Good knife for a soldier?

scoundrel314

scoundrel314

Joined
May 27, 2009
Messages
25
I was wondering if anyone knows of the regulations for military knives and if anyone has suggestions for both a folder (EDC) and a fixed blade for an army soldier deploying to Afghanistan. While price isn't exactly unimportant, quality is more important.
 
I believe Rick Hinderer still takes military orders for the XM-18 if you're interested in that. Other than that, I'd suggest the Umnumzaan or maybe something from Kershaw's ZT line.
 
A lot of ex-soldiers recommend taking a Swiss Army knife for deployment. They report that SAKs are useful and fun to play with when there is nothing to do.
 
If you can, find out what the soldier can actually take with him/her. Some units have items that are "unauthorized" to actually wear on their load bearing equipment (LBE). Other units may allow a sheath knife, for example, as long as it is digital cammy. It all depends on the unit regulations.

Most will allow a good EDC/pocket folder which would get a lot of use in any environment.

Lots of options once you get a better idea of what is allowed. :) I would suggest calling the unit First Sergeant and get the real scoop on what they can take and how they can transport. Some things can be inventoried into the unit's "sensitive items" and safely transported overseas. Good Luck!

Pappy
 
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Good, rugged SAK is good choice. Victorinox Alox Farmer has a lot what man can have and its easily slipped into any pocket. Its light, Alox makes it durable, has good saw and nice flat grind main blade. + Can opener, wire stripper and such. Really good knife that is not too thick to pocket carry.
 
Thanks PappyD! I will contact the First Sergent as soon as I can discretely find out who that is. I am looking to get a present for a relative in the Army. I already got him a Leatherman Wave for the holidays. The knife will be for his birthday right before he deploys.
 
It is a new record! It has been two weeks since this question has been asked and debated to death.
 
Just messin with you. Anything you get a soldier will be greatly appreciated best advice is a good multi tool.
 
Leatherman Wave. It will get much more use than a combat knife or "tactical folder" and any CO will let you have it. If it has to be a combat knife, every PX I've ever seen sells the trusty Kabar.
 
The Leatherman Wave will be very handy....the thing is not to get something which is too heavy if you want to get them a fixed blade....particularly if the guy is already carrying a bayonet...aside from the multi-tool for personal admin etc....a good light lock knife is often valued....if he is carrying a bayonet or has to carry one ...two fixed blades the same size are not popular on kit....and a bigger fixed blade is heavy and often not needed and/or is prohibited....stuff in pouches though is easy to get permission for...
 
tf8s said:
I believe Rick Hinderer still takes military orders for the XM-18 if you're interested in that. Other than that, I'd suggest the Umnumzaan or maybe something from Kershaw's ZT line.
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Can't say I've been in the military, but it seems like a knife with extremely strict tolerances would mean trouble when sand got in it.
 
for a fixed blade what about busse? dont own one yet but i'm highly impressed with what their putting out, along with RAT cutlery but the RC-6 might be a little small for combat use.
 
I was a USAF Security Policeman for about 5 years. While I have not deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq I did spend quite a bit of time in Asia operating in and out of a Humvee in full gear....I've since transitioned to civilian LE and am an active SWAT member....I only say this to establish that I have some experience moving around all day in 50 or 60 lbs of "lightweight" gear.

If I was going to deploy I would take the following:

A good multi-tool....I have been using Gerber Multi-Pliers my whole carrier and haven't screwed one up too bad yet. Any quality make/model would fill the bill though.

Benchmade Griptilian- I carry a 550HG w/ a plain finish.....If going in theatre I might opt for a coated blade. The Grips are Sharp and lightweight....and the axis lock is the best in the business IMO.

I would carry a RAT RC-4 for my fixed blade. It's small enough to mount on your vest behind other gear and not get in your way. It is sturdy enough to accomplish 99% of anything you will encounter while still retaining a practical and usable blade shape. While most "knife fighting" traditionalists will tell you 5 inchs or more are "required" of a fighter....I think 4.5 will get it done just fine when applied with proper mindset :)
 
Isn't a multi-tool issued? I know it is in the Canadian army these days.

I used to carry a small lockback and a multitool; that was 20 yrs ago. If I were off to Afghanistan today, it would be the issue multitool, augmented with a 551 Grip for cutting tasks.

I wouldn't bother with a fixed blade for knife-fightin'. That's why I carried a tank.
 
Most Soldiers get issued gerbers before deploying, I took a Scrapyard Dumpster Mutt to Iraq and it worked great. I think the Spyderco Military would be a great knife too
 
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