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This ^^^
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About a Becker ... and a Boy
- Thread starter OldPhysics
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This ^^^
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So many good ideas. Thank you, all.
And, Maethor, I shall try to remember to mention this to him. How could anyone go to Deutschland for any length of time and not visit Berlin?
And, Maethor, I shall try to remember to mention this to him. How could anyone go to Deutschland for any length of time and not visit Berlin?
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After more thought I agree. Personally, I grab the BK11 over any other Becker knife but, the 16 is not out yet.
As an MP in Germany, while he's in garrison, a big fixed blade is not something he'll be carrying. A good, solid folder and a good Leatheman will be far more useful to him. For deployed duty, a BK2 would be a great addition to the folder and Leatherman. I took a BK2 to Tuzla, Bosnia as an Air Force Security Policeman in '96 and it worked well.
Also, take a good, long look into German laws regarding knives. He may be able to carry the folder on duty but German laws have become far more restrictive since about 2008, and getting caught off post with it could be a problem.
Also, take a good, long look into German laws regarding knives. He may be able to carry the folder on duty but German laws have become far more restrictive since about 2008, and getting caught off post with it could be a problem.
Doug brings up some really good points there. It would be worth researching before sending anything over. A Leatherman Super Tool is always a welcome sight. That being said, if you still wanna send a Becker... Get him a BK11 with some nice Micarta. Awesome.
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I vote bK-5 or 7. the 7 was designed to be the "soldiers knife"
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^^^THIS^^^
It's been over 35 years since I left Germany, but both German laws and military policy in non-combat duty stations restricted the carrying of knives severely. At least they did when I was there. I only took a Buck 110 with me, and it was seized by the CO during a random search of the barracks while I and my 3 roommates were working. I got called to the CO's office and he was PO'ed as though I was Jack The Freakin' Ripper! I explained that it was a gift from my grandfather, it had never been taken out of the desk drawer since I got there, and what the heck's the problem, Sir? It's a knife, not a grenade launcher! He calmed down and said that if I ever took it off-post, I would've been arrested as it was illegal to carry in Germany. Now, I have no idea if he had any idea what he was talking about, but he locked it in the armory in any case, and I didn't get it back until the very last thing when I was processing out to go home.
OldPhysics said he was going to check with his CO before the young man leaves. Excellent idea! Things are real different than when I was in, all-volunteer being the most significant change, but CO's attitudes vary widely about such things. It's such a cool idea to get him something that seems relatable to military equipment and useful just in daily life too, but sad to say, it might be more hassle than it's worth.
Blues
You need a legal reason to carry a one-hand-opening locking folder (size doesn't matter) or any fixed blade with a blade length >12cm (~4.5")*. This legal reason should be anything except self defense, although most police officers probably disagree if you just say ''in case i need to cut something'' - IF they look into you they usually want a specific reason. And I guess they won't accept anything if you already had a few beers, so I guess I'd avoid the need to explain anything if I was a foreigner and also not (yet) into knives.
=> I would recommend a small fixed blade or a two-hand-opening locking folder - perhaps one of the new Bone Collectors from Benchmade or one of the smaller Beckers gingivitiskahn mentioned. It may get a lot more use (especially when off-duty) than a larger Becker, especially if he decides to climb some of our mountains or visit our cities.
*: for sake of completeness: OTFs, large autos, balisongs, push daggers, knuckels and potential knuckle-like D-guards, and weapons that look like other objects are completely banned (in addition to this constraint for carrying).
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Excellent points. I will look into it. Thanks also to S-F for some good info.
Have already given him both a SAK and a good, solid folder. Did that before he went to Basic (although he wasn't allowed to bring either along).
I hope off-post won't end up being a problem.
And, BluesStringer, he's my boy -- I'm willing to take just about any level of hassle for him.
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After talking to tons of LEO and Military personnel, I say BK14/11, with some scales and a clip. It will serve him fine.
Goin' for that BH#?
Moose
Doing double duty. Getting good advice ... and, at long last, starting to qualify for a BH #.
Most of my head-space is being taken up these days by 'extra challenges' at work, though.
Unfortunately, I don't recall the specifics, but I worked with a German officer in Turkey in '08 and he did tell me that knife laws in Germany had become highly restrictive.
Many people buy knives for friends/relatives headed for basic, and they will have no use for knives there, so save the gift cutlery for when they get to their first base. And if headed for Germany (or anywhere overseas), learn the local national and base knife rules first so your enjoyment of that outstanding country is not disrupted by an unfortunate, avoidable run-in with the Polizei. Once deployed, rules may change, but know the rules where you live lest you run afoul of the commander or first sergeant.
Many people buy knives for friends/relatives headed for basic, and they will have no use for knives there, so save the gift cutlery for when they get to their first base. And if headed for Germany (or anywhere overseas), learn the local national and base knife rules first so your enjoyment of that outstanding country is not disrupted by an unfortunate, avoidable run-in with the Polizei. Once deployed, rules may change, but know the rules where you live lest you run afoul of the commander or first sergeant.
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Well, of course, but you seem to have missed my point. The hassles I referred to would be his, not yours, if either the Polizei or anyone in his chain of command had a problem with whatever you give him to take. I thought saying what a cool idea you had to do it for him would make it clear. Certainly no insult about your commitment to doing right by your boy was intended.
Blues
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Oh, I understand. And I WILL be careful ahead of time ... I'll contact his CO and First Sergeant and make sure I'm doing the right thing.
At this point, something like an -11 seems the best possible choice. Even for that, I'm going to have to be careful up front.
BK-11. It's a tough little bugger that will be more useful doing day to day tasks, yet still functional in a field environment.
Tell your son to make a the most out of being stationed in Germany. Travel as much as he can; for most people it's the chance of a lifetime. I was in Bamburg, Germany from 95' to 97' and loved it....traveled all over Europe.
Tell your son to make a the most out of being stationed in Germany. Travel as much as he can; for most people it's the chance of a lifetime. I was in Bamburg, Germany from 95' to 97' and loved it....traveled all over Europe.