Deployment Knife

hardheart said:
HMMWV has pioneer tools, and he won't have a ton of room in the cupola. So no monster blades, imo.
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From experience, this is a good call. If he is going to Afghanistan, chances are he will be in a MRAP instead of a Humvee. He will definitely want a to streamline his kit, just in case he needs to bail.

To go along with it, many commands will not allow their men to wear big blades. Chances are he won't carry it after a while anyways because of the added weight.

As a senior NCO with 5 combat deployments, I'd suggest a really nice folder AND a Gerber tool or Leatherman.

Please let us know what you decide on.

Berdar
 
If you are set on a fixed blade, I'd think something small and light but tough would be the way to go. Maybe a Becker Necker or Eskabar or Izula. All inexpensive, compact and *light* - not to mention tough as nails.

I'd vote for the BK11 - cuts stuff *and* opens soda bottles. :D

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Some nice micarta handles on that would really finish it off.

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Beckerhead #42
 
Maybe a tactical folder or coldsteel steel tiger because of the smaller size, for something bigger maybe the coldsteel oss.
 
My last deployment I carried a pink Izula at the 6:00 position on my belt with a Tek-Lok. Light, accessible, and reasonably comfortable with body armor on.

I got lots of nice comment about the color as well:D
 
Not being biased but I have owned a few .25" knives and so far bang for the buck goes to the Becker BK2. The sheath has amazing retention, 1095 steel, .25" thick, really nice knife and you should have some cash left over from $100 to get a good MT.
 
For a fix blade..Cold Steel Kobun..its light not too big and strong.
For a folder...Ontario rat-1...great folder for the price.

tell him thanks and be safe:thumbup:
 
Get a Becker BK2 and a Leatherman Kick. $100 for both. :thumbup: Or a good stout one hand opening folder and a Leatherman Kick, still around $100 for both.
 
How about a Coldsteel large espada? Nearly the blade size and strength of a fixed blade in a folding package.
 
Go for an Izula or ESEE-5

I also really like the KaBar Fighting knife and lots of military guys like it too.
 
How bout a Glock 78 or 81 field knife?
Under $50, slim, tough and easy to carry, great in a place like the desert.
Comes in several different colours.
A glock 78 is my EDC
 
Gerber LMF II
SOG SEAL Pup
Emerson PUK
Grayman Suenami
ESSE 4

There's no reason any of these can't be secured behind a pouch or otherwise conveniently carried on a vest.
 
Berdar said:
From experience, this is a good call. If he is going to Afghanistan, chances are he will be in a MRAP instead of a Humvee. He will definitely want a to streamline his kit, just in case he needs to bail.

To go along with it, many commands will not allow their men to wear big blades. Chances are he won't carry it after a while anyways because of the added weight.

As a senior NCO with 5 combat deployments, I'd suggest a really nice folder AND a Gerber tool or Leatherman.

Please let us know what you decide on.

Berdar
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he's going to Iraq, and he [told me at least] that he was gonna be a hummer gunner. i see alot of recommendations for multi-tools. i might have to pick one up for him depending on where my budget sits come may.

i really don't want to get him a folder. as a non knife guy, i could easily see it getting gummed up with sand and him getting agitated with it and tossing it. i'm liking the ESEE rc4.

that custom fixed blade is gorgeous, plain and simple. however 300 is about 3x what i could afford to spend. i don't even have any 300 dollar knives myself yet! :D

keep the feed back coming guys, and i'll pass on your gratitude. i know it means alot to him.
 
SpartanSaint said:
i really don't want to get him a folder. as a non knife guy, i could easily see it getting gummed up with sand and him getting agitated with it and tossing it. i'm liking the ESEE rc4.
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You really need to listen to the guys who are suggesting you pass on the fixed blade. A lot of units aren't allowed to carry them and they do add more bulk than they are worth most of the time. It's cool that you want to get your buddy a nice knife, but a nice knife than he can't use isn't worth much as a tool.

Don't worry about it getting "gunked up". If he can clean a gun, he can oil a folder. Just look at all the suggestions for multi-tools. They've got a lot more nooks/crannies than a simple folder and they work just fine over there. A Griptilian and a Leatherman will handle 99.9% of any blade duties he's likely to encounter in either AO.
 
The new izula 2 is plenty of knife. the esee 4 is great- grab the molle back too if you get that. One of those and a multi-tool and he's set! :thumbup:
 
If a fixed blade is allowed, than i would go for a small one. The Izula II has a handle, large enough and get a tool in addition. A Swiss tool is a great thing. Or let me say: Get a Swiss tool and a small fixed blade like the IzulaII in addition, but first get the tool. Or get a SAK trailmaster, trailmaster one hand or outrider or that kind, that may help most of the time by being lighter than the Knife and tool package.
 
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well i was talking to a friend who's in the guard over there right now, and he told me they get a gerber upon deployment fo free so i don't think i'm gonna buy him a multitool

whats the difference from the molle back and standard sheaths for the rc4?
 
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