Any "jarheads" lurking around?

Drdan

Drdan

Joined
Dec 24, 2003
Messages
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My nephew who lives in the Palm Springs area is a 16 year old currently enjoying high school in sunny (real sunny) California... He's also enrolled in his high school's ROTC program, and will be enlisting once he graduates for a career in the USMC. Little does he know that he's going to be receiving a khukuri next time we regroup. What would be your choice of khukuris, including specific sheaths, maybe something Terry Sisco can handle...

Besides the advice I've given him of eating well, pumping a bit of iron, running, working part time, and just getting prepared in general, while simultaneously having fun in general, do you have any specifics that I might pass on to him? My brother has some contacts who are currently grooming him, but all the assistance I can get will help out, since my nephew has a very strong bond with me, and he'll take my advice in earnest. I'm very proud of him, and even prouder that he's turning out to be an exceptional individual. Thanks! Dan
 
I think a lot depends on your nephew and what MOS he chooses. I think I might be tempted to send a 12" village model over to him to see what he thinks. If you wanted to get him something a little wilder for a graduation present/wall hanger, feel free. Why I suggest caution is that a Grunt's load is pretty significant already and he may not want to carry a large knife by choice. There is also the possibility that his CO may limit the length of any blade his troops may carry. Many Army units have limited blade length for years. If you would like a report on an actual combat deployment, check with Sarge, and a few others. Sarge is a big fan of village models out in the field, and elsewhere. Either way, I probably wouldn't go past something like a BAS, or WWII size wise. Wish your nephew good luck for me in his attempt to become one of Uncle Sam's Misguided Children. Semper Fi
 
Getting somw college credits under his belt could only help. A 12" or 15" AK, or a BAS when he completes recruit training would most likely be well received.
 
Unfortunately, he's not really into school... When I discovered that, I did what I could to prepare him for what might be a bit of a rude awakening once he enters boot camp. The physical conditioning will certainly help. Misguided perhaps, but that's what he wants to do; in no way I influenced his decision, and I doubt it if my brother or sister in law did.

Thanks for the advice as far as the khukuri. I sent him a CD with photos and a link to HI's website. If he shows any interest, I'll send a "fixer upper" so he can learn a bit, instead of having just a new toy. He plays "paintball", apparently popular in California. I wanted to show him a few toys I had stateside, but my brother asked me not too. I feel it would be fitting to get him used to being around things that go boom now, but my brother gets to call that shot, and take the flak from any misguidance of his own. Best wishes, and thanks! Dan
 
I've enlisted too and should ship to Parris Island sometime between April and June. I'm not 100% sure what I want to bring, I certainly have alot to choose from. I'll make that decision after Boot Camp, SOI, and Security School. I think it'll be a K-Bar, a kukri, or a K-Bar and tomahawk. Probably something heavy hitting like the kukri or hawk since I don't trust the 9mm to stop any bad guy on some drugs, as has happened so often in the past. Oh yeah, instead of getting him something big that he may not want, I would suggest a Wave Leatherman. These things are just great, my brother has one and I'll be getting myself one too. I think they're somewhere in the $60 range.
 
We had my Cousin over for Christmas, he recently returned from a tour with the Marines in Iraq and when he saw my khuks he went out to his truck and brought in a HI 15" AK which he carried while in Iraq. He thought it was great and said it was his every day carry knife while in Iraq.
 
Originally posted by Skeletor

I think it'll be a K-Bar, a kukri, or a K-Bar and tomahawk.


I like khukuris and tomahawks.


I don't trust the 9mm to stop any bad guy on some drugs


I've heard that a zipper job would be even with a .22


Oh yeah, instead of getting him something big that he may not want,

Hold it right there. If he doesn't like it, he can send it back and pay the postage! His dad can buy him all the other goodies!

Best wishes, Skeletor! Dan
Click to expand...
 
I wonder just how popular khukuries are... Did he mention that a lot of guys have them? Dan
 
The knife he carries depends on what he does. There are many MOSs in the Marine Corps and most are in some type of support. If he gets assigned as a heavy equipment mechanic or Motor T operator, a big knife would be in his way. If he goes infantry, tip of the spear,a big knife may come in handy. While living in the barracks, there are often restrictions on how long of a blade is legal. He can buy a K-Bar at the PX and may not be able to keep it in his room.
Most knife savvy Marines I know carry a Multi Plier (I prefer a Leatherman Super tool), and 3” to 4” Folder for daily use (Carried a Benchmade mini ACFK for 6 years, now I cycle in a small Sebenza, Strider GB and a Buck Strider spear point). As for fixed blades – 5” to 7” depending on use.
When purchasing a good knife I like to think of the old saying “When you pay for quality, you only cry once.” I spend a little more on knives for the field because I want something that I can depend on.
Your nephew is in for some real life experiences.
If there is anything else, drop me a PM. :D

Semper Fi,

Bob
 
Good advice; thanks. I'm sure I'll be sending my nephew a khukuri once he shows a bit of interest. I have no doubt that I will be keeping him stocked with all sorts of stuff once he's enlisted; this is after I perform quality control, of course! Besides what you listed, a SureFire C3 would be a most welcome gift. Dan :)
 
Drdan

He didn't mention if a lot of folks were carrying khuks but he did say he bought it on the recommendation of a fellow Marine and interestingly he is a heavy equipment operator/mechanic which fits with X at 10 comments.
 
wait till he's out of "boot"then give him a BAS light/heavy enough for most use's.But being more practical give a AL MAR SERE 2000 or Spyderco Military for pocket carry,a Leatherman Supertool or Wave for belt utility use, Becker Knife &tool Combat Utility [BK-7] for the field. add a good diamond hone and Tuff Cloth for maintance. For those time's sitting on the "beach" bored to tear's {hurry up and wait}:yawn: a deck of card's and some 12 inch nail's [42 cent's each] for throwing.{it'll save his Blades};) :) Semper Fi! PS: check these site's good price's info and great service http://www.spoonrivercutlery.com http://www.equipped.org
 
When my pal JM joined up with the Marines Reserves I gave him a Leatherman Supertool. He's found it very useful.
You can get KaBars cheap at the PX.

If he gets called to Iraq I will give him a khukuri. I'll probably ask Uncle Bill for a wooden-handled BAS, Chiruwa AK, or 16" WW2 model. I might just give him my AK Bowie (made by Bura, sharpened by Pen, sheathed by Terry) which deserves to be used much harder than I'll ever dish out.

A good diamond two-sided sharpening stone might be useful as well.
Any of the 15-16" khuks would be best, IMO. Or even one of the "baby" 12" ones. You don't want to have to lug around a huge chopper in the desert heat.
 
im a Marine and a grunt... if u get him something with the intent of him carrying it in the field, he'll have to do something so its not shiny while still in the scabbard.

so if thats your intent, dont get him an expensive decorative one... something like the ww2 model. i got the chiruwa ang khola in the mail a few days ago, and now i have to either ruin the knife and scabbard to bring it to the field, or buy another one... i should have thought it thru better.

dont get him a leatherman, anything a young Marine -needs- he can afford to buy himself. get him something cool that he doesent know he needs yet -- like a kukri.

we went to the field several months ago, and my friend had a HI kukri (he recomended me to this company). it was raining and we where staying in the field in a non-tactical manner, meaning sleep how u want without regards to cover/concielement. he cut several small trees down and make the taj-ma-pofahl (his name was pofahl) and slept well that night.
 
Drdan, The one piece of advice I would give your nephew when he heads down to PI or MCRD San Diego is not to take, carry, or wear anything he is not willing to loose forever. I remember it like it was yesterday, within an hour of arriving at receiving barracks EVERYTHING he has with him will be taken from him. Any weapon, dirty pictures, wallet and everything in it, all articles of clothing, EVERYTHING will go during an experience he will remember for the rest of his life, gar-run-teed! Good luck to him, he can do it if he really wants it. Some, like me, got to do it even when they decided they didn't want it as soon as they got off the bus.
 
If he likes his wrist watch tell him to leave that at home too! Otherwise he will be kissing that bauble goodbye with tears in his eyes - and then the fun will really begin!
 
Tell your nephew to keep his mouth shut except when a terrorist in Marine Uniform screams at him to scream something back. And by NOOOOOOOO means make any wisecracks. Those sadists just love to find a smart-ass in the group. Needless to say when I went to bootcamp in Feb'65, they just LOOOOOOOOVED me!
 
Being retired my opinion may not count for much but, when a guy is carrying every thing he owns on his back can get to be a chore.

After having the chance to use several of the Khuks that I have and handled a few belonging to other folks. The 12" AK and the BAS I would recomend to any one who has to carry a load. Don't think even if I was a young man I would want anything heavier than a 16.5" WWII. Like most of the Bura khuks. Enough Khuk to do one awful lot of work and still don't break the back to carry it around. 1.5 Pounds of knife is enough to do one heck of a lot of work and make a formidable weapon.

The only reason for the choice of 12"AK instesd of the Sirupati is the slight chopping power advantage of the AK. I have one of the villagers and it has done a lot around my house including in the kitchen. Just what seems to work for me. Wish I would have had one in Southeast Asia.:)
 
Akabu... Shipping list noted. Deck of cards and 12" nails; would never have thought of your suggestions. Best wishes to you!

frogfish... Would love to hear more about khukuries in Iraq. Thanks!

Mr. BadExample... You are a BadExample; too generous! :eek: I'll get back to you in July/August 2005! My nephew is a Junior in H.S. He needs a few beaters to get his feet wet before I would give him anything of value.

Mason... Definitely noted: we'll leave the frilly stuff for tourists and yours truly. He needs functional, and non glare! :cool: Thanks

crooked knife... What can I say? You need to author, "Boot Camp 101 for Jarheads; what to say and do, what NOT to say or do" :D You've motivated me to write all of the suggestions in this thread down, and send them off to my nephew to prepare him for the worst picnic he's ever been to! Straight talk from crooked knife. Appreciate it

Pappy... Yeah, yo're retired, doesn't count for much :rolleyes: He'll have a 12" AK way before he ships off, so he won't have any regrets. Happy New Year, and LOL


Dan
 
Originally posted by Skeletor
I've enlisted too and should ship to Parris Island sometime between April and June. I'm not 100% sure what I want to bring, I certainly have alot to choose from. I'll make that decision after Boot Camp, SOI, and Security School. I think it'll be a K-Bar, a kukri, or a K-Bar and tomahawk. Probably something heavy hitting like the kukri or hawk since I don't trust the 9mm to stop any bad guy on some drugs, as has happened so often in the past. Oh yeah, instead of getting him something big that he may not want, I would suggest a Wave Leatherman. These things are just great, my brother has one and I'll be getting myself one too. I think they're somewhere in the $60 range.
Click to expand...

They will not let you take any personal weapons to boot camp.
 
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