Blade for a new USMC officer

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fyrman273

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Sep 21, 2009
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Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what type of knife to get someone who has graduated from Marine Basic School. My brother-in-law is now a 2nd LT and is headed to his MOS school in a few months. I was originally thinking about getting him a KA-BAR but wanted him to get something more practical. The only reason I was thinking about the KA-BAR was because of its history and direct correlation to the Marines. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
 
Marines love history! A lot depends on your budget. If you give a price range you'll get some more suggestions.
 
You really can't go wrong with a K-Bar, I am sure he will love it. :thumbup:
 
maybe a RAT cutlery RC3 or RC4. he beat the living daylights out of those. they are well made in the USA and have a no questions asked lifetime warranty. plus they are MOLLE compatible. and thank your brother-in-law for his service.
 
HOLY CRAP!!!! This has got to be the fastest response I have ever had on any forum! Thanks for the replies. I have been tinkering back and forth with the Ka-bar and the Benchmade Griptilian. Our budget has been around the $100 range. Hope that helps.
 
My brother is in the same boat...just graduated OCS and will be commissioned in June. Im going to get him an Emerson Commander (reground). I have handled the Commander and it is awsome. They are not cheap but are really tough and well built. my logic behind a folder is that it would be more useful then a fixed blade in everyday tasks. I also was under the impression (correct me if im wrong) that they will be issued a fixed blade.

Here are the knives that i have been looking at for my brother...

ZT 200 or 350
Spyderco Para military
Emerson Commander and CQC 15

Most of these knives are in the 100+ dollar range, but its worth it to me to give him something he can rely on and will use.

send me a message if you have any questions, iv been doing alot of research on this stuff.

-Alex
 
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Well, he can get a standard issue KABAR when he checks into his first Armory so if it were me (and it was for 20 years) I would like a practical, no fuss folder that can be used both on & off duty.
 
I suggest the KaBar, I prefer straight edge but the combo edge is one of the better serrated edges I've used. Either the leather or the rubberized handle, they're both good. You can beath those things to a pulp. I dropped a heavy log on mine by accident and the only thing wrong with it was the cross guard bent and the cross guard is a little wiggly now but it still works fine.

Other suggestions: any of the KaBar Becker knives, Buck Nighthawk, the Ontario Spec Plus USMC knife is a bit cheaper and of really good quality, Maybe a Buck 119. All of these can be had for well under $100.

Here's my beat up KaBar:
3667517_orig.jpg
 
If you can afford bit more: Zero Tolerance 0500 MUDD. Now there's a knife that is as tough as door nail, just like marines. He can do well with standard fixed blades they issue in marines but good folder is always good to have.

For fixed blade RAT Izula for small fixed blade which has excellent warranty would be very nice and still be small enough to be a handy back up knife.
 
He'll probably get more use out of the Griptillian than the Ka-bar although the Ka-bar is a no-brainer due to the tradition involved. Personally when I was in the Corps. I would have loved to use the Izula everyday like I do now. It depends on if you're looking for a combat knife, a utility knife, or a collectors/heirloom piece.
 
if your dead set on a fixed blade look at the RC 4...sweet little 4.5 inch blade that is basically indestructible...

Also welcome to the forum man...i hope your wallet is prepared ;)
 
I'll back up the RC-4 as its MOLLE system is beyond words, the warranty unmatched, and it'll give you some left over for accessories or smaller tools. Also, if he isn't issued one for his MOS, and he may not be as an officer...Multi-tool. Seriously, he'll use it more than a fixed blade and folder put together, Leatherman makes black-oxide models that work with any system. A Wave is the stand-by unless you spring for a Charge (premium Wave), but at around $70 it may cut into the knife fund a bit.
 
AlexSchira said:
Also, if he isn't issued one for his MOS, and he may not be as an officer...Multi-tool. Seriously, he'll use it more than a fixed blade and folder put together, Leatherman makes black-oxide models that work with any system. A Wave is the stand-by unless you spring for a Charge (premium Wave), but at around $70 it may cut into the knife fund a bit.
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I was going to say get him a good MultiTool. KABAR is the good old USMC standby, and he'd probably love to have one.

Tell him congratulations, and thanks for his service! :thumbup:

thx - cpr
 
I'll second the multitool. Any guy, in the military or not, will like a multitool. I also think that wherever he goes to the MT will come in handy in one situation or another.
 
I was originally thinking about getting him a KA-BAR but wanted him to get something more practical.
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Um... what's impractical about a KA-BAR? :confused::confused::confused:

It'll pry open a crate just fine! ;)
 
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