Flight Suit Knife

D

Dolan

Joined
Feb 19, 2006
Messages
3
I'm looking for a 'survival' knife to carry in my military flightsuit. Standard Air Force issue leg sheath.

I'd like a Scandi grind or similar. Must be semi-flat. Must be something that can be used as a striker for an artificial flint. Rubber handle or cord wrap.

Slot is 6.5" but could be 8" up to the snap. I currently carry a Frost Mora #137

I have no idea what the military expects one to carry. Fighter jocks I checked with keep a cume lite in there.

I'd include a picture but I'm not smart enough to figure it out.
 
for fixed blades, check out:
dmknives.com
dozierknives.com
munroedesigns.com

For Folders, check out striderknives.com or go to an online or local store and check out a Spyderco Manix or Mini-Manix. Wait a few months and get a Zero Tolerance 0300.
 
Actually, access to the leg pouch to get to a knife is very awkward. A good folder with a clip would work better in the chest pocket.

If you want a fixed blade, a boot knife or something strapped to your leg underneath the suit will work too.
 
Check out Rangerknives.com also. Justin is a good guy and the RD6 should fit the bill.
 
How about a Chris Reeve Aviator?

"This 4" bladed knife is well suited for rescue or para-medical kits and pilots of light aircraft or helicopters."

http://www.chrisreeve.com/aviator.htm

Or the official survival knife of the Swedish Air Force, the Fallkniven F1:

http://www.fallkniven.com/a1f1/f1_en.htm

Don't fall into the "bigger is better" trap. I traded my Fallkniven A1 (6" blade) for an F1 with its 4" blade and have never regretted it.

maximus otter
 
The F1 is a great knife (with the kydex sheath). But the S1 is thicker and stronger (see its breaking test results), if you have enough room, get it!
 
Oooh, that F1 is nice. I may have to check that out. I currently carry Spec Plus Air Force made by Ontario Knives when I fly. The 5 1/2 inch blade and overall lenght may be too long for your needs. Its got a rubber handle and seems to be an updated version of the Air Force Survival knife, althought I think its bigger. I think I'm going to look into the F1 or something similar with a 4 inch blade since 5.5 inch is too big.

I also carry a good folder in my pocket (BM 551, etc.) in case the fixed blade gets seperated from me.
 
Dolan,
I carry a Spyderco Delica 4 (stainless) in the arm pocket of my flight suit, underneath the pen and pencil. I can't imagine carrying something bigger w/o a lot of discomfort, especially in that damned parachute leg pocket that's impossible to get things out of. As survival knives go, I think most of them are going to be too big for the parachute pocket. You might be able to fit some of the smaller ones inside your large leg pocket, but I'd probably recommend stuffing it into your seat kit if you're that serious about having one.
 
The F1 is a big step up from the spec plus line. If you handle one, I think you'll like it.
 
fudo said:
The F1 is a big step up from the spec plus line. If you handle one, I think you'll like it.
Click to expand...

They look really nice from the pics. I think I must order one. Sigh.....
 
fudo said:
Let us know what you think after you get it.
Click to expand...

Will do. I'm checking places on line right now to order one. The more I have experience with knives, smaller and lighter = better to me.
 
As for F1 and S1:


"From November 2000, the black versions of mod. F1 and S1 are tested and approved for use by air crews in the US Marine/US Navy. With knobs on they met the tough requirements for function, design, strength and reliability which Naval Air Warfare Center had put up and that´s why Fallkniven AB, as maybe the only European knife manufacturer, that has the capability to deliver survival knives to the US Marine/US Navy. Since 1995, the Fallkniven model F1 has been the official survival knife for all pilots in the Swedish Air Force." From Fallkniven web page.
 
I thought the USAF had a pretty good idea when they began passing out Camillus/Ontario USAF Survival knives way back when. High carbon steel, 5" blade, clip point, handy size, leather washer handle, etc. I know, I know, I'm old fashioned and there are newer, better designs out there... but then again, I'm still a 1911A1 fan.
 
Dolan said:
I'm looking for a 'survival' knife to carry in my military flightsuit. Standard Air Force issue leg sheath.

I'd like a Scandi grind or similar. Must be semi-flat.
Click to expand...

It is unlikely that you would be best served by a so-called "scandi grind." Most knives designed for survival -- and most knives made in Scandinavia -- do not have a "scandi" grind because, while good for fine woodwork, it is rather weak. A more all-round grind (convex edge or secondary bevel) is what is present on every knife recommended above IIRC.

My prejudice is towards a 3/16" thick blade with a flat or convex grind (or very high saber grind) and a convex edge (e.g., Fallkniven F-1 or Bark River Sand Storm). That makes for a study edge with good cutting ability.

ED: If you decided on the U.S.-made Bark River Sand Storm, Micarta (resin-impregnated matrix of canvas) seems the best handle choice AND Mike Stewart would doubtless texturize the handle for you for the cost of mailing it to him for the work. He does things like that.
 
Have you looked at Extrema Ratio Shrapnel? That would be my choice.

shrapnel9ez.jpg

Thanks to ImageShack for Free Image Hosting
 
I have 3 Fallkniven F1's and the one I like the most is the F1GM. The GM has green micarta handles and stainless hilt. I think I have about 9 Fallkniven knives of different models so I am kind of partial but I also have some Randalls and Chris Reeve too.

For your usage I would vote for the F1 with no trepidation. It would serve you well!

Ciao & good luck
Ron
:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top