- Joined
- Feb 8, 2004
- Messages
- 4,199
I mostly post over in WSS, but figured this was more appropriate. I'm currently deployed to Afghanistan (again) and had a bit of an issue with my EDC blade. I've been carrying a Mad Dog PATAK for the past 12+years...several countries in South America, Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan and numerous field and training exercises including jump operations. It's been a hell of a blade and carried daily when on duty. Unfortunately, my sheath was pretty worn out and I finally got in touch with Mad Dog and was able to send him my blade right before going wheels up to A'Stan. I know some knife makers have some volatile reputations among the knife community and Kevin has been in that mix in the past. I'm not one to get wrapped up those opinionated issues, but I do care about quality products and the reputation of standing behind said products. The Pygmy ATAK is about the perfect blade for me when in uniform. It's not too big to EDC; it's comfortable to carry, easy to access (and re-sheath) and has maintained the performance of a stout but razor sharp blade. The unique handle is comfortable for me and is tough as nails...I even used the handle to pound a large nail into a 2x4 bed frame during my first OIF deployment to hang gear on.
Well, to make a long story short, I wanted to commend those knife makers who have supported the military (and law enforcement/first responders) service members; not only with their product, but their service and going that extra mile. I know there are several out there that have provided such support in the past to me...Tim Wegner, Rick Hinderer, Ernest Emerson, etc...well, I just need to add a little plug for the support Mad Dog has given me and the email I just received over here as I await the return of my PATAK:
Tis the season to be grateful and thankful; I know there are a lot of type-A personalities in the gun, knife and "tactical" gear businesses as well in the professional communities I've been involved with...I think that passion is what makes them so great. My hats off to Mad Dog and all those others who have made quality products stood behind them and supported the various communities who have willingly served and sacrificed.
Just wanted to share a little holiday cheer!
ROCK6
Well, to make a long story short, I wanted to commend those knife makers who have supported the military (and law enforcement/first responders) service members; not only with their product, but their service and going that extra mile. I know there are several out there that have provided such support in the past to me...Tim Wegner, Rick Hinderer, Ernest Emerson, etc...well, I just need to add a little plug for the support Mad Dog has given me and the email I just received over here as I await the return of my PATAK:
Sir,
That old sheath you had was worn the hell out for sure. So, here's what I did.
I made a replacement High Ride Sheath for the knife.
No charge, I am warranty replacing the old one. I get to do that because I won the place.
Seldom do I see guys actually wear the sheaths out, but God knows I appreciate the men that are actually using the Mad Dog® Knives in the field instead of leaving them in the sock drawer. Clearly you are one of those Brethren that actually uses the Blade as it was intended. I also sharpened it. It shaves easily.
I also made an ATAK Combat Sheath and a Chest Rig sheath for it.
The chest rig sheath works well behind the plates- handle up, in a right hand reverse grip/ice pick draw. This sheath has been popular with a lot of the 5th SF/ SOF guys and USMC Recon guys. Light and easy and you can get to it while low crawling.
The ATAK Combat sheath is the old standby that works everywhere, all the time and is jump qualified by all of the US, UK, German, Italian and French services. I figured these would give you more opportunities to not be without your knife. I also included a field hone of the type we sent to the USMC for the TUSK project, and the Brit SAS for their knife. Also included a 10 pack of MD Labs XF7 for you to use as a weapon lube/corrosion inhibitor as needed. Let me know if you like it. It is waterproof and won't burn off.
Those extras and the shipping are on me, please consider them a Christmas gift and a thank you from the McClung family for your service. We do wish you could be home for the holidays, but understand that Duty demands otherwise. We are very grateful that there are Gentlemen like yourself willing to risk all to keep our American way of life alive and healthy. My own son is a US Marine Captain, but thankfully he will be able to spend Christmas with us this year. He was away for the last three.
Merry Christmas, God Speed and Good Hunting. Come home safe. if you get the hankering, come visit us in Arizona. Warriors are always welcome at my fire.
Stay Sharp,
Mad Dog
Tis the season to be grateful and thankful; I know there are a lot of type-A personalities in the gun, knife and "tactical" gear businesses as well in the professional communities I've been involved with...I think that passion is what makes them so great. My hats off to Mad Dog and all those others who have made quality products stood behind them and supported the various communities who have willingly served and sacrificed.
Just wanted to share a little holiday cheer!
ROCK6