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Great knife for deployment?
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Ankerson
Knife and Computer Geek
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- Nov 2, 2002
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After reading all the posts I still don't understand how all those Gadgets (Multi-Tools) would be useful at all other than adding more weight to be carrying around, After 4 years in the USMC I can't remember one single time I would have needed one. Something I sure didn't want to have when I was deployed, needless weight to carry around. And one more thing to have to watch and worry about.
I still say a K-Bar or other like sized fixed blade would be the best one to carry. You don't have to worry about taking it apart to clean it, just wipe it down once in awhile. It will always be there if it's attached to your gear so you don't have to worry about it. You can pretty much forget it until you need it and it will be there.
I never took a bunch of extra junk with me when I deployed, less is better from what I found out on the 3 deployments I was on.
I still say a K-Bar or other like sized fixed blade would be the best one to carry. You don't have to worry about taking it apart to clean it, just wipe it down once in awhile. It will always be there if it's attached to your gear so you don't have to worry about it. You can pretty much forget it until you need it and it will be there.
I never took a bunch of extra junk with me when I deployed, less is better from what I found out on the 3 deployments I was on.
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Yes, the ESEE-4 is much more robust than the 3. The ESEE-4 would be my go to knife. The 3 is just so nice and compact. I EDC a 3 in my right front pocket and a SAK in my left. I am not a soldier and have never served so I am another civilian piping in but trying to help.
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- Jul 11, 2007
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Really consider a Emerson CQC-7 either in Tanto or Spearpoint. The knives are held together by Phillips and Flathead- super easy to clean the sand out!
Every time I deploy I take a couple blades with me.
1. A good multi tool. Invaluable if you are the guy that can fix stuff on the spot. You may not use it a lot but when you do, you'll be grateful to have it. Get something better than the Gerber. I had 3 issued to me in the Corps and broke 2 out of 3. They don't stand up to real hard use. The only reason I didn't break the 3rd is I knew using it hard would cause it to break. I personally like the LM charge TTi or AL. They are tough, and use premium steels for the main blades.
2. A small fixed blade. I think Kbars are cool and all but never found them really useful other than prying stuff open. A multitool,small fixed blade, or tough folder could/can/did the same(not that I recommend prying with a folder.) I personally like the Izula. It doesn't take up much space, its light, and its tough. Honestly I could easily do without a fixed blade. Personally I've never needed to use a small fixed blade while out because I carry high quality folder but due to its size and weight I see no reason to not take it in your gear.
3. Two quality folders. Why two? Mainly because I use my folders more than anything else. And in case one gets stolen, broken, confiscated, short time loaner, I still have one. I recommend something cheaper that won't piss you off if something happens to it. For me thats usually an Endura(just replaced with a H1 Salt). I recommend the H1 series for you if your going to boarding dows, you'll be around salt water. Plus its relatively inexpensive, fairly small, and light weight. My second folder is usually something of higher quality. I like Emersons because I can use my multitool to take them apart. I usually have an EKI HD7 or BM 710 as my second knife.
This is usually my setup. Its works for me and keeps me happy.
1. A good multi tool. Invaluable if you are the guy that can fix stuff on the spot. You may not use it a lot but when you do, you'll be grateful to have it. Get something better than the Gerber. I had 3 issued to me in the Corps and broke 2 out of 3. They don't stand up to real hard use. The only reason I didn't break the 3rd is I knew using it hard would cause it to break. I personally like the LM charge TTi or AL. They are tough, and use premium steels for the main blades.
2. A small fixed blade. I think Kbars are cool and all but never found them really useful other than prying stuff open. A multitool,small fixed blade, or tough folder could/can/did the same(not that I recommend prying with a folder.) I personally like the Izula. It doesn't take up much space, its light, and its tough. Honestly I could easily do without a fixed blade. Personally I've never needed to use a small fixed blade while out because I carry high quality folder but due to its size and weight I see no reason to not take it in your gear.
3. Two quality folders. Why two? Mainly because I use my folders more than anything else. And in case one gets stolen, broken, confiscated, short time loaner, I still have one. I recommend something cheaper that won't piss you off if something happens to it. For me thats usually an Endura(just replaced with a H1 Salt). I recommend the H1 series for you if your going to boarding dows, you'll be around salt water. Plus its relatively inexpensive, fairly small, and light weight. My second folder is usually something of higher quality. I like Emersons because I can use my multitool to take them apart. I usually have an EKI HD7 or BM 710 as my second knife.
This is usually my setup. Its works for me and keeps me happy.
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- Jun 23, 2008
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I'm all about fixed blades. Cold Steel SRK, ESEE-4 for example, and your favorite SAK/multi-tool.
I've actually used every tool on a multi-tool several times. I of course use some more than others but its worth its weight for me. Also, agreed, there isn't much a Kbar can't do but its not the best tool for every job. Its hard to do delicate work with. Also If he's boarding dows he may have to get in the water/swim sooner or later. Swimming with a Kbar wouldn't be cool esp if already attached to a vest. A pocket knife like a H1 truly shines here. Another aspect is concealment. At time I have to dress out of uniform to blend into the region. Hiding a Kbar is not so convenient. I completely agree about less is more especially when high mobility is key but I still bring at least two knives. It really blows to have your only piece of gear go out of commission or slip into the ocean.
Ankerson
Knife and Computer Geek
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I did all that more than a few times believe me and the K-Bar never seemed to get in the way. I used to carry mine one of 2 ways, either on my regular belt under my gear or attached to my web belt on my Deuce gear depending on what I was doing.
But then I was in the USMC back in the Early to Mid 80's. We didn't seem to need all those gadgets back then and the guys I was stationed with all thought the same thing. If it didn't say USMC on it or wasn't issued we didn't need it. I am a firm believer in keeping things simple.
On one deployment I did take a Buck 110 and a Gerber Mark 1, but didn't need either one of them so I never took them again.
Thats definitely the USMC way, making due with what you got. :thumbup:
Its still hard to hide a kbar when you have to dress in plain clothes blending with a foreign populations. Of course we Americans stick out like sore thumbs any how
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Ankerson
Knife and Computer Geek
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2002
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- 21,094
That definitely the USMC way, making due with what you got. :thumbup:
Its still hard to hide a kbar when you have to dress in plain clothes blending with a foreign populations. Of course we Americans stick out like sore thumbs any how
Yeah we are hard headed like that.
:thumbup:
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2001
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Times have really changed since you were in. Nowadays there is always something to cut, something to screw and bolts to tighten.