Combat/Soldier Knife Design

[DustinHall]

I'm looking for input on how to design a good knife for an infantryman soldier that will be headed to the sandbox. Any tips and especially pics would be much appreciated. Just trying to get some ideas. Thanks.

 

[Jack O'Neill]

One I finished not to long back .

 

[A. Brett Schaller]

I've sent a couple of these over that way.

 

[Mark Redmon]

This one is going next month.... the same guy ordered two more, so I'll probably stick with this design for a while...

Sent this one to my buddy out there a little over a year ago

 

[wassomeoneelse]

 

[silver_pilate]

Here's one I did for the military give away a while back. The basic design is David's from GLWJ, but I modified it some.

If it's for someone who will see a lot of forward or special deployment, you want to go for something non-reflective for a finish. Either coated or sand blasted. If it's sand blasted, it needs to be stainless, IMO because of rust issues.

Keep it simple and solid. These knives will be used for anything and everything in many cases. Definitely screw-and-glue construction (i.e. screws and connectors or corbys or loveless, etc) with durable handle materials.

The rig to carry the knife may be just as important as the knife itself. Secure attachment, secure retention, but easy access is important.


--nathan

 

[Mark Redmon]

Jack, that's pretty sweet! I have some mid-size designs I'd like to try, but everyone wants the big ones... maybe I'll make some anyway...

 

[mdoyle]

Here is one I made for a soldier last year. It's not exactly a tactical design, but I can tell you it made one VERY happy soldier!:thumbup:
BTW David @ Great Lakes Waterjet probably still has my pattern because he graciously donated the steel for the project, and cut out the "USMC" in the blade. You're welcome to use my pattern if you like.
Matt Doyle

WOW I just looked @ the pic that came from Photobucket and I can assure you the original photo looks much better???

 

[Jack O'Neill]

Jack, that's pretty sweet! I have some mid-size designs I'd like to try, but everyone wants the big ones... maybe I'll make some anyway...

Thanks Mark , that was done in D-2 with Corby bolts . Mid-size knives get the job done .

 

[Robert Dark]

Here is one in D-2 that is headed for the sand-box in January.

Robert

 

[DustinHall]

Nice knives guys! Thanks for sharing the pics. I'm thinking of using either D2 or something stainless. What would you suggest? And what's a good length for the blade?

Let's see some more!

 

[mdoyle]

I would pick A2 over D2 hands down for the toughness...
Just my opinion
Matt