Benchmade Fixed Blade Griptilian comes in black blade 154cm steel for less than a $100 has a good sheath, not sure if it's jumpproof but it is Molle compatible. Thanks for serving your fellow citizens...the ones you'll see lining the parade route when you get back...not the red diaper doper babies of San Fransicko!
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Best knife for harsh military use?
- Thread starter Strunk101stAbn
- Start date
"First off, since you're in the military you get 50% off the top for Kershaw and Zero Tolerance. "
--FliGuyRyan
I didn't know about the 50% off program from Kershaw/ZT, but it doesn't surprise me from that worthy company.
That would sway me in the direction of the ZT 0100 fixed blade. Ultra-tough CPM 3V with black blade per your original spec (DLC coating--the best). And a good compromise blade length at 5.75 inches--not too big, not too little. Complete with tactical "blood grooves"
. Not cheap at approx $148 after the discount, but stellar bang-for-buck.
I think I'll be forced to buy one myself the next chance I get, just to support ZT knives.
--FliGuyRyan
I didn't know about the 50% off program from Kershaw/ZT, but it doesn't surprise me from that worthy company.
That would sway me in the direction of the ZT 0100 fixed blade. Ultra-tough CPM 3V with black blade per your original spec (DLC coating--the best). And a good compromise blade length at 5.75 inches--not too big, not too little. Complete with tactical "blood grooves"
. Not cheap at approx $148 after the discount, but stellar bang-for-buck.I think I'll be forced to buy one myself the next chance I get, just to support ZT knives.
That would sway me in the direction of the ZT 0100 fixed blade. Ultra-tough CPM 3V with black blade per your original spec (DLC coating--the best). And a good compromise blade length at 5.75 inches--not too big, not too little. Complete with tactical "blood grooves"
S30V actually isn't very tough. Its designed for edge holding. Its hardness is what helps keep its edge and this hardness makes it more brittle than the softer steels.
With that being said, the ZT0100 still sounds like a good knife
- Joined
- May 3, 2005
- Messages
- 959
S30V actually isn't very tough. Its designed for edge holding. Its hardness is what helps keep its edge and this hardness makes it more brittle than the softer steels.
With that being said, the ZT0100 still sounds like a good knife
CPM 3V not S30V. One is a togh tool steel the other a high end stainless steel. 3V has superior toughness and still reasonable edge holding.
Ah my apologies. I didn't notice that
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2004
- Messages
- 4,172
You're on track with the blade size...anything much over 5.5" or 6" and you'll have a hard time carrying it in a place that is accessible or won't go hung up exitiing helos or wheeled vehicles (I've seen several young troopers snag chairs and door exits with large fixed blades). Make sure you have a place you can access it from when loaded up with IBA, weapon and if you're carrying any other load-bearing equipment. I try to avoid carrying on a drop leg rig as it really hindered entering and exiting vehicles...plus if you're in the 101st, it'll be quite uncomfortable crammed in a Blackhawk if located below the waist.
I really don't think relection is a big issue on a fixed blade. If you really need a discreet cutting tool, get one of Benchmade's folders with a coated blade. Don't limit yourself to a coating, a few passes with spray paint will cover the shine of any satin blade; it doesn't have to look pretty, just be effective.
Given your destination, any good high-carbon tool steel will be fine and much better for sharpening and keeping a good edge.
Don't forget a good sheath system. I much prefer the protection and retention of Kydex/Concealex and there are several sheath makers here on the forums to help out. The sheath is almost as important as the blade...
I was able to use several knives on my last tour. One of the best stock blades is Mission's MPK-10 (A2 steel); stout, can be made razor sharp and has a great utility profile plus comes with a decent non-reflective coating that is pretty robust. It does need a better sheath in my opinion.
As already mentioned, I wouldn't go too custom or expensive unless your comfortable with losing it. It can and does happen.
The RAT series are excellent blades (the RAT 5 and TAK).
TOPS makes some decent blades, I just don't like all the gimicky stuff on them...if you can find a good price for their more plain models, they are well built and quite functional.
I like Ranger Knives, but I would opt for Justin's original drop-point blade profile. Also good prices.
Blackjack still makes very good blades. Even though AUS8, the Grunt is a good example of a great utility blade.
At the higher end just short of custom, you have Busse, Fehrman, Strider, Randall, etc. I recently aquired a long sought after Swamp Rat Ratmandu from a very gracious member from here. An excellent blade.
Good luck, stay alert and shoot straight...and let us know what you decided on,
ROCK6
I got back from Afghanistan in Jun 07, spent 15 months over there with 10th Mountain.
1. I good strong Multi tool like the Leatherman Core
2. A tactical folder like Spyderco Endura or Military
3. A small cheap prybar (to open stuff and break stuff)
Fixed blade? well to be honest, most don't carry one, but if you do, get something short, strong but not to heavy. Some units may not let you carry it on your gear, I heard a story that there is now a theater policy stating you can't openly carry a knife on your gear. I do know if this is true or just rumor.
RickJ
1. I good strong Multi tool like the Leatherman Core
2. A tactical folder like Spyderco Endura or Military
3. A small cheap prybar (to open stuff and break stuff)
Fixed blade? well to be honest, most don't carry one, but if you do, get something short, strong but not to heavy. Some units may not let you carry it on your gear, I heard a story that there is now a theater policy stating you can't openly carry a knife on your gear. I do know if this is true or just rumor.
RickJ