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[Vlade]

My son is a United States Marine. He is going to South Korea. He has a talwar that I gave him.He told me he carries it a lot. Do you think it will be a good choice? Or would you prefer a fixed blade? He's got a good portion of my blades. So I'm not sure. He also has a okc3s that I got him.But that will be issued so his stays home . If you was him what knife would you take? I'm leaning towards Fixed. Any thoughts?

 

[CS-hunter]

AD10, either primary or backup.

 

[The Whip]

My son is a United States Marine. He is going to South Korea. He has a talwar that I gave him.He told me he carries it a lot. Do you think it will be a good choice? Or would you prefer a fixed blade? He's got a good portion of my blades. So I'm not sure. He also has a okc3s that I got him.But that will be issued so his stays home . If you was him what knife would you take? I'm leaning towards Fixed. Any thoughts?

What does your son do in the Marine Corps? I'm not trying to pry, but it definitely makes a difference in figuring out what he needs/wants/is permitted to carry. The Talwar is a good knife and it should serve him well in most uses. Did you give him the large or small model, plain edge or fully serrated?

I have a thread called Cold Steel Knives In Combat that shows a large variety of Cold Steels that soldiers are carrying/have carried. You may find some useful information there, as well.


-Steve

 

[115Italian]

Just strictly speaking about knives and not multi-tools, I would go with a folding knife thats reasonable in weight and size. That’s not a pain to sharpen but still holds and edge.

Folder examples :
Cold steel- American lawman, recon 1
Spyderco- manix family, paramilitary 2
Benchmade- bailout/bugout, Adamas family, presidio family, griptilian family,

But if the talwar is serving him well then that’s great. We all need to carry what works for us individually.

May god watch over him.

 

[sean2021]

I agree with the above…a folder would probably be easier to store/carry. The Recon 1 and Voyager (Large) would be good choices. I’m thinking a Tanto blade might be more useful since the tip is very strong or a Spearpoint/Drop Point…in fact Spearpoint/Drop Point might be the best choice. Tantos can be a pain to sharpen, but great for puncturing.

 

[nephron]

What does your son do in the Marine Corps? I'm not trying to pry, but it definitely makes a difference in figuring out what he needs/wants/is permitted to carry. The Talwar is a good knife and it should serve him well in most uses. Did you give him the large or small model, plain edge or fully serrated?

I have a thread called Cold Steel Knives In Combat that shows a large variety of Cold Steels that soldiers are carrying/have carried. You may find some useful information there, as well.


-Steve

More information would be a help, curious as to what the others are carrying since there is no combat going on there(yet).

 

[Vlade]

What does your son do in the Marine Corps? I'm not trying to pry, but it definitely makes a difference in figuring out what he needs/wants/is permitted to carry. The Talwar is a good knife and it should serve him well in most uses. Did you give him the large or small model, plain edge or fully serrated?

I have a thread called Cold Steel Knives In Combat that shows a large variety of Cold Steels that soldiers are carrying/have carried. You may find some useful information there, as well.


-Steve

He is a meteorologist. Back when he was a lance corporal and a Corporal he used to brief the pilots before they took off of the weather situation. He was supposed to go to Japan for 3 to 8 years but he had his orders changed to go to Japan for one month and then he's off to South Korea doing I don't know what. He's had all kinds of training water training combat training Marine Corps martial arts training he's a go-getter how the list goes on and on he's been through a lot of training in the last six years he's been in there. But something tells me he's not going to be a meteorologist in South Korea. He has hinted that to me I could hear it in his voice

 

[Vlade]

More information would be a help, curious as to what the others are carrying since there is no combat going on there(yet).

I think we have 30,000 troops in South Korea I could be wrong though that's the part that bothers me... Yet

 

[nephron]

I think we have 30,000 troops in South Korea I could be wrong though that's the part that bothers me... Yet

That is the published number. Might want to wait to see what he does next, might influence your choice. Good luck to him!

 

[The Whip]

He is a meteorologist. Back when he was a lance corporal and a Corporal he used to brief the pilots before they took off of the weather situation. He was supposed to go to Japan for 3 to 8 years but he had his orders changed to go to Japan for one month and then he's off to South Korea doing I don't know what. He's had all kinds of training water training combat training Marine Corps martial arts training he's a go-getter how the list goes on and on he's been through a lot of training in the last six years he's been in there. But something tells me he's not going to be a meteorologist in South Korea. He has hinted that to me I could hear it in his voice

It sounds to me like his folder needs are covered with the Talwar. Based on your concerns, I think you should get him a fixed blade. Honestly, you have the whole Cold Steel catalog to choose from, as all models are tested to the extreme for performance and durability.

But here are the models I recommend when people ask me about carrying Cold Steel into harm's way. Within the size categories, they are arranged from least to most expensive.


Small

SRK in SK-5

Kobun

Medium Warcraft

AK-47 Field Knife

Medium

Original Drop Forged Bowie (if you can still find one)

Master Tanto (forty years on the market and it's still one of the best values in a combat blade)

Large

Recon Tanto in SK-5

Drop Forged Survivalist

Leatherneck SF (as a Marine, your son might enjoy the design heritage)

Warcraft Tanto

If you think he'll be concerned with concealment, consider the Peace Makers, the Spike series, or one of the Safe Maker push daggers. Again, this is Cold Steel's forte, and I'd suggest you look at the entire catalog before buying. Please let us know what you decide to get him and how he likes it.


-Steve

 

[jlauffer]

There's also the SRK-C (compact) that has a 5" blade.

 

[kreole]

As a Marine who was sent to Korea for awhile, I'd go with a Spyderco Dragonfly. The Salt version is nice because of the summer rain and humidity. If you want Cold Steel specifically, go for the Tuff Lite. Even AUS8 is going to be a pita during 장마철, rainy season, though.

Koreans don't normally carry knives, and the law requires it to be under 60mm if you do for a non-occupational reason. He's not going to need some heavy/crazy thing on base either.

 

[Vlade]

Thank you for your responses I got to get up with him and see what he wants. But like I said earlier and earlier post he's got about a dozen really nice knives I've given him throughout the years.

It sounds to me like his folder needs are covered with the Talwar. Based on your concerns, I think you should get him a fixed blade. Honestly, you have the whole Cold Steel catalog to choose from, as all models are tested to the extreme for performance and durability.

But here are the models I recommend when people ask me about carrying Cold Steel into harm's way. Within the size categories, they are arranged from least to most expensive.


Small

SRK in SK-5

Kobun

Medium Warcraft

AK-47 Field Knife

Medium

Original Drop Forged Bowie (if you can still find one)

Master Tanto (forty years on the market and it's still one of the best values in a combat blade)

Large

Recon Tanto in SK-5

Drop Forged Survivalist

Leatherneck SF (as a Marine, your son might enjoy the design heritage)

Warcraft Tanto

If you think he'll be concerned with concealment, consider the Peace Makers, the Spike series, or one of the Safe Maker push daggers. Again, this is Cold Steel's forte, and I'd suggest you look at the entire catalog before buying. Please let us know what you decide to get him and how he likes it.


-Steve

That's a lot of thinking to do. Very nice knives

 

[Vlade]

As a Marine who was sent to Korea for awhile, I'd go with a Spyderco Dragonfly. The Salt version is nice because of the summer rain and humidity. If you want Cold Steel specifically, go for the Tuff Lite. Even AUS8 is going to be a pita during 장마철, rainy season, though.

Koreans don't normally carry knives, and the law requires it to be under 60mm if you do for a non-occupational reason. He's not going to need some heavy/crazy thing on base either.

You've been to South Korea can you tell me a little more about it. Is it a dangerous place or is it pretty calm or what's the geopolitical situation there. And as far as the knife goes you mention it has to be 60 mm or less? That sucks. What was your overall impression over there at South Korea. Do you mind if I ask how long you were there for and where? Thank you for your consideration sir

 

[KenHash]

I believe South Korea is a "lawful purpose carry" country. A manual folder with an over 6cm blade length and 15cm for fixed blades requires registration for ownership. It does not give permission for carry without lawful purpose. Such lawful purpose includes activities where carrying a knife would be considered not out of the ordinary such as Hunting, Fishing, Camping, Hiking, etc. Self-Defense is not considered a lawful purpose. This means you can't carry your knife in your pocker clip out walking around in the city. South Korea is a (relatively) safe civilized country at peace, not some war zone. Most people do not "carry" knives as a habit. And those who do, do so discreetly. Applying the same rules/laws as in the U.S. to another country can at times get you into trouble.
Not sure what/if the rules are on base.
If coming into ROK by civilian flight the possibility of a customs check and confiscation exists so I wouldn't take anything that was very expensive or valuable.

 

[kreole]

You've been to South Korea can you tell me a little more about it. Is it a dangerous place or is it pretty calm or what's the geopolitical situation there. And as far as the knife goes you mention it has to be 60 mm or less? That sucks. What was your overall impression over there at South Korea. Do you mind if I ask how long you were there for and where? Thank you for your consideration sir

I was there about six months, mostly in Seoul, a bit to the northeast in Gangwon-do. I never once felt in danger or saw any crimes..by natives anyway. That's not to say everyone's a saint, but he's more likely to find trouble in a bar on base than outside the gates. If he was female I'd say watch out for skeevy dudes (women's rights are a big issue, and there are numerous famous cases of like hidden cameras in bathrooms, creepy dudes attacking or even killing women for ignoring them/not dating them/whatever), but as a guy himself, as long as he doesn't make trouble or hang out with someone who does, he'll be fine. It is a country known for protests, but he'll be told to stay away from them and the areas where they'll happen. Historically there have been a few violent ones, but it's been a few decades (maybe the last was the Gwangju uprising in 1980?). I was there for two, a larger one that occurred after a ship carrying school children sunk and killed them all, and corruption in the government was part to blame, and then I was there later when taxi drivers went on strike for more pay. Both were peaceful. On another note, the commissary on the largest base near me had a better variety of food than any I've been to here (that may depend on where he's stationed).

I personally loved South Korea. I've gone back on my own time a number of times. Seoul itself is a very cool city. The cost of living is similar to here overall, but the food and hotel prices are better, so as a visitor it's very nice. Korean food is certainly not western, but westerners all seem to enjoy it. Even if he doesn't, did you know there are more Starbucks in Korea than here? There's plenty of burger joints and all that as well. The public transportation also is amazing. I'm talking like a bus foe each route comes every 5-10 minutes, super cheap taxis (like <$10 anywhere within reason), and a great subway system. The people I know in the city with a car have it because they drive to visit family in the country, not because it's more efficient or nicer than taking public transportation. As they rebuilt Seoul and the surrounding suburbs, they city-planned very well; there's walking paths, hikes up mountains, lots of parks, etc., everywhere, so as someone active, there is plenty of new things to try. Being stationed there will be a treat (assuming his command/det is fine). The countryside is very beautiful, and it's worth getting out to visit temples.

On knives, I suggested what I carried. My Dragonfly Salt was always on me since I could carry it on and off base without breaking any laws. The humidity is killer in the summer, so it's hard on even stainless steels. There's also lots of snow in winter (fun fact, the Korean War is when insulated boots were invented, or so they told us at boot camp anyway).


Edit: And one more thing, we make a bigger deal about North Korea than they do. War/North Korea is not something that people care about or talk about regularly. It'll be in the news if there are talks maybe, but it's not something the average Korean thinks about at all. It's definitely a bigger news item here than there (and there it's more about the desire to some day once again reunite the peninsula).

Edit2: One more edit. Korea is a very monoracial country. I'm a white dude and never had trouble with anyone. The only times were when little kids would look and stare and say "Hello" or "Hi" to try out their English...no big deal. No adults ever treated me any different. I have a friend who was in the Navy stationed in the South and is half black (looks black) and said he felt he was always singled out. I would guess racism happens more in the country than Seoul, which is very modern and quite westernized. Where it happens, it seems to be aimed at black skin, southeast Asians, and Chinese. Whenever there is a disease breakout that could come in the country, it seems like flights from Africa get shut off. That said, there are also famous black folks in Korea. Southeast Asians face some racism because farmers basically/practically import brides from there because no one, especially women, want to stay in the country and farm when they can get to Seoul and make a good salary. Chinese face some racism because they are known as going there and buying up land/property.

 

[Vlade]

I was there about six months, mostly in Seoul, a bit to the northeast in Gangwon-do. I never once felt in danger or saw any crimes..by natives anyway. That's not to say everyone's a saint, but he's more likely to find trouble in a bar on base than outside the gates. If he was female I'd say watch out for skeevy dudes (women's rights are a big issue, and there are numerous famous cases of like hidden cameras in bathrooms, creepy dudes attacking or even killing women for ignoring them/not dating them/whatever), but as a guy himself, as long as he doesn't make trouble or hang out with someone who does, he'll be fine. It is a country known for protests, but he'll be told to stay away from them and the areas where they'll happen. Historically there have been a few violent ones, but it's been a few decades (maybe the last was the Gwangju uprising in 1980?). I was there for two, a larger one that occurred after a ship carrying school children sunk and killed them all, and corruption in the government was part to blame, and then I was there later when taxi drivers went on strike for more pay. Both were peaceful. On another note, the commissary on the largest base near me had a better variety of food than any I've been to here (that may depend on where he's stationed).

I personally loved South Korea. I've gone back on my own time a number of times. Seoul itself is a very cool city. The cost of living is similar to here overall, but the food and hotel prices are better, so as a visitor it's very nice. Korean food is certainly not western, but westerners all seem to enjoy it. Even if he doesn't, did you know there are more Starbucks in Korea than here? There's plenty of burger joints and all that as well. The public transportation also is amazing. I'm talking like a bus foe each route comes every 5-10 minutes, super cheap taxis (like <$10 anywhere within reason), and a great subway system. The people I know in the city with a car have it because they drive to visit family in the country, not because it's more efficient or nicer than taking public transportation. As they rebuilt Seoul and the surrounding suburbs, they city-planned very well; there's walking paths, hikes up mountains, lots of parks, etc., everywhere, so as someone active, there is plenty of new things to try. Being stationed there will be a treat (assuming his command/det is fine). The countryside is very beautiful, and it's worth getting out to visit temples.

On knives, I suggested what I carried. My Dragonfly Salt was always on me since I could carry it on and off base without breaking any laws. The humidity is killer in the summer, so it's hard on even stainless steels. There's also lots of snow in winter (fun fact, the Korean War is when insulated boots were invented, or so they told us at boot camp anyway).


Edit: And one more thing, we make a bigger deal about North Korea than they do. War/North Korea is not something that people care about or talk about regularly. It'll be in the news if there are talks maybe, but it's not something the average Korean thinks about at all. It's definitely a bigger news item here than there (and there it's more about the desire to some day once again reunite the peninsula).

Edit2: One more edit. Korea is a very monoracial country. I'm a white dude and never had trouble with anyone. The only times were when little kids would look and stare and say "Hello" or "Hi" to try out their English...no big deal. No adults ever treated me any different. I have a friend who was in the Navy stationed in the South and is half black (looks black) and said he felt he was always singled out. I would guess racism happens more in the country than Seoul, which is very modern and quite westernized. Where it happens, it seems to be aimed at black skin, southeast Asians, and Chinese. Whenever there is a disease breakout that could come in the country, it seems like flights from Africa get shut off. That said, there are also famous black folks in Korea. Southeast Asians face some racism because farmers basically/practically import brides from there because no one, especially women, want to stay in the country and farm when they can get to Seoul and make a good salary. Chinese face some racism because they are known as going there and buying up land/property.

Thank you so much for your time. This was very interesting.I just learned a lot from you. Thank you again.

 

[Vlade]

I believe South Korea is a "lawful purpose carry" country. A manual folder with an over 6cm blade length and 15cm for fixed blades requires registration for ownership. It does not give permission for carry without lawful purpose. Such lawful purpose includes activities where carrying a knife would be considered not out of the ordinary such as Hunting, Fishing, Camping, Hiking, etc. Self-Defense is not considered a lawful purpose. This means you can't carry your knife in your pocker clip out walking around in the city. South Korea is a (relatively) safe civilized country at peace, not some war zone. Most people do not "carry" knives as a habit. And those who do, do so discreetly. Applying the same rules/laws as in the U.S. to another country can at times get you into trouble.
Not sure what/if the rules are on base.
If coming into ROK by civilian flight the possibility of a customs check and confiscation exists so I wouldn't take anything that was very expensive or valuable.

He is taking a commercial flight to get to there. Thank you sir

 

[coloradowildman]

I have to agree with the Tanto point recommendation for a folder or a fixed blade for soldier duty. I haven't been in the service for a long time (Gulf War era), but in my experience, you definitely want a blade with a strong tip, whether it's a folder or a fixed blade. I think the Cold Steel Kobun in AUS-8 is one of the best for soldier duty -- super light, yet full tang fixed blade with a strong tanto point that's easy to sharpen and stain resistant. The Kobun didn't come out until a year or two after I got out, but it would have been my number one choice back then as long as it was legal at my duty station.

 

[Vlade]

I have to agree with the Tanto point recommendation for a folder or a fixed blade for soldier duty. I haven't been in the service for a long time (Gulf War era), but in my experience, you definitely want a blade with a strong tip, whether it's a folder or a fixed blade. I think the Cold Steel Kobun in AUS-8 is one of the best for soldier duty -- super light, yet full tang fixed blade with a strong tanto point that's easy to sharpen and stain resistant. The Kobun didn't come out until a year or two after I got out, but it would have been my number one choice back then as long as it was legal at my duty station.

Thank you sir I appreciate your time and thank you for serving your country