A knife for my Marine

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lamech

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My son recently became a U.S. Marine. And sooner or later I know he will head somewhere I don't want him to be. I was just wondering what you all would suggest for a fixed blade. I have looked at Becker, Busse, K -Bar regular and short bladed knives.
I even considered giving him my stag handled hunting knife that I have used for twenty years that he has hinted about for years. It is as tough as nails and never let me down In the field but this is a different field.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
I have folders covered.
God Bless
Tracy
 
ESEE 3 or similar, I use a HEST occasionally in the field. If he's ever in a situation where he needs a fixed blade he's going to be carrying a lot of weight, best not to add much more. You said you have folders covered. How about a multitool? I've gotten more use out of a Swiss Army knife and my skeletool than any of my other knives since I've been a Marine.
 
As I recall from my Army days, I would get more use out of a smaller fixed blade knife, than a larger one. The ESEE 3 or Izula II would both be very handy for daily use. That being said, I used the ever loving heck out of my Leatherman back then...
 
BK&T BK-7---Check first to see if he will be allowed to carry it. Many times they can not. Issue only.
 
ill be honest with you i got way more use out of a folder when i was in the marines. Fixed blade knifes are used to put in someones chest and most marines are not going have a chance to do that nowadays. If he is in any combat mos(marine occupational specialty) they will give him a good bayonet(it resembles a marine ka bar). So if your going to get him a fixed blade i suggest a smaller one esse izula or something of that nature. He will have to take the bayonet when he checks his riffle out from the armory so the last thing he wants if another 12 inch two pound piece of steel to carry around. Pocket knives and multitools get the most use. Semper Fi
 
I've heard more than a few combat vets give the following advice- Don't take anything into combat that you're not willing, or can't afford to lose. All gear should be considered disposable.

From what I hear, personal gear can be lost or stolen. This might be something to consider before sending your son into a warzone with a prized personal possession, family heirloom, or a very expensive knife.
 
TwinStick said:
BK&T BK-7---Check first to see if he will be allowed to carry it. Many times they can not. Issue only.
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This is good advice. And don't spend a lot of money. These things disappear all the time. Get him a nice one when he comes home. A good issue bayonet will do the job.
Been there...
 
I would recommend going with a HEST, as small fixed blades seemed to get used more, And the HEST has multiple functions. When a firned of mine got back from overseas he came back with a Leatherman Charge TTI and a Rat1 beat to absolute hell, and somehow still worked.
 
sooner or later I know he will head somewhere I don't want him to be.
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Yeah, Parris sucks, and Okinowa ain't much better. Or maybe you were thinking cathouses? Odds are pretty small he's going anywhere there's shooting; not for the next few years.

And yes, a pocket knife is a lot more useful than any fixed blade for 95% of those deployed. I like Case and Bucks; they hold an edge and you're not out much when you loose them.
 
As a former Marine, I will tell you that you will need to get him something black or other subdued color. Shiny or satin finish blades are NOT allowed by the Marine Corps in a combat theater. I carried a USMC Kabar for my first tour and it served me fine. Its not a super fancy tacticool knife, but its a classic proven design. Second tour we got issued the Ontario Marine bayonet. As far as that one, I could take it or leave it. Also, +1 on a good folding/small fixed blade knife. As many have said it will get used much more than a 7" combat. I suggest a ZT 0350 or a ESEE 3 or 4.
 
I will echo Silvanus on his suggestions. I went to both Iraq and Afghanistan and think that either a ZT350 (or 300) or an ESEE 3 or 4. If you are thinking a fixed blade, and like the ESEE, have him hold both if he can. The 3 and 4 feel completely different in the hand. I personally did not like the 3, but love the 4. For something in theatre, I would forget about a large fixed blade. They are just not practical. I will also recommend a good multitool. Either a leatherman or gerber. You would be surprised just how much one can be used over there.
 
I'll throw in the Becker BK16. Similar in size to an ESEE 4, but costs less, and I think the ergos are better.
 
Just gonna throw out the Winkler II series belt knife. Excellent size for utilities. Not heavy in the least. Super tough and Caswell finish is great and totally subdued. The sheath is really outstanding too. Just my .02.
 
My brother-in-law is a Force Recon Marine and he asked for and was given one of my small fixed blades (BK-14) a couple of months ago. He had been issued a Benchmade folder and it broke when he tried to baton a small stick to make a frame for target practice. I asked why he didn't use his Kabar and he said they almost never carry them because they're too big & heavy.

So definitely get him a small fixed blade, Becker BK-14 would be my first choice. It's tough enough to handle anything, cheap enough to easily replace if lost or stolen and has a lot of options for handle modifications.

I've been edc-ing my BK-14 for 7 months and absolutely love it. I own 3 of them; each with different handle and/or sheath set up.

Let me know if you want one of mine and I'll mail it to you or directly to your son.

And don't forget to tell him to be quick but never hurry! :)
 
You might check out the Fallkniven F1 fixed blade knife with black teflon coating. Its a very handy sized knife with an excellent reputation.
 
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