Fixed Blade Or Folder For Soldier In Afghanistan?

K

KRB

Joined
Feb 11, 2007
Messages
9
I know very little about knives, and I have never served in the military. However, I know an infantry soldier in Afghanistan (82nd Airborne) who is a close friend of my daughter, and I wanted to send him a high-quality knife. I was considering either the Zero Tolerance 0100 Fixed Blade or the ZT 0301 folder. (I saw an article on the 0121 and thought its shorter size than the 0100 might be good, but it does not seem to be out yet).

I don't want to send him something whose weight outweighs its utility, and it wasn't clear to me whether a fixed blade or a folder would be more practical. If anyone has any thoughts on the question, I would very much appreciate them. Thanks.
 
There are several active threads here right now and many recent ones on this subject. If you'll search you will find plenty of info.

One thing I'd recommend that if possible, find out if he'd prefer a folder or a fixed blade. In general a (small) fixed blade and a good multitool would serve him well.
 
KRB,
Send him a nice black Leatherman XTi or Wave with a nylon sheath. He'll get a lot more use out of that.
Take Care,
John
 
Hi and welcome KRB!
Good for you for wanting to get this soldier a good knife!:thumbup:

Here's a good thread with some advice from another jumper who was deployed:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=453648

I'd agree with the other fellas here. A good multi tool would do wonders, like a Leatherman Wave.
He'd probably want a small fixed blade. The Becker Crewman is great, although getting harder to find. The Canadian Airborne carried the Grohmann #3, otherwise just called a Russell Jump knife. Excellent all purpose knife.

Good luck on your search!
 
one option if he has internet over there, is send him a nice amount gift certificate to new graham knives or one of the other big retailers.

I just posted about my best friend heading back and bringing a whole bunch of small little folders that solders could use for EDC and opening mail, packages, MRE's and the like. Also being active duty he can carry a small automatic (switchblade) like the benchmade mini presidio or mini reflex. A guy I used to play hockey with came back from afghanistan with one and loves it for EDC in the right front pocket. he used it for everything. lifting debris to peer underneath, opening packages, opening wrappings, super well made and very tough little knife. about the same price range too as what you are looking at.
 
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Look at the Dozier or CRK fixed knives. Also, the 1pc. hollow handle CRKs are real nice to store a some little necessities.

MPE
 
It's not either - or, it's

A good Swiss Army knife with scissors, phillips, file, and magnifier.
A multitool.
A stout folder.
And a 6" or less fixed blade with sheath that works with Molle gear. Preferably drop point, comfortable non conductive handle, thick blade, very plain looks.
 
I say, go with a good folder. It'll get more use than a fixed-blade, weighs less, can be clipped anywhere, and you can find some high-quality ones with reliable locks.
 
Small fixed blades do not weigh any more than equally sized folders. Robust folders weigh more than similarly sized fixed blades.

Fixed blades are faster to get out in emergency and are inherently more reliable (no lock to break or loosen, dirt to jam the lock and no lock failure cutting your fingers).

Modern "tactical" blades have excellent sheaths enabling attachment almost anywhere. In this regard a folder is however a better choice.
 
I assume if he's in an emergency situation then the US Army must provide him with a field knife fixed blade for that? So I tend to feel a small but sturdy folder would be more welcome and practical for non-life or death matters? A Buck Alpha Dorado 271 with Rosewood scales is small, easy to carry and a fast opener with a strong lock up and decent blade. Looks nice,modern and different and won't cost the earth but feels very good in the hand. Let us know what you decide please.
 
Without a doubt a fixed blade, this should not even be in question. I would personally suggest the gerber lmf.
 
willgoy said:
I assume if he's in an emergency situation then the US Army must provide him with a field knife fixed blade for that?
Click to expand...

Nope! Maybe a few soldiers in specialized units are issued knives. The average soldier is not. He has to buy his own.
 
Does he already have an issued bayonet? That should serve as a basic fixed blade quite well, and he's probably required to carry it anyway if he has it.


Yet another vote for a good multitool. Two Iraq tours, and I used my Leatherman far more than my issue Ka-Bar (2003) or issue OKC bayonet (2004).

Or does the 82nd not issue bayonets these days? I know most combat Marines have them, but not clear on Army doctrine.

-MV
 
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