Gift for USAF

B

Bare Rib

Joined
Sep 22, 2007
Messages
589
So, one of my oldest and dearest friends has recently enformed me that he has enlisted in the USAF. His A.I.T. will be in audio/visual engineering & editing. So more than likely he won't be getting shipped over to the sandbox or seeing any combat (which makes me happy.) But, I still think that he will be in the need for a good knife (then again I think everyone is in the need of a good knife.)
I am open for suggestions from my fellow forumites (esp those in the USAF) if there is a knife they can recomend, but as I said keep in mind he more than likely will not be seeing combat so he won't be needing anything like a RD-7 or any type of combat based knife; I want to get him something that he will be able to use and will make his life easier. So, I was thinking about getting him a Leatherman Wave and one of Normark's (from here on BF) On-Scene Tactical sheaths. But, as said I'm open for suggestions.

Thanks much
 
I would think a good multi-tool would be way more useful than a knife seeing as how he will be in audio/visual and not a combat role.
 
I spent 31 yrs in the USAF,my last big tour of duty was in Saudi during Desert Shield/Storm,and was the highest ranking NCO there,at that time I carried my
first PST,that was the only one they had at that time,but the Wave that you
mentioned would be a good pick now,just don't give it to him until he gets out
of boot camp,and training,and gets to his PDS,and thanks for being his friend.

God Bless, Retired Chief Smith
 
Well since he is going into the AF. I think the Kershaw JYD would be perfect.
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=7420
ks1720.jpg
 
mister_wilburn said:
How about a spyderco, or a benchmade griptillian? Both are good knives with good warranties.
Click to expand...

They are great knives but that's all they are. I'm thinking esp with his specialty that a multi-tool will be more utilitarian.

5pins said:
Well since he is going into the AF. I think the Kershaw JYD would be perfect.
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=7420
ks1720.jpg
Click to expand...

If he were a knife guy/collector this would be a great choice but I'm looking to get him a real user.

Smitty44 "thanks for being his friend"
I am thankful to be his and thankful for all that he will be doing and have told him so.
 
As a professional mechanic for 30 years and a knife guy for longer I gotta say get the Kershaw JYD. It's a great EDC and of the several multitools I have owned , they were all tools of last resort. He will no doubt have access to a toolbox full of drivers, pliers , etc., that will work far better than a multi tool. Trust me, get the knife.
I am working on an AFB currently and the JYD with the AF logo is a real attention getter.
 
smitty44 said:
the Wave that you
mentioned would be a good pick now,just don't give it to him until he gets out
of boot camp,and training,and gets to his PDS
Click to expand...

Once again thanks for the input; as I have been looking over the thread agian and taking in everybodies thoughts I remembered I forgot to ask you why I should not give it to him until he is out of boot, training, & gets to his PDS? Also what would be the best way of getting it to him once he is there?

severtecher said:
As a professional mechanic for 30 years and a knife guy for longer I gotta say get the Kershaw JYD. It's a great EDC and of the several multitools I have owned , they were all tools of last resort. He will no doubt have access to a toolbox full of drivers, pliers , etc., that will work far better than a multi tool. Trust me, get the knife.
I am working on an AFB currently and the JYD with the AF logo is a real attention getter.
Click to expand...

I feel what your saying and agree why use a multi-tool when you have a "real" full sized dedicated tool at your disposal; but I do worry about the need for that last resort. Also, with the JYD I would worry about it being too much of an attention getter. Lets face it just because someone is in the Military doesn't make them a saint; and I would worry about it walking away.

What about something like this
http://www.leatherman.com/images/products/knives/k502x-k503x-diagram.jpg

Or maybe a good SAK like
http://www.swissarmy.com/images/ProductCatalog/vm/vm_54824_sol_a02.jpg
MultiTools - Centurion

Once again thanks for the input and keep the thoughts coming.
 
When I was in the Air Force, it was so long ago, we hadn't invented aircraft yet ... but I carried a SAK everywhere. I say go for a multitool. The Wave is good, Normark's sheaths are great.

If he's really, really into folders, he can get a JunkYard Dog or the JYD II which is bigger, or the new JYD II framelock. Not everyone is a knife knut, and some bases may get finicky about what they want to see a young airman walking around with. (Remember in Dr. Strangelove: "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the War Room!")

Whoops! Forgot to mention: he isn't allowed knives during basic training. Very restricted personal kit. That's why he shouldn't bring anything like that with him. You can easily mail it to him when he gets to his permanent assignment, although he may be home on leave before heading out.
 
I am currently a MSgt in the AF. Here is a little advice that may or may not help with your decision.

If he has to work on AF Supplied equipment he will be supplied tools that are in accordance with Technical Orders. Basically he wouldn't be allowed to use a leatherman or the like on anything offiicial.

So:

I would go with a nice FOLDER not a fixed. Depending on the amount of cash you wish to spend i would go with stainless/titanium scales and have them engraved with something to remember the gift giver by or maybe just his name. This helps him remember where it came from and more importantly it will help prevent it from walking off (that's the key) at best they share a bathroom with one other Airman in deployed locations it could be a tent with 19 others. I am currently dealing with a theft issue such as this with one of my Airmen.

Airmen are NOT ALLOWED large knifes in the dorms unless its on display (plaque or award). Keep the blade small. This will also allow him to carry it with pride while not in uniform.

Don't get an automatic. If he needs one the AF will issue it (I have 3). He can only carry an automatic while in uniform and still might get grief off base.

Just a suggestion:

If you want to be REAL nice, get a small Sebbie and have initial put in it by CRK.

Bernie
 
Who!! Bernie how things have changed! I just retired, well in '86. (Don't you dare call me old, HEHEHEHE.)
Many safe landings, Jeff.
 
Things have changed, ALOT. I hit my 20 a couple of months ago.

I really like the idea of giving a new Airman a pocket knife (its an awesome idea actually). I just wanted to make sure it is actually a knife he can keep with him at all times, use whenever he wants, without grief. (I get strange looks sometimes when I take out my Large Sebbie or Large BM Auto Stryker)

There can be some crazy rules in the dorms. You have to remember that a military dorm is a cross section of American youth and with it comes its morals, values, and views.

BW
 
Smitty, you and I probably crossed paths, somewhere, sometime.
Anyways, glad you to hear from, a contemperary. I surely hope you did well during your tours. take care care, Jeff
 
You got that right Bernie!! I got got poinced on, when I was at Lowry. Inspections,,,, roommate who didn't know how to clean up after himself. I recieved an 8 APR. He didn't clean up after himself. So, obviously my fault.
 
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