How to Get the Civil War Knife in Red Dead Redemption 2

by enricofairme · Published November 2, 2018 9:15 AM · Updated March 6, 2025 11:20 AM

When you pick up the Civil War Knife, you will get this Compendium entry.

Red Dead Redemption 2 features a variety of unique weapons scattered across the world, each with its own history. One such weapon is the Civil War Knife, a rusted Bowie knife once used by soldiers during the war. If you’re looking to complete your melee weapon collection, this guide will show you exactly how to find the Civil War Knife and what makes it special.

Where to Find the Civil War Knife

The Civil War Knife is hidden inside the ruins of Fort Brennand, a crumbling Civil War fortress southwest of the Van Horn Trading Post in Roanoke Ridge, New Hanover. Follow these steps to locate it:

1. Travel to Fort Brennand

Map location of Fort Brennand. — To get the Civil War Knife, make your way to Fort Brennand.

Open your map and locate Van Horn Trading Post on the eastern side of New Hanover.
From Van Horn, head southwest until you reach the abandoned fort ruins of Fort Brennand.
The fort is easy to miss due to its ruined state, so keep an eye out for crumbling walls and wooden structures.

2. Enter the Central Building

Central building in Fort Brennand. — Inside of Fort Brennand go inside this building. There is a storage room underneath it you can go inside.

Once inside the fort, look for a partially intact wooden building in the center of the ruins.
Head inside the building and locate a trapdoor with a ladder leading to the basement.

3. Retrieve the Civil War Knife

Civil War Knife on crate. — Inside the storage room you will find the Civil War Knife on some boxes.

Climb down the ladder into the basement storage room.
Look for a pile of crates, where you’ll find the Civil War Knife resting on top.
Interact with the knife to pick it up and automatically add it to your inventory and Compendium.

Bonus Item: Civil War Hardee Hat

While you’re in the basement, check near the chest to find a Civil War Hardee Hat, a historical headpiece you can equip for added immersion.

About the Civil War Knife

When you pick up the Civil War Knife, it will be added to your Compendium, which provides extra details on its history and design.

Compendium Entry for the Civil War Knife:

“An old Bowie knife with a solid blade, a worn wooden handle, and a large D-shaped handguard for protection. This weapon was commonly used by Civil War soldiers and is covered in rust. It was found in a storage room underneath the ruined Fort Brennand in Roanoke Ridge, New Hanover.”

Civil War Knife Features:

Melee Weapon: Useful for close combat and stealth kills.
Worn Condition: This knife shows significant wear and rust, but remains fully functional.
D-Shaped Guard: Designed for hand protection, making it stand out from standard hunting knives.

If you’re a collector or a history enthusiast, this knife is a must-have for your arsenal.

The Civil War Knife is just one of many unique melee weapons hidden throughout Red Dead Redemption 2. If you’re looking to expand your collection of rare hatchets and blades, be sure to check out our guides on the Rusted Double Bit Hatchet, Rusted Hunter Hatchet, and Hewing Hatchet. Each of these weapons has its own distinct history and can be a valuable addition to your arsenal.

Thoughts on our how to get the Civil War Knife in Red Dead Redemption 2 guide? Drop them in the comments below.