Help please- Combat Medic EDC

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Apr 26, 2005
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I need some help from the crowd on a Christmas present for my son, who is serving as a combat medic. I already gave him the goods in fixed blades after graduating AIT. He has a satin Swamp Rat Ratmandu with an stainless Essee Izula piggybacked to it on a MOLLE rig (me thinks dad did good).

Now I would like to set him up with a good EDC folder, for around base/town/field. Until all you knowledgeable folks educate me some more, I am considering at the Benchmade Triage Rescue (current top pick) or the Spyderco Rescue. Personally I carry either a BM Griptilian or Spyderco Salt so I may have some bias.

Thanks for your feedback. And just in case, yes I know how to use the search function.
 
This is just me.
But I recommend the benchmade adamas folder in d2.
Thing is built like a tank. Steel could double as a pry bar if needed. It's nearly indestructible.
It's has a pocket clip like most folders and it also comes with a pouch/sheath that can be easily attached to any MOLLE system.
Good luck
Andy

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You have already have some pretty good suggestions yourself.

Consider the SPYDERCO MILITARY. I believe, this is what mr. Sal Glesser of Spyderco came up with, when asked which knife he would send with someone to a war zone IIRC (pls correct me, if Im wrong).

Ive been to the desert and currently own a Spyderco ParaMilitary2/PM2, which is also an excellent knife for the requested purpose. I wish Id had that during the tour.

Also check out Emerson - for example the CQC13.

You asked for a folder and thats fine and admirable but did you consider alternatives - especially for a combat medic?

...or an addition to the folder?

I think the LEATHERMAN RAPTOR a fine addition to any kit when stationed abroad. It would be a welcome addition to any combat medics gear. I have it in my IFAK and it is a fine tool and very versatile. The RAPTOR will cut through an astounding number of materials and its a fine quality tool.

[video=youtube;8vktv2Vne0A]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vktv2Vne0A[/video]
 
there are also some very well thought out multitools and scissors that have been designed for use by emergency medical personnel to speed up extractions and clothing/webbing material removal. if it's a knife you want to give him for the sake of a knife that's one thing and I completely get it. every good soldier deserves a good knife, however if it's job specific and that's what you're looking for, there could be more practical options that could also save minutes in an emergency situation. I've been there and seconds count.
 
Check out the Victorinox Rescue Tool. It might be a bit large for EDC, but definitly in his line of work. From what it sounds like you are willing to spend, might be something to get him along with whatever edc you think he should have.
 
I am a fan of D2 steel. How wide/thick is the Adamas- profile good for EDC?

Just took some quick and dirty measurements of my edc Adamas.

5 1/8" closed
8 7/8" open
1 11/16" at its widest point while closed
3/4" thick not including the pocket clip

It's a big knife to be sure, but it fits my uses well. I got it a few months ago after my multitool slipped in my hand and sliced open a finger while I was repairing a plastic water line. I decided that I wanted a large, robust folder with a handle shape that would stay put in hand doing heavier cutting tasks, even when wet. The Adamas is what I decided on and haven't regretted it.

As much as I like mine, there are some potential negatives to consider. It's big and it's heavy. Not enough to bother me personally, but I'm sure it would many people. Also, the thick blade stock combined with a relatively low grind make for a very stout blade, but cutting geometry isn't as good as other designs. I always carry either a multitool or SAK with a thin "slicey" blade as well, so I can use whichever is better suited for the task at hand. This may or may not be the case with your son, but it's something to consider.
 
Just took some quick and dirty measurements of my edc Adamas.

5 1/8" closed
8 7/8" open
1 11/16" at its widest point while closed
3/4" thick not including the pocket clip

It's a big knife to be sure, but it fits my uses well. I got it a few months ago after my multitool slipped in my hand and sliced open a finger while I was repairing a plastic water line. I decided that I wanted a large, robust folder with a handle shape that would stay put in hand doing heavier cutting tasks, even when wet. The Adamas is what I decided on and haven't regretted it.

As much as I like mine, there are some potential negatives to consider. It's big and it's heavy. Not enough to bother me personally, but I'm sure it would many people. Also, the thick blade stock combined with a relatively low grind make for a very stout blade, but cutting geometry isn't as good as other designs. I always carry either a multitool or SAK with a thin "slicey" blade as well, so I can use whichever is better suited for the task at hand. This may or may not be the case with your son, but it's something to consider.
^^ what he said
It's my work knife. (plumbing)
And it can take a beating
 
Ask your son. He knows what he needs better than you or us. My kid's a chef, when asked he didn't want a knife but told me exactly what Japanese stone he wanted instead and it was as expensive as a knife :)
 
ZT0630 , Emerson speed with ZT's build quality
Or if you don't care about cost, Strider SMF the ultimate "beater knife"

Also I second the leatherman shears fantastic production
 
AFO' s are always good it's what I carried and still do if that's not an option a PM2 is where I'd go next.
 
I feel like I'd go with a Benchmade Triage myself, with the hook and the rounded tip it's already designed for medics and is definitely sturdy enough for combat.
 
As a former medic myself, may I recommend that you get something low weight. He already has enough stuff to carry.

With that being said, I would have been thrilled to have any of the knives listed above.

The Benchmade Triage is a fine knife, as is the Spyderco. The SAK Rescue is what I personally recommend to people that ask me about a car knife.
 
Thanks for all the feedback. The scissor tool is a good idea, however, this is for edc and we all know a man needs a good carry knife. As for asking him, he wouldn't know about he quality of steel, etc. Although a soldier, he does not have the experience with quality to make a suggestion. That is why I am here with the folks who know knives. I really do appreciate the input.

Anyone with firsthand experience with the BM rescue and ease of carry day to day?
 
Surprised more people haven't said the Benchmade triage. It was MADE for Rescue/EMT/LEO/Firefighters.

Benchmades highest corrosion resistant steel (N680) that holds up amazingly around salt water and blood. Extremely Grippy G10 (many civis complain about it shedding their pockets). And a safety/rescue hook that Benchmade is known for making one of the best. Perfect for many applications, especially ripping cloths open to get to a wound. Also comes in orange so its easy to find. And its not too heavy @5oz. The opposing bevel makes for an excellent puncture/incision/prying blade.

No question its one of the best EMT tools available and would be my personal choice.
 
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My I suggest, if you have any plans to get your son a BM Triage in the future, consider getting him a Stryker or Mini-Stryker as a normal EDC knife.They are all built on the same platform.

Ergonomics would be very similar for all three and prices are still reasonable on the recently discontinued Strykers. The Mini is my favorite of the Stryker models.
 
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