Deployment Knife

Lawzula said:
I recommend a BK 2, but consider a modified sheath--perhaps an RC5 sheath will work.
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You're not going to find many guys over there who want to carry a 1lb knife on their gear.

I spent 30 years hauling these guys around the world. They count every ounce.
 
glockman99 said:
Get him a Leatheman Surge...Trust me on this. He'll have alot more use with a solid multitool than he would a single-blade knife.
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I am with the angry mod on this one, the Leatherman is priceless when you need it, you NEED it especially when things are chaotic. I would put my Surge in the front pocket of a Becker BK7 and forget about both, until I need either.
 
Bottom line is, you'll never know how he may need it or how he will use it. But if it IS called upon, how sad would it be to have a knife that broke when you need it most ? I remember when the Danner Ft. Lewis Go Devil Gore-Tex boots first came out. The rest of the military laughed & said no one would wear them because they are too heavy. Then they became standard issue. I would have loved to have a pair of them when I was in. Heavy, maybe, but to me it just meant i would'nt have to carry around those damn rubber overboots, which weighed more than the extra weight of the Danner's. I ALWAYS carried an extra blade in my pack (so i did'nt get in trouble, had to be issued if worn on belt). I would be honored if someone gave me a BK-2 for a deployment, but i guess thats just me.
 
I gunned a HMMWV for some years....he'll definitely need a mulititool, but he'll get one in his RFI. So, cross that off the list! Being on the gun a big knife simply won't get used...and probably will just be in the way. I'd stick with a fixed that has a blade no longer than 3 1/2 inches just so he can put it in his front pocket. If he's keeping a big knife on his vest that means it won't be getting carried unless he's out the wire. Also, it's already been mentioned, but his command might have issues with largefixed blades being visible.
The Bk11,Eskabar, izula, izula 2 all would be good to go...
 
im in a similar situation. although ive been on a bunch of deployments with only a multitool, and although its served me well i want a good folder
 
When my son went to the sandbox they issued him a multitool. I got him a Blackhawk MOD CQD Mark I (NOT the type E, that came out later). He loved it. It's a folder, but pretty sturdy.
 
Leave the fixed blades and all the other 'embellishments' at home. The sensible soldier will dispense with a heavy knife and use a SwissTool, Leatherman or one of the undoubtedly wonderful SAK products and be sufficiently equipped.
 
Leave the fixed blades and all the other 'embellishments' at home. The sensible soldier will dispense with a heavy knife and use a SwissTool, Leatherman or one of the undoubtedly wonderful SAK products and be sufficiently equipped.
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Disagree strongly. I don't care what your job is; if you do anything other than sit behind a desk, you will be using tape and cordage, and most of the time you're not gonna remember to get your multi-tool out of its sheath before you're ready to cut it, so a one handed folder/accessible fixed blade is really nice to have.

Folders are fine for some environments, but after being outside in Baghdad sandstorm, my Spyderco Military got so gritty that the tang/lockbar interface was completely frozen. Had to take it apart to get everything unstuck.
 
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CubistHamster said:
Disagree strongly. I don't care what your job is; if you do anything other than sit behind a desk, you will using tape and cordage, and most of the time you're not gonna remember to get your multi-tool out of its sheath before you're ready to cut it, so a one handed folder/accessible fixed blade is really nice to have.

Folders are fine for some environments, but after being outside in Baghdad sandstorm, my Spyderco Military got so gritty that the tang/lockbar interface was completely frozen. Had to take it apart to get everything unstuck.
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I agree with the sand part. Sand can be a real pain in the arse with folders. I go hiking quite a bit, and if you ever camp on a sandy beach, the stuff finds its way everywhere. I found it made my folders quite annoying to use as they gathered sand and got gritty quite quickly. My suggestion would be to get a nice light fixed blade. An izula would be a good choice imo. He could use this along with a multitool for anything really.

I really think a large fixed blade would just get in the way. They can be a lot of fun, but when you really need to move, I find them quite annoying.
 
Seriously, I deployed to Iraq in 07, saw no action, but my Strider SMF was used daily. Keep that in mind.
 
Didn't read through all of the posts but depending on his Branch/MOS (Job Skill) can make a difference. I deployed over there and few other exotic locations throughout my Army career but I would believe any of the smaller to mid sized EESE offerings (Hest, Izula, RC4) would be sufficient and backed up by a nice multi-tool. Some units frown unfortunately on some knives due to size, appearance, etc. Moisture and humidity is not a factor typically over there so not really a need for a premium stainless steel and when his blade begins to dull, a carbon blade will sharpen easier.
 
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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i agree i serve in the cf
chain would not allow a monster knife either.
unless im mistaken the americans with your superior kit *blushes*
have the new leatherman meant for weapon cleaning.
id suggest he stick with that, and if you are hell bent on getting him a knife
something small, with alot of different carry options
 
I'd recommend a BK11 and a small Leatherman. Do a good cord wrap job for him on the BK11, too.

If you must go for a larger fixed blade, I'd say BK2 or a Cold Steel SRK, depending on how he's likely to use the blade (I'd lean towards the BK2 of those two, honestly.)
 
I would suggest an esee3 over the 4 purely because of the sheath the plastic sheath is just as versatile but he wont have to deal with it possibly getting loose being so hot over there
 
An ESEE 3 would be perfect. It is rather light, slim and super sharp. You can get the MIL version with all the attachment methods and the glass breaker. If you want something heavier duty, get the ESEE 4. Great knives by a great company. plus you get a no questions asked, life time warranty.
 
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