold me on the importance of training with the unsharpened aluminum version to get the muscle memory required to use the steel version. Highly recommend you buy the training blade!
William B.5/5Verified
I am very happy the Damascus knife that I purchased earlier but was very careful when working it , very sharp. Now that I have the trainer I can be a little bit less careful especially on the draw. All products are well made and feel good in the hand. Great communication and fast delivery.
Roger B.5/5Verified
Perfect replica for practice.
James S.5/5Verified
Very needed trainer to familiarise with the tool. The versatility still amazes me. Learning a lot about personal defence.
Angelo V.5/5Verified
This caught my eye due to the unique design. It’s very well made and really well designed as a deep concealment, last ditch weapon. My GF has hijacked mine for her daily jogs since it’s easy for her to carry in workout clothes.
My only complaint isn’t a flaw on the part of skallywag, but rather that my hands are a little big to use it comfortably. I wear a 2XL glove and it’s still usable for me, but a little on the small side.
Brian C.5/5Verified
great practice tool
Paul O.5/5Verified
This lightweight trainer is perfect for working on deployments and a variety of striking techniques as well as pain compliant and less lethal impact tool. I love it!!! Definitely a 5-Star*****
Michael C.5/5Verified
Must have to learn and properly execute your MDV
Douglas B.5/5Verified
Been using the MDV trainer to work blade skills for a few weeks and I love it. Only complaint is that it’s sharp in comparison to my other training blades due to its thin design. I added some tape and paid close attention to my training partners feedback to remedy this. I’m 99.9% happy with the trainer and have it set up like I would the live blades on my person. This is a first draw blade for me in my training group.
Zack F.5/5Verified
Great trainer. Fits sheath perfectly. Highly recommended.
Donald W.5/5Verified
Very good training aid. This item, shaped exactly like the D2 blade, is a must--as well as training--prior to carrying the live blade.
Jack C.4/5Verified
Tess but a flesh wound. Just another day at the office. 1 day before my trainer arrived. Still working on my EDC setup. Good times.
Kris L.5/5Verified
Training is a MUST! Skallywag!
Again, this is a well made trainer with 1 to 1 size that gives best in handling and feel to a real blade. its a must have item with MDV plus 1 knifes.
Lee M.5/5Verified
I don't have the MVD +1-yet. But I have a very similar knife. This trainer together makes a great training blade. A lot of training blades cost as much as the actual knife. A very reasonable price.
Michael M.5/5Verified
I hate .giving a review without first talking to the company first but I have tried 2 times to contact them with no reply. I am trying to return the knife. I purchased the knife and the trainer. I am not happy with the knife edge. Yes I could spend the time to try to improve it but I don't want to take a chance and then not be able to return it. Also the trainer does not fit in the sheath. I hope they will read the post and decide reach out. Quality and Cust Service is not on point.
Patrick C.2/5Verified
Works exactly as advertised!
Martin D.5/5Verified
Perfect. Mirror of the actual knife just not sharp. I can’t seem to put it down
James B.5/5Verified
The edge is still a bit sharp for a trainer. I enjoy having a copy of the actual blade to train with.
Eddie A.3/5Verified
The biggest issue that I have with the training blade is that I can’t use it without great risk to my training partners unless I’m only working at about 10% speed. The trainer is dull but the edge is so thin that I have almost cut myself on it with very little effort. I enjoy having a training knife but would love if there was a way to have a slightly thicker and possibly rounded edge.
Zachary G.2/5Verified
In my opinion it’s a necessity to have a training blade
Training is a must for correct muscle memory and tactics
Russell I.5/5Verified
Adequate for base line training.
John M.3/5Verified
.
Shannon P.5/5Verified
I would have given it a 5, but I had to dull the edge when I got mine. It was the sharpest training knife I've ever had. Other than that, it's a great trainer.
