Bugout in Afghanistan?

[Rhah]

Hi all,

A family member will be deployed to Afghanistan come November, and as a going away present I was thinking of buying the both of us a ranger green Benchmade Bugout. Having never owned a Bugout myself, however, I was wondering if that would actually be a wise choice?

The person in question serves as a medic, by the way, so we're not talking about a knife for a Navy SEAL or combat soldier here (plus it is meant to replace the tiny $5 Chinese folder that is currently being used), but it will be used in Afghanistan for 5 months. Do you guys think that the Bugout will be able to hold up there?

My thinking was that, considering all the gear that this person would be carrying on a daily basis, the low weight of the Bugout would be ideal; plus the flexible plastic handles seem like they could take a severe beating (judging by some videos of rigorous testing I've watched, it looks like even a Humvee could drive over it without doing any real damage to it).
On the other hand, the Bugout seems to not be designed for any significantly hard use tasks, so what if it would need to be used for that at some point during the deployment? Can it do that too?

Or would I be better off getting us a mini-Grip instead? A knife that I have owned and is more solid, but that paradoxically - due to it's more solid construction - will probably also be less durable in case it gets dropped or otherwise heavily banged up. Or so I think, at least.

Would love to hear your comments. Thanks!

 

[BladeScout]

A Bugout or Griptilian should do just fine but considering he is a medic, I suggest he might have more use for a Leatherman Raptor (or both).

 

[Rhah]

A Bugout or Griptilian should do just fine

Thank you, that is good to hear. Much appreciated.

but considering he is a medic, I suggest he might have more use for a Leatherman Raptor

They are already supplied with a multitool by the military, but also having a separate knife at hand is apparently often preferred. Hence why I would like to gift a proper knife for this occasion in order to replace the cheap liner lock Chinese knife with carbon steel which wouldn't last a minute over there.

Can anyone think of any of the qualities of either knife that would make one more appropriate for deployment over the other? Not having any experience with the Bugout myself makes this a little difficult for me to judge.
Any help is very much appreciated!

 

[J-RAY1989]

I've deployed twice, both combat deployments. Honestly anything you get will be better than the dull beat to hell kabars they issue out. I was issued a Gerber switch blade my first deployment (which I still have), and in my second deployment I carried a spring assisted Benchmade that I don't remember the model. Both held up just fine with daily patrols, mounted operations, and even shtf moments.

Main thing to worry about is sharpness, so also get some kind of field sharpener that is also light, and doesn't take up much space.

 

[Rhah]

Both held up just fine with daily patrols, mounted operations, and even shtf moments.
Main thing to worry about is sharpness, so also get some kind of field sharpener that is also light, and doesn't take up much space.

That is great to hear and also a very good suggestion. Thank you, sir!

 

[J-RAY1989]

That is great to hear and also a very good suggestion. Thank you, sir!

Back in my deployments back in '09 and '10, best steel out was s30v. There's way more steel choices now. And unless it's some $20 hardware store knife I don't think you will go wrong. Benchmade bugout will treat both of you just fine.

 

[BladeScout]

They are already supplied with a multitool by the military, but also having a separate knife at hand is apparently often preferred. Hence why I would like to gift a proper knife for this occasion in order to replace the cheap liner lock Chinese knife with carbon steel which wouldn't last a minute over there.

The Raptor is not a multi-tool in the traditional sense you seem to believe. The 'Leatherman' name might have caused that.
The Raptor equals high quality medical shears with a few more functions thrown in. I often EDC one of these and can vouch for the quality and for how useful they are.
Many carry shears over there. Shears are useful and the importance of them cant be exaggerated.
A medic would love these. The Cadillac of medical shears. They chew through most materials and certainly though uniforms with ease. Far better than many dinky shears out there.
The Raptor:
https://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?usrsearch=Leatherman+raptor

The folder: Almost any sturdy folder will do. They get used for MREs etc. Just dont buy him a bulky big knife. Every ounce (less) counts for some of these guys.
(Been there as well. Several times over).

 

[BladeScout]

The Raptor is not a multi-tool in the traditional sense you seem to believe. The 'Leatherman' name might have caused that.
The Raptor equals high quality medical shears with a few more functions thrown in. I often EDC one of these and can vouch for the quality and for how useful they are.
Many carry shears over there. Shears are useful and the importance of them cant be exaggerated.
A medic would love these. The Cadillac of medical shears. They chew through most materials and certainly though uniforms with ease. Far better than many dinky shears out there.
The Raptor:
https://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?usrsearch=Leatherman+raptor

The folder: Almost any sturdy folder will do. They get used for MREs etc. Just dont buy him a bulky big knife. Every ounce (less) counts for some of these guys.
(Been there as well. Several times over).

NB the Raptor comes with a sturdy sheath which has very positive retention and which attaches to the MOLLE (straps), which your guy will have on the chest of his vest/gear etc.
The Raptor can be carried folded or not and in the sheath or not.
Just buy it already. Neither you nor he will regret it.
Remember to report back.

 

[GatorMedic]

I can personally vouch for both the Benchmade Bugout and the Leatherman Raptor shears as a medic who has personally carried both on an every day basis for multiple years (Bugout my knife EDC and the Raptors as work EDC). He might be issued Raptors depending on his unit though, so the Bugout would probably be a good gift from you.

 

[Rhah]

The Raptor is not a multi-tool in the traditional sense you seem to believe. The 'Leatherman' name might have caused that.
The Raptor equals high quality medical shears with a few more functions thrown in.

Thank you for pointing that out, I had indeed completely forgot about this model and assumed it was one of their multitools. I'll have to ask what type of shears they are supplied with here and see whether the Raptor would be a decent upgrade (it probably will be). If so, it would also make for a great gift so thanks for the recommendation! Never would've thought of that myself.

I can personally vouch for both the Benchmade Bugout and the Leatherman Raptor shears as a medic who has personally carried both on an every day basis for multiple years

That is fantastic to hear, thanks for your reply! I might just get both as a gift.

He might be issued Raptors depending on his unit though

I have actually no idea ... I'd have to ask. I do know that they were issued Gerber multitools, so I feel like they would probably stick with the same brand (if they don't just supply them with cheap throwaway shears, that is).

Remember to report back.

I certainly will!

Thanks again for the replies, all.

 

[Benchmade]

Don't forget about the 917 Tactical Triage. Not as light as the Bugout but has a glass breaker and hook. Very solid knife.

https://www.benchmade.com/917bk-tactical-triage.html

 

[BladeScout]

I seem to remember a 915 Rescue with a seat belt cutter as well...

 

[Eric556]

Benchmade bugout is perfect. I have one and it's a great carry knife. Its lightweight and easy to sharpen. By the way, he doesn't need a hard use triage knife. Medics will usually carry shears and other specific purpose tools for treating patients.

 

[Cscotttsss]

I agree with others that it would be a great knife for that application and I'm sure he'll be thrilled with that awesome gift.

 

[dano]

Make sure he'll be allowed to carry what you're planning to give...

 

[sickpuppy1]

I have two griptilians and love them.But I think I would vote for the Bugout simply due to thinness and weight. Every ounce counts....

 

[Lapedog]

I feel like I might not want the omega springs to break in Afghanistan.

Imho a Spyderco Native Liteweight might be a more solid while still extremely handy alternative.

 

[sickpuppy1]

I've never had an omega spring break and I have over a dozen Benchmades, but yeah, I've heard of it happening. The native would be a good choice also.

 

[Lapedog]

I've never had an omega spring break and I have over a dozen Benchmades, but yeah, I've heard of it happening. The native would be a good choice also.

My 940 spring broke just the other week. Maybe it’s BECAUSE you have over a dozen BMs that your spring hasn’t broken; due to rotating them and distributing the wear.

My 940 was my only Benchmade I ever used so I’m not sure if they will all break a spring eventually or if it is just an unfortunate fluke that happens randomly.

 

[TiHawk60]

Daily carried my first Benchmade (Barrage) for 6 years, including 2 deployments, and never had an omega spring fail. Obviously it does happen, but personally, I wouldn't base my decision on that.

It's also my opinion that something more sturdy than a bugout would be better suited for an all purpose edc knife (especially on deployment) and the bugout would not be my first choice, but I know they're popular. They feel flimsy to me, but as something for a backup or to just throw in a backpack for a spare, it would be perfect.