A knife for a Navy friend

T

thomasvsgodzilla

Joined
Aug 6, 2008
Messages
268
Hi,
A friend of mine has decided to join the Navy and I want to get him a knife before he deploys. I was thinking one of Spyderco's H1 Salt knives (haven't decided if a folder or fixed blade would be better, please chime in). Are there any knives that you guys would recommend? Price is anywhere under $150. Thanks
-thomas

EDIT: My friend isn't really into knives so I would like to get him something that wouldn't rust or require too much upkeep
 
Last edited:
Any Spyderco would do and I'm sure he would be pleased.

What about an ESEE RC-3 or the RC-4?

The Izula would also make a nice gift.
 
The Salt series is a great idea. On previous similar posts, I have noticed that those that served in the military have appreciated a multitool, as access to tools may be more limited. You may be able to pick up a multitool and Salt series within your budget.
 
Last edited:
How about a ZT 200 or a ZT 500. Both of those would work well and take some hard use if needed. Good Luck! Kevin :D
 
TKAZ: Are the RAT's water resistant enough? (My friend would be working on a nuke ship).
Juri: Totally forgot about multitools. Good call.
kda: The ZT styling may be too aggressive for him...haha. Thanks though
 
Depending upon which job rating/field he'll be in (deck/gunnery/electronics/engineering/medical/admin/etc.), there could be a very wide variation in what type of knife he'll find most useful. And in some fields, carrying something large/bulky (like a fixed blade or even a large folder) could be very impractical or even unadvisable/prohibited.

Overall, I'd think he'd be best served with something universally useful & practical, like a Swiss Army Knife or a multitool. Those items can be used just about anywhere, and if he ends up in one of the many technical fields in the Navy, even more so.

And you'd be wise to give it to him AFTER he's finished boot camp. Lots of 'personal items', like pocket knives, cell phones, etc., won't be allowed during boot camp, and might even be confiscated upon entry.
 
Thanks for the advice Obsessed. I'm not military myself, so I'm not well acquainted with the different jobs. Although I think he is not in anything super specialized (engineering, medical, electronics, admin).
 
thomasvsgodzilla said:
Thanks for the advice Obsessed. I'm not military myself, so I'm not well acquainted with the different jobs. Although I think he is not in anything super specialized (engineering, medical, electronics, admin).
Click to expand...

I think multitool/SAK is the safest choice first of all. If, later on, when he knows for sure in what field/specialty he'll be working, he might have some clearer ideas about what he'd like to have. Even if he ends up picking something for himself, I'm certain he'd appreciate monetary assistance to help pay for what he wants. A military paycheck, especially for someone just starting out, doesn't go that far.

I was in the Navy a long time ago, and I would've loved a gift such as you're considering for your friend. You're doing a very good thing for somebody who truly deserves recognition. :thumbup:
 
Have you considered the Leatherman MUT? I believe it has certain tools pertaining to an AR15 variant rifle in addition to the normal tools.
 
The Spydie Salt line or a BM H2O Grip would be a great choice. He probably wouldn't be allowed to carry a fixed blade on the ship or anywhere else in uniform unless it was in a pocket, but then what's the point? A sturdy, not too big, corrosion resistant folder will have the best chance of actually getting used.
 
Spyderco Salt + Victorinox Spirit. No rust issues like Leatherman's bead blast and such.
 
having served on two ships, sailors love a good folding knife. A salty old Bosn' mate chief told me the standard was the Buck 110, but the younger sailors like something a bit more "tactical" looking. SOG's are popular and sold in the exchanges.

My advice would be a one-hand opening locking blade for safety and utility, liner lock preferably, and in a corrosion resistant steel (since we're around salt water and chemicals all day). Lightweight, and not too big, since the rule on ships is the blade can't be longer than the width of your hand. And skip the tanto and get a useful point.

Best of luck and thanks for helping out a sailor!
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
I was in the Navy a long time ago, and I would've loved a gift such as you're considering for your friend. You're doing a very good thing for somebody who truly deserves recognition. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Very true. I meant to say the same thing earlier. True friend and great person for thinking of such a gift.
 
Give it to him after he comes back from either boot camp, or "A" school.
 
Your spyderco suggestion is awesome. Kershaw JYDII.
Something a little beefier than the JYDI would be a Kershaw Cylone.
Costco has a deal on Leatherman multi tool and small flashlight for 40 bucks.
 
Give the fallkniven F1 a look see.
Laminate VG-10 stainless steel, 3.8 inch overall. Haven't seen another knife that has a better cutting edge. Just a great knife all around.
 
ron_m80 said:
Give it to him after he comes back from either boot camp, or "A" school.
Click to expand...

DEFINITELY. It will be either taken away and not returned (probably), or he'll be made to send it home (maybe, if he's lucky.)

Great idea and a very nice gesture, though. A yellow-handled [highly visible] Salt model would be ideal for an at-sea assignment, and/or a good mutli-tool.

Thank him for his service, from a former navy man here. :thumbup: :cool:

thx - cpr
 
Be very careful about what you give him. In the modern navy, knives are a regulated item, and depending on the ships CO, size may be an issue on any knife. Try to keep the blade under 3 inches, and no sheath knives at all. A small multitool would be the most usefull. Not much need of a large knife on a ship. Our Niece is stationed on the U.S.S. Blue Ridge, and as she's an electricians mate, she was issued a Leatherman as well as a tool kit. The knife blade on the Leatherman is enough for what she runs into on the ship. Most of her friends carry a multitool. It seems to be the new standard among the military personel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top