Fixed blade recommendations for infantryman?

If I were to carry a fixed blade I would carry anything much over 4" beyond that the knife becomes too cumbersome then there's the ounces lead to pounds mantra. I don't know where you are in Canada but I worked with some Infantry troops from BC during Anaconda and those guys and gals carried even more than we did. In the end I just don't know if the return on investment is worth it.
 
Former infantryman also, if you end up with a $250 knife I'd seriously consider leaving it at home. Stuff gets lost or stolen way too often in the field. Plus you can trade the weight of the knife for some beef jerky and sunflower seeds. I was only in for 6 years but the only people I ever saw carry a fixed blade after their first few field exercises were jumpmasters. Just my opinion. I'd still get the knife, just use it when you won't have a bunch of other sticky fingered Joe's around.
 
I carried a Microtech D/A Socom during my deployment. I wasn't into fixed blades back then.
 
+1 on CM's stuff ... good stuff from a good guy.

That said, in production it's hard to beat the utility to price ratio of Becker Knives; 1095 and very ergonomic handles - sheaths that, while not great, fit your parameters.

For your budget I would get three knives - that's right, three!

The BK-7, a BK-16 and a BK-11 or 14.

The BK-7 was designed as a military knife, is a good size, not terribly heavy and 1095 is easily sharpened and a rugged steel for field use. Did i mention the comfy handles?

The BK-16 is smaller and lighter but very capable; again 1095.

The BK-11 (or 14 if you prefer) can be worn around the neck or up high on your kit depending on preference. The 14 is preferred by some because with the addition of handle slabs is a comfortable knife while many like the wire breaker, hot pot handle lifter of the BK-11 which, I have heard, can also be used for opening beer bottles. Again, made of the beloved 1095.

With careful shopping you could have all three for $250+/- and always have the right sized knife on you.
 
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Charlie Mike said:
I carried a Microtech D/A Socom during my deployment. I wasn't into fixed blades back then.
Click to expand...
If you had been, what do you think would have be the best balance of size, capability and weight?

If you had to pick a factory knife that fit, just for ease of putting numbers to it, what would it be?
 
I'm a retired 11B with several years as a 19Dand there are things you have to factor in.
1. You will hump this baby and if you have a bayonet you will have to have that also.
2 You need a hilt, your hands will e covered with blood, sweat, grease, and everything slippery all the time. More than one of my men had to be stitched up because theri hand slipped all the way down on the blade which usually cut deep.
3. It will primarily be used to cut open ration boxes.
4. You will lose it. I dropped at least 3 Gerber MK IIs out of Slicks into the jungle.
I tried them all and ended up using my bayonet as a knofe when needed. When you are going into combat the Army will issue you one that is damn sharp.
For a fixed blade I wold not go over 6 inches and you don't need a collector. I suggest a Swamp Rat or a DPX.
For a folder the DPX HEST is in both of my son's pockets when they were in the 82nd. (3 year apart)
 
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