Folder for Iraq Duty: How Necessary?

[jlfletcher83]

The black spyderco military model is what I carried and what I bought for my brother when he graduated OSUT. I also carried a SOG multitool. Im quite aware that a soldier has a very small chance of using a folding knife to defend himself. It is something that should be considered especially considering the current state of issue sidearms. Not to spark debate but after my five years in the service I have seen multiple issues with the M9. Moving on a good folder like the military model will get lots of use. If the military model is to pricey consider the ontario rat 1. A good fixed blade I consider almost a requirement and I personally despise the m9 bayonet. I like to have a large fixed blade on my belt and a small fixed blade on my body armor, and folder in my pocket. I feel like a folder is absolutely necessary or he will drive his buddies nut asking to borrow theirs. The multi tool is also extremely useful. The spyderco sharpmaker saw alot of use during our downtime. Dont forget the benchmade blue lube and cleaner.

 

[ROCK6]

I have a friend who's bound for duty in Iraq come February. He's presently undergoing Marine training in a California desert and says the heat is incredible. Anyway, I wondered how much of an asset a folder is in Iraq and am considering giving him a CRKT Desert Cruiser, a rugged sand-yellow flipper with a 4-inch AUS 8A half-serrated blade. Not only will the knife be a great keepsake (if he lives), it makes for a good hand weapon and tool.

Are Marine officers likely to need a folder like this or would it just be excess? What would my friend likely use such a folder for?

Thanks!

The CRKT Desert Cruiser also is an Iraqi Freedom commemorative. It's got
a decent grip, a LAWKS safety, and a pointy tip good for stabbing.

Well, as an old Infantry Soldier and now an officer, there are tons of uses for a folder. I'll keep it separate from a multi-tool (Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine should also have one of these)...if the folder has a good pocket clip, it's much faster to get a hold of...and I would make sure it can be opened with one hand.

I won't differentiate between combat arms and combat support...everybody here is a target and depending on the job, some more than others. The Army mentality is finally mirroring the Marines...every Soldier is Infantry first and MOS specialty second.

I've used my folders for a whole host of tasks:
cutting 550 cord
100 MPH tape
cutting CATV and WF-16 (4 strand) wire
sharpening old-school pencils
trimming radiator hose for an NTV (some haji truck)
opening boxes
cutting boxes down for the burn barrel
trimming branches on our Christmas tree
prying up floor tile, cutting a cravat into smaller pieces
cutting old T-shirts into swab pads for the M9 and M4
prying nails out of the cement walls in the office
Trimming acetate from commo-cards and maps
Oh, cutting the end of that Cuban cigar

I'm sure if I thought about it, I could list another 20 or 30 daily uses. Just because he's an officer is all the more reason he needs his own folder...to always be perceived as "always prepared"

Get him a good locking blade, one-hand opening and solid pocket clip (Benchmade, CRK&T, Emerson, Spyderco, etc). For me, I carry a CQC-8, Spyderco Military and T&E'ing a ZT-0300...and yes, I have a SAK (Huntsman) in my RAID pack and a Leatherman Charge on my belt as well.

ROCK6