E.D.C for iraq ?

W

wack

Joined
Dec 24, 2005
Messages
73
hi ,
I got a mate going to iraq around christmas time and was after some sugestions for a edc for him .we were thinking a folder, in a 3 to 6 inch blade . something that could get runover by a tank and still keep going ...... literly :D

i was thinking a large clasic Sebenza or maby spyderco atlantic salt ( he likes the one that i edc ) . I know thats its a open question, any sugestions would be aprciated tho

...... Wack
 
I think you need to find him a Hinderer XM-18, he himself ran one over in a jeep and parked on it.
 
Expensive version = Large Seb like you suggested
Cheaper/Value buy = Benchmade 710
How about a fixed blade?

I got my buddy (whose getting deployed to Iraq later this summer) two Kershaw Leeks - he loves the assisted opening. I figure if a knife is going to get run over, it'll be his Ka-bar.
 
The Salt is a great choice. Easy to care for, easy to sharpen, and the FRN handles are tougher than people think. Easy to replace if it gets lost.
 
there are plenty threads about "knife for soldier in irak", you might find good info using "search" function.
Anyway, often suggested is a tool (leatherman or swisstoll) or a usual SAK... seems to be quite usefull overthere...
Otherwise, I would suggest a griptilian (cheap, light, easy to sharpen).
Bying him a sebenza would be nice, but may be a bit expensive in case he loose it.:confused:
 
I am a SFC with the 10th Mountain at Drum, I spent 1 year in Iraq and 15 months in Afghanistan, I carried a Leatherman and a Spyderco Military model in Afghanistan and would do the same for Iraq, you could add a small, strong sheath knife to your IBA/FLC but you will not use much. Most of the Infantry I was with in Iraq took off their fixed blades because 1. never used them and 2. the weight, you are humping alot of weight in very Hot weather.

Not saying there are times you may need a fixed blade, but most of the time you won't. Some good choices are the Sere Operator, the RAT-5 or the new BRKT Bravo 1. All have blades aroud 4-5 inches and each have their benefits.

Again, a good Multi tool and a good tactical folder like the Millie and you will do fine.


Rickj
 
RickJ said:
I am a SFC with the 10th Mountain at Drum, I spent 1 year in Iraq and 15 months in Afghanistan, I carried a Leatherman and a Spyderco Military model in Afghanistan and would do the same for Iraq, you could add a small, strong sheath knife to your IBA/FLC but you will not use much. Most of the Infantry I was with in Iraq took off their fixed blades because 1. never used them and 2. the weight, you are humping alot of weight in very Hot weather.

Not saying there are times you may need a fixed blade, but most of the time you won't. Some good choices are the Sere Operator, the RAT-5 or the new BRKT Bravo 1. All have blades aroud 4-5 inches and each have their benefits.

Again, a good Multi tool and a good tactical folder like the Millie and you will do fine.

Rickj
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Absolutely agree. I'm currently in Iraq and a fixed blade with a blade over 5" is just too cumbersome. I'm not humping a ruck through the mountains; most of our transporation is via helo / fixed wing, and if you have a sheath knife that's too long you'll get hung up a lot. I've seen a few kids carrying their Ka-Bars and large knives...and I've seen them get hung on everything from a chair in a chow hall to a hang-upexiting a Blackhawk. The only way to carry a long-bladed knife comfortably is with a drop leg sheath. For me, that's too much crap on the lower body and although I'm not humping a ruck everday, it wouldn't work in the cramped confines of an M1114 or a packed helo.

I too carry a Spyderco Military (my weak side pocket), and an Emerson CQC-13 in my right pocket. My multi-tool is used for a lot of tasks, and I've used a few 4-5" bladed knives over here. My favorites are the Bark River Bravo-1, Mission MPK-10A2, Blackjack Grunt, Ontario TAK and my old-guard blade...a Mad Dog Pygmy ATAK.

ROCK6
 
Strider SmF or SnG, Spyderco Manix or Waved Delica , Benchmade 710 or 910.

Also get him a multi-tool and small neck knife. I've sent a few buddies over equipped like that and all seem to have enough knife for all the jobs they needed.
 
Get him a Leatherman Wave. I gave one to a friend for his first trip a few years ago. It is now on its third trip. He says it is the most useful tool he has had so far.

Greg
 
The Zero Tolerance 0500 MUDD could be a good knife. The sealed pivot and lock won't allow sand and gunk to build up. Its built like a tank. It is reasonably priced as well.
 
In the past three year I have been in and out of Iraq and Afganhistan. I have alway had a multi-tool on my belt either the Leatherman Wave or the SOG SOG Power Lock Multitool Pliers (for the extra grip).
In my pocket I carried either Emerson CQC-7B or a Kershaw Avalanche as my EDC. Any combo of these 4 never let me down, it's what I will be bring with me next too..

and maybe a Benchmade 710 after reading so much about it on this site of a bit bigger blade.
 
Multitool.

Large folder depends on $$$$

Expensive: Strider, Hinderer, Sebbie
Mid range: BM 710, Spydo Military, Manix, ZT 200, Kershaw SpecBump
Low range: Endura, Buck SBMF, Kershaw Storm
 
One knife that doesn't ever get a mention in these threads is the Benchmade 520. They are way overbuilt. Offer good grip and ease of opening when wearing gloves. With a very practical and easy to sharpen blade shape. I sent one overseas last year to a friend and pretty much everyone that see his gets one.
 
ZT 300 is a good knife for the job, real gut shovel. not quite as expensive as a real strider or a sebbie.

I love sebbies but they arent exactly my choice in a feild knife.

The emerson hd series is quite good and slightly less expensive than striders and hinderers, while being just as reliable.

Just remember that these get used for just about everything. that means prying and abusing.

I personally like fixed blades when im in the field, as long as it has molle attatchments he should be fine. my personal reccomendation would be to get him a busse BATAC. its a great military knife, ibelieve its within most regs.
 
Those folders like Strider SnG SMF are fairly expensive and the Hinder XM18 are very hard to get hold of (and expensive). The Hinderer XM18 has a great reputation and the striders less so but if you get a good one you would be okay.

Maybe a multi tool and a small fixed blade would still be better than any folder in dirty rough condtions. The Benchmade Nimravus is a 4.5 inch fixed available in D2 steel and with a soft molle sheath (the default plastic lock sheaths are crap btw) would do fine.
 
While in I carried a SOG Multi-Tool and a Emerson CQC-7.

If I was still in now it would probably be my Victorinox Spirit Multi-Tool and either my Emerson CQC-12 or my Strider SnG with a Emerson LaGriffe on my Dog Tags.
 
Chech out Kershaw Zero Tolerance knives also check out Spyderco manix .
leatherman wave or gerber multitool, also maybe a SAK
 
If you are looking for a folder, I second the Spyderco Manix or Benchmade 710D2. Both knives are very tough, but also are meant to cut (instead of being sharpened prybars). I have not been to Iraq (my brother served a year there in 2004), but I have EDCed both of these knives at work over the past few years. They both are very tough, very well thought out designs. As far as fixed blades go, I really like the Swamp Rat Ratmandu and the Ontario TAK designs, once again, both are very robust and well thought out designs. Good luck.
 
thanks guys , lots of 'em to look at :D

he's a army computer geek , so the Leatherman Wave is a sweet idea, you gotta' love those screwdriver bits :D

as for a folder, maby even a spyderco Police, Stainless Steel with a SpyderEdge was another thought ? dunno . someone sugested a Harpy to him last week .... he still wants one and i'm trying to convince him otherwise

i showed him the BM 710 , he hates the lock on it so thats out :mad:

dunno i think i'm just gunna hit the shops with him

thanks any way guys:D
 
wack said:
he's a army computer geek , so the Leatherman Wave is a sweet idea, you gotta' love those screwdriver bits :D
Click to expand...

Ok, basically, he would probably not go to the field.
i suggest a Swisstool +, wich would be quite helpfull for him when working on computers.
And any light folder, for him to open box etc.. (mini-grip is cheap and light, but there are plenty other good option )
 
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