Goin' to serve in the military soon, what knife to take with?

J

Jogi_Baer

Joined
Jun 14, 2002
Messages
4
At this moment i have a Chris reeve Projekt 2 and a Fallkniven A1.
Im thinking about to get a busse, but which one?
Are there any other suggestions for a really tough and long lasting knife?
 
Im from germany and as far as i know, i can carry everything when we are in the field and practising battle tactics.
In normal military life i would carry a lcc or the old socom, maybe my beloved spydie Wegner:D

Im also looking for an everyday carry fixed blade, maybe Fallkniven F1 style or something like that.
 
Initially, none. You won't be able to have much in the way of knives for at least 3-6 months after enlisting depending on your MOS. Scratch that, you won't be able to have ANY knives at all for the first 2 months, they even take scissors and nail files from you at Basic. I've been in the Army now for almost a year, and in my experience so far, you'll get the most mileage out of a Leatherman or Swisstool and a nice tactical folder with a 3" blade or so. I specify the blade length because some units have a length limit. I'm in Korea right now, and I can't have anything over 4", fixed or folding. In garrison, I carry my Swisstool and a Camillus EDC with a 154CM blade. When we're in the field, I add a REKAT Fang to my LBV. On our last field exercise, that combo served pretty well for everything I ran across.

I realize that I'm not really answering your question, but I wanted to point out that the traditional combat style knife with a 7" or larger blade is against the regs at quite a few installations. It's disapointing and frustrating, BELIEVE me, I know, but it is the reality. Also, keep in mind that if you're a single soldier living in a barracks, chances are very good that you won't be able to keep anything big, like a Ka-Bar or your Chris Reeve, in your room even if it is allowed on the installation. You'll probably have to store it in the arms room. They'll issue you an M16 with live ammo on the range, but you can't have a Ka-Bar in your room. Makes no sense to me either.

In response to your original question though, I'd say a Busse would be an excellent choice. I don't own one, but I've heard many, many good things about them. I'd probably get the Steel Heart myself, since a 7" blade is the most practical size for a combat knife in my opinion. The Becker C/U 7 looks really nice too. I would have one now if I were allowed to have it here, but circumstances don't permit it right now. Anyway, good luck with the military, hopefully you'll go to a nice unit where you can have all of your fun sharp objects. Just remember to read the fine print when you sign your papers!
 
By Jogi's writing it's apparent he's not just "from" Germany, he IS German and will join the German armed forces (Bundeswehr?), so the familiar PC rules about Basic Training in the US don't apply.
 
Go immediately to the Himalayan Imports Forum and ask Uncle Bill for a deal on a Khukuri. He'll set you up with some of the finest steel you can imagine for the money.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=739

Tell him Pendentive sent ya.

BAS.jpg

Bulldog1.jpg
 
Strider or Busse. Period. Pick one depending on what size you need, they are all the same great quality.

Drjones
 
Jogi, I don't know what your military job is, or will be. I assume that you are slated to be an Infantryman or similar (artillery FO), otherwise, you would surely not be considering a large fixed blade.

I think Roadrunner's advice is excellent. Take your Wegner which is a really great, versatile folding knife and a multitool. I don't think you will need anything else on a peacetime fedex. If you do, it will most likely be issued. Remember, the more you take, the more you have to carry, maintain and worry about.

Good luck with your service.
 
Hi Jogi_Baer

when i was in the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) 1975,
it only depended on one thing, the opinion of my officers!

Sometimes i was carrying a private handgun (they knew and liked to shoot it), once "at guard duty", i got a strong critic because i had one button to much open at my shirt.

My tip: look for written rules and stay with them.






.
 
btw, a 15" BAS khukuri from HI (black one above) is 18 oz., has it's own sharpener as well as a small knife, and eliminates needing a hatchet as well.

All-in-all it will end up lightening your load.

There are a number of servicemen that take khukuris. Just do a search in the HI forum and you'll see. ;)
 
roadrunner is correct. Do not take anything with you until you complete AIT. Unless it is an extended course, like electronic warfare, language school, etc.
Even these will take your sharps if they find them. Wait until your first duty station.
My 2 cents
Ed T
 
Erstmals: Warten & fragen-
Glauben ist gut, aber Wissen ist besser.
Ich drueck dir die Daumen,
Mike
 
I can say what I did, but it may not qualify me to answer your situation. A serviceman who may be on his own, behind the lines, or just part of the assualt force, should travel lite. I always had a swiss army or similar. A 7 inch field knife was always with me too. I opted for a Randall. I saw too times a 5 inch or smaller knife did not fill the bill in the field. Over 7 inches, it becomes a burden. Your knife will be used as a utility tool most, if not all the time. Above all else, don't get attached to anything. It may cause you to hesitate when you should have to sh*# and get. Good luck!;)

Sam
 
I think Rugger's right. Wait and ask first, you wanna be sure.
But regardless,... if I were you I'd go only with a good multi-tool, like a Gerber or Swisstool. You've got you're Gewehr for combat and the multi-tool will take care of everything else.
Just my opinion.

Tsuess und viel Glueck.
 
Jogi,

First, ensure the Commander allows it, then check post reg 632-10. It usually stated that a lock bladed knife over 3" is illegal. Although this usually applies to garrison, not the field.

Ensuring the Commander's policy will keep you out of hot water. When you get a new Commander, you get new rules, so make sure you're up to speed on policy.

Recommendations:

Busse Steel Heart E (I have 2 II's myself, and gonna get an E)
Strider AR/GB (expensive at $350, but worth it)
Buck Strider Folder (spearpoint)
Buck Solution (fixed)
SOG Powerlock (multi-tool - a must for military service)

Also check out www.swampratknives.com for the Camp Tramp. Excellent choice (check the site forum, one thread shows the strength with the big Battle Rat chopping through a concrete block with no appreciable damage) for one on a budget. Under $150 for each of them.

Stay out of the bars and spend your bucks on the best gear you can get. The gear will save your life or your buddy's. Beer won't.

my .02
Ed

BTW, I've been in 18+ years and am an MP instructor. Good luck!
 
Busse Satin Jack will do everything and anything you need, and not be too big to carry for a long time. And, if you do somehow manage to break it, you get the pleasure of dealing with Jerry Busse's smiling mug when he replaces it for free.
 
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