buy a soldier a knife

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Pistolpete

Joined
Oct 10, 2002
Messages
148
Hi all, I was debating about what knife to get with my Christmas money and after reading posts about our soldiers "over there" having to buy there own knives I have decided to buy one and donate it to a soldier in that area. I have several questions that maybe some of you could answer. How to get a knife into the right hands over there? Is there a military contact that could act as a go between? What would would be a good knife to donate new ( thinking about the cold steel recon tanto)? Would anybody else be interested in doing this? I saw on the news about the build up occurring and I know many of these men/women's families are financially strapped. It would probably be the best knife investment I ever made. Thanks for any suggestions in advance. Pistolpete
 
My wife is still active duty, I am in for a donation, it might be a few days before I can get the cash up, but you can count me in if we get some people and a hook for distribution:)
 
I'd suggest one of the Beckers -- a BK7 or BK9. Better handles and more versatile blade shape. Basically the same steel and price range as the Recon Tanto.

Doug
 
I just ordered an Army KA-BAR(#1220) from KnifeOutlet.com for a guy at my job that got activated.
 
For cost effectiveness, I would suggest a Becker as well. Leathermans and Gerbers go a long way too.
 
Kit Carson turned me on to this thread:D

Great idea! More than the knife or knives it's the wave of support being felt by those here when even one soldier, sailor, Marine or airman receives such a gift. The ripple is felt throughout the unit.

Do the homework regarding a point of contact / shipping address (APO). The local VFW or American Legion is a good place to start. These organizations are already sending packages and letters to those serving, and will square you away wherever you might live.

Send a short note or card along with the knife. We got a buncha Christmas cards from kids in the States that offered the neatest messages of concern and support you can imagine. The boost to morale and Esprit de Corps was evident, either privately or otherwise.

Kit, thanks for pointing this one out -

GW
KU
 
Greg,
I knew your info would be more timely than my 10 year old stuff. Thanks for replying and Happy New Year :)
 
Thanks for all the good advice as it put me on the right track as far as what knife to get and how to get it to somebody. I ordered the BK7 today and contacted my local VFW who were interested in this project and they are researching the best way to get it to someone on the front lines who could use it the most. Thanks to all the veterans and active soldiers out there. I wish I could do more but hope this helps one guy out at least. Let us know here on the forums what we can do for you as we all know what you are doing for us. Pistolpete
 
Cool idea, but before you get too carried away, you better check whether the military will accept the mail. In the wake of the anthrax attacks, mail has been restricted. For example, "Operation Dear Abby" was cancelled.
 
Hi all,

I am Active Duty Air Force SF and we do the same kind of stuff for our guys over there in the "sand box". We mostly do it as what we call "moral mail". Little pick-me-up boxes. If you are interested in sending something over there to the troops then I suggest finding a local Air Base, Army Post, Marine Base, Etc. Find the unit you would like to support. I would suggest Army MP's, or Aif Force SFS, or Marine MP's, or Navy Corpman. Contact the First Sgt. They are usually the focal point for sending stuff like that to thier troops. Just as a reminder, it is difficult to send big knives over there. When we deploy we can pack our big knives with our rucks and have them palatised for us, for when we get there. Some troops will be suspect to host nation customs inspectors and whatnot depening on the mode of travel they use. Also, squad leaders have the job of doing "bag-drags" to see that thier troops are carrying required gear. Big knives may be prohibited. My unit are issued M-9 bayonets. We can bring another knife we want but are limited. It's not like the movies. Smaller folders are better. This will also help insure the knives will get there. I hope this helps. If anyine has any more ?'s or needs any contact info or logistical help, let me know. Happy New Year
 
So far there are no issues sending big or little knives here.

Simply pack the item well / safely and fill out the mandatory customs form at the post office. List the item as "Cutlery". Insure it for the amount of value appropriate. You may also certify the package so there is a tracking number to follow up on.

It is not necessary to go through the military to send such packages.

The VFW, or American Legion, or someone over here with an APO can and will direct you to a troop you can benefit by name.

Any and all mail can be opened and inspected without the party it's being sent to having to be notified beforehand or present. However, if something is questionable the P.O. is required to get in touch with the receiving party and let him/her know what that might be. The biggest problem is mail theft by those in the postal service. I've seen/heard of this happening twice now, one instance being mail belonging to a Major General who sent a small gift to one of my sons. That's why it's good to insure...and certify. And if it doesn't get there let the SM know and file a complaint at both ends of the system.

The feds will investigate and take it from there.

GW
KU
 
I just do NOT understand how anyone could prohibit a member of the armed forces(especially in a combat zone) from carrying a knife! :mad: They are already carrying a bunch of items that are much more dangerous than a knife.
 
K Williams, I understand your frustration but many Officers see the need for "uniformity" ( everyone having exactly the same equipment)over the need for personal addition of equipment.

This is a great idea Pete! Thank you for your support. It means more than you will know, to receive a gift from someone you don't know, while serving overseas in a place you have never hear of befor leaving home. Not only to the person getting the gift but to everyone that hears of this act of kindness.

Another thought you might try is asking people know if they have anyone who may be deploying. You can still send it anonymously but you will also know the knife made into the hands of the type of person you intended it to go.

My last thought is, I carried a Cold Steel Recon Tanto on my last tour and was very happy with its usage.

Again, your act of kindness will do more than you can imagine.. Thank you and everyone else who helps a Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman remember that we serve the greatest country in the World!


AIRBORNE!
 
That's a great idea. One of buddies is going overseas soon and I'm giving him a TOPS to take with him.
 
Sending my brother over with a CRK. I am leaning towards the Project 1 over the GB as the Project is a tried a true tool.

Roy
 
USAFSP - Cover your rear Bro. See you in the AOR one of these days!

Yeah, the "uniformity" crap can be a pain, but there's ALWAYS a way around that - always. Attach it to a ruck, daypack, etc. Thats what I did when in the AOR. ALWAYS had that ruck with me. It was like American Express - never leave home without it.

For the rest of the guys over there - Greg & Co - stay safe. Me & the pooch will see you guys soon.
 
On January 10, 2003 one of our firefighters will be deploying to an undisclosed location for a year with the 20th Special Forces Group. He will be taking up his rifle again as a sniper. We will be losing one helluva firefighter for that time. In the mean time he will be shipping out with a good knife. All of the guys in our platoon kicked in $10 and we were able to buy him, get this.....A CRK GREEN BERET KNIFE! We will be presenting it to him on Monday at a party in his honor.
 
This is a great thread.

Many cops and firefighters here and on their way.

Many in the units mentioned here.

I know of a number of department patches, and NYPD/NYFD patches and flags carefully tucked away in rucks or sewn onto body armor covers.

They brought to us...we're taking it back to them.

GW
KU
 
Originally posted by K.V. Collucci
On January 10, 2003 one of our firefighters will be deploying to an undisclosed location for a year with the 20th Special Forces Group. He will be taking up his rifle again as a sniper. We will be losing one helluva firefighter for that time. In the mean time he will be shipping out with a good knife. All of the guys in our platoon kicked in $10 and we were able to buy him, get this.....A CRK GREEN BERET KNIFE! We will be presenting it to him on Monday at a party in his honor.
Click to expand...

Good choice there! I'm sure he will love it!

BTW, if there were a forumite that was shipping out to a sandy place, I'd gladly contribute towards a knife, but I just can't imagine trying to purchase knives for the entire armed forces! :eek:
 
A Leatherman Wave, Camillus EDC, Becker 7 or 9, CRKT Carson F4, Timberline Mini Pit Bull, would be my top picks for low cost, high value, good quality knives for troops that *shouldn't* get the soldier in trouble.

Just my two cents.
 
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