Gifts for our folks who serve.

mymindisamob

mymindisamob

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Feb 1, 2005
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My second oldest son was in the USCG until last year and just graduated dive school at DIT yesterday. My oldest is US Army and has had an all expense paid trip planned for him later this year.;) I also have young Marine, who is like a son to me, stationed in Germany.

My question is, does anyone here have thoughts on folders for my guys? I am leaning towards the ZT 350 blems. I love them, and have a very, very minimal budget. So I think they would be great, but wanted some input from folks here.
 
I think a s30v blur Blem would be great too.. Under $60..great size and grip.and awesome blade
 
My friend took a ZT 350 on his tour to iraq and said it held up great. Give those guys our thanks for serving! God bless the USA!
 
My brother in law is currently in Afghanistan and we (me and his family) are going to be saving up to get him an 0560 when he is back in the states in November. Just to throw out another knife, an 0200 blem might work pretty well, a little more than some of the other knives.
 
Well, as someone who has spent way too much time in theater, the first question I would ask is, do these guys already have a good fixed blade. If not, I would go for a capable fixed blade first and foremost. A fixed blade is an immensely important piece of equipment that will be used constantly. The folder is a backup that will certainly be used for random menial tasks, but I have found that a mid length, comfortably sized and ergonomically shaped fixed blade is an absolutely necessary tool, whereas a folder is not. A lot of guys will also tend to go for the most wicked looking blade they can find and then end up regretting it later. The fact is, if you're going for your folder in a combat situation, you're in deep shit. Having a fixed blade that could serve as a tool and a weapon is logical. Your folder should be an effective tool first, and a weapon running a far distant second.

Now, if they do have a fixed blade, then you can move on to a folder. Generally, I would say that MOST, but certainly not all, of the guys in my crew preferred to have folders that ran around 4", with a nice sharp point, steel that is easily and quickly sharpened, good strong lock, easy and quick to open. While alot of the so-called "tactical" folders have those huge thick and wide drop point blades, I, and my teammates, never really found them to be a viable choice. Yes, I have seen guys carrying those big double recurve beasts that are 2" wide at the belly of the blade, but a knife with a slimmer blade ends up being a lot more useful for a variety of tasks, and that is the most important thing. When you are overseas, you can't just run to the store and get a new tool, so everything you carry needs to be able to effectively perform the greatest number of tasks possible.

You see a lot of Benchmade 710's which is, in my opinion, the idea military carry folder, but its likely a little outside your price range ( about $125 ). I know a few guys now who carry CRKT Firesparks , which is a 3.9" and effectively shaped blade and is also quite affordable( about $42 ). Even the G10 S30V Kershaw Leek only runs about $70 on ebay and is a great little knife to perform the kinds of tasks necessary while in the field. You also can't go wrong with a Spyderco. There is a reason that the Endura ( $65 ) and others have been popular with the military for years........because they are great knives that have served Military members well.

Best of luck in your search and my prayers are with your family members.

WH
 
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The one thing that I would say is that a knife with a torsion spring might not be the best idea because they are hard to get out there. I think the 0350 would be good if you removed the torsion spring before you gave it to them.
 
Jester is spot on about a solid fixed blade being the primary downrange. You already have a lot of gear on so a reasonably sized fixed blade is not a problem to carry. ZT's are great but as pointed out can run a little big for some. I think the Leek has far to fragile a blade tip for that task but a Kershaw Blur or even a Clash would serve them well. My own preference is a Needs Work as the folder is primarily a utility knife and not a fighter. The blade shape is excellent in that role and it's very durable and easy to sharpen. My regards to all of them.
 
I think they would love them. I do like the idea of the 0200 as a possible alternate though.
More importantly, Thank you and your family for serving our Country!

Dan
 
Many bases/ships dont allow blades over 3 inches that weren't issued to the servicemember by their command. If the blades 3" or less, ZT would be a perfect EDC folder for work IMO.
 
Does it have to be a folder? What about a small fixed blade--something like an Izula. Less things to go wrong with something like that.

I suppose if you want to get a folder a good company like Kershaw or Spyderco or Benchmade is the way to go. Lots of options at multiple price points and good quality overall.

I've read on these forums that the ZT 550 is good for solders because there is not a lot that can go wrong with it--but don't take my word for it. There are others on here far more qualified than myself to speak to that.

I'm sure they will love anything from their dad. :)
 
The Marine in Germany is in need of a folder specifically, my son in the Army has my Busse BATAC for a fixed and my son the diver has a smaller mudder grip Swamp Rat. I thought a folder would compliment what they already have and make a good EDC. Thanks for all the input! Now to save some pennies.
 
I know this isn't a folder, but maybe a Bk14 w/ zytel scales would be a good option. Probably about the same size as the 0350 and I think its lighter weight. Tough as nails and dirt cheap! I love mine!

-orangish ducktape
 
Depends on the job, but I know I used a multitool more than anything else. Even a leatherman squirt or gerber dime would be a fantastic gift. If the budget allows, a leatherman wave should get a ton of use.

As for folding knives, the CS Recon 1 Tanto survived the longest (and still with me). Believe the hype about the tri-ad lock. It is the strongest out there.

That being said, I would have loved a ZT 0350 :p.
 
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