You know that screeching sound? That metal-on-concrete grind that makes your hair stand up? If you’ve played Silent Hill 2, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s the sound of the Great Knife. It’s the weapon that defines Pyramid Head, the manifestation of James Sunderland's absolute worst impulses and crushing guilt.
In the original 2001 classic, finding the Great Knife felt like a forbidden reward. You’re in the Labyrinth, this mess of rusted hallways and damp stone, and you stumble into a red-lit room. There it is. A giant, rusted slab of steel just sitting there. But honestly, once you pick it up, the "reward" feels more like a curse.
The Great Knife is basically a burden, not a buff
Most players think getting their hands on Pyramid Head’s signature blade will turn them into a powerhouse. It doesn't. Not really. In the original game, equipping the Great Knife fundamentally changes how James moves.
He can’t run. He can barely walk. He drags the thing behind him, leaning forward like he’s trying to pull a dead weight through deep mud. It’s miserable to use in a hallway full of Mannequins.
But it hits like a freight train.
One overhead swing? That’s it. Most enemies are gone. Even Pyramid Head himself can be stunned if you time it right, though good luck with that. The weapon is a metaphor. Masahiro Ito, the legend who designed the monsters, has basically confirmed that the knife represents the weight of James’s guilt. He’s literally dragging his sins behind him.
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Why the Remake handled it differently
When Bloober Team took on the 2024 Silent Hill 2 remake, they made a choice that ticked off a lot of purists. You can't keep it.
In the remake, you still find the Great Knife in the Labyrinth. You even have to use it to clear out a wall of fleshy growth to progress. But the moment you’re through that barrier? James drops it. You can't put it in your inventory. You can't take it to boss fights.
A lot of people called this a "cut feature," but if you look at the new combat system, it makes sense. The remake is faster. It’s built around dodging and precision. Trying to balance a 100-pound metal slab in a game where enemies lunge at you with frame-perfect timing would’ve been a nightmare.
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Where to find the Great Knife (Original vs. Remake)
If you’re playing the Original (2001/HD Collection):
- Location: The Labyrinth.
- The Spot: It’s in a small, square room at the center of the octagonal hallway area. You'll know you're close when you see Pyramid Head patrolling.
- Use Case: Use it for the Eddie Dombrowski boss fight. Seriously. One hit in the first phase makes him run to the next room immediately.
If you’re playing the Remake (2024):
- Location: Still the Labyrinth, but after the Maria "cube" sequence.
- The Spot: It replaces the rotating cube puzzle after a specific cutscene.
- The Catch: It’s a progression item. You drag it a short distance to break a wall, then it’s gone.
The "Scissor" Theory: Lore you probably missed
There’s this long-standing piece of lore that the Great Knife isn't actually a knife. It’s half of a giant pair of scissors.
Masahiro Ito has mentioned in interviews and on Twitter (now X) that the original plan was for James to find the other half later. This was supposed to symbolize the duality of James and his "Executioner" shadow. Due to time constraints back in the early 2000s, they never finished the second half.
Instead, it just looks like a massive, handle-less kitchen knife. This actually works out better for the story, because it mirrors the kitchen knife Angela Orosco carries. Everything in Silent Hill is connected by these tiny, agonizing threads.
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Should you actually use it?
Honestly? Usually no.
In the original game, it’s a novelty. It's cool for a New Game Plus run where you want to feel like the monster, but for a first-timer, it’s a death trap. You’re too slow. The wind-up for a swing takes years.
Pro-tip for the original PC version: You can "quick-switch" weapons. If you’re fast, you can run into a room with the Steel Pipe, switch to the Great Knife for one massive hit, and switch back. It’s the only way to make it viable without losing your mind.
Actionable insights for your next run
- Don't ignore the Weight: If you're playing the original, remember that James can't turn quickly with it equipped. Point him in the direction you want to hit before you press the button.
- The Eddie Shortcut: As mentioned, use the knife for Eddie. It skips the most annoying part of the fight.
- Check for Mods: If you're on PC playing the remake and you're bummed you can't use the blade, check Nexus Mods. There are already "Great Knife over Steel Pipe" replacements that let you live out your Pyramid Head fantasies.
- Watch the ground: In both games, the sound of the knife dragging is a spatial audio cue. Use it to track where Pyramid Head is when you can’t see him through the fog or darkness.
The Great Knife isn't meant to be a "good" weapon. It’s meant to be a burden. Whether you're dragging it through the PS2-era Labyrinth or using it as a one-time key in the remake, it remains the most iconic piece of metal in horror history. Just don't expect it to make the game any easier.