How Many Knive's for Combat

B

Box27

Joined
Mar 22, 2001
Messages
197
Hey Guy's,I would like to know from those who have been there and done that, how many knive's would you, or have you carried into Combat?? I'm thinking more then one, perhap's 2-3 blade's (2 fixed and a folder?), and from what i've read in the past also some type of Multi-Tool, though i would think that you would want to keep the weight to a minimum. Please educate me as i've never seen combat or been in the Military before !! Thank you in advance and i look forward to your responses !!

Take Care, Mario C. :D
 
I can't answer for everyone else but i have carried
1. fixed large blade
2. multi-tool
3. single bladed folder
and maybe if I'm in a area that it would help me 4. a machete attached to my ruck.
Hope this helps.
Also have a plan of spare folder and fixed blade in a place where my wife can get them and send them to me(if the mail is up) if I should loose/break ones I brought.
Take care
 
Been in the military but never in combat.

One folder (3-4 inch blade for delicate work).
One medium fixed blade (about 5 inch blade for "whittling" chores).
One larger fixed blade (closer to 7 inch for chopping).
One multitool.

Might seem a lot for some. Worked well for me.

/Colinz
 
That’s a pretty general question.
So… basic kit would probably be
1. Fixed blade of over 5.5”
2. Folder
3. Multi tool

Mick
 
I carried a D-9, a DB, an AR, a SLCC, and a Victorinox Multi-tool. The DB and the SLCC were more for redundancy than actual need. But, what do I know, I'm just in the Air Force.
 
Originally posted by KnifeBomber
I carried a D-9, a DB, an AR, a SLCC, and a Victorinox Multi-tool. The DB and the SLCC were more for redundancy than actual need. But, what do I know, I'm just in the Air Force.
Click to expand...

Wow, a flyboy who admits's he's a know nothing goober:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Seriously, on my last deployment I carried a Rinaldi Warhawk, Livesay AA and Woo neck knife along with a SOG multi tol and a Emerson CQC-7.

Now the Warhawk has been replaced with a MT SS and upon getting a IWB sheath for the MT mod 10 the AA will be replaced.
 
I'm not a knife fighter; I've never been trained in knife fighting and I have even less book-learning in the subject. I HAVE been in exactly one knife fight, though and it was a bad one. (Everyone on this forum has heard this story so many times that their eyes must be rolling.) My general observations from this one fight are:
1) Forget folders. They're too slow, no matter how fast you are. You must expect that the other guy has the jump on you.
2) Wear a small, but very sharp neck knife with your shirt untucked, or have the sheath slung in an armpit (preferable). The knife should NOT have a lanyard on it. It just screws up the draw.
3) Practice your draw until you can't improve it any more. Than REALLY practice your draw.
4) Most knife fights I've heard of are fast and nasty. You don't need a 12" to win. Smaller is faster (if it's sharp and tough, like an AD). Flowing blood and a punctured stomach USUALLY stop the other guy.
5) Train hard for speed (internal martial arts like Chen tai chi, hsing i, pa qua), strength and flexibility (Iyengar hatha yoga) and aerobic capacity. That way you'll be able to use the most supreme defensive skill and run like hell outta there.
6) Avoid knife fights whenever possible and read Mark Twain, Lao-tzu and Tolstoy.
 
It is real easy to overload yourself with what you consider mission essential gear.
What normally happens is that after you load up the first time, you will generally go through your gear and 86 most of the superflous stuff, and wind up with what you really need.

As for edged tools.

A multi tool (i have an issued Gerber EOD tool)
A fixed blade on your line 1. It needs to be in the 6-7" range.
A small folder in your E&E kit or in a trouser pocket

Situationally dependent on terrain considerations, it may be necessary to carry a machete. The fact of life is that while the issue 18" one has the mechanical advantage, a 12" one is more convenient, and can double (though inefficiently) as an E-tool.

Remember that the knife is a problem solving tool, and its secondary use is as a weapon- and a not very efficient one at that (considering the circumstances).
Don't get wrapped around the axle on this. An aircrewman has a different priority then does a grunt, then does a cop, then does a firefighter and so on.
Too much gear wears you out, slows you down, and makes you less efficient.
 
When working in an area with Ryan (knifebomber) above ... don't worry about carrying any. Just pick up the ones he drops and wear a good helmet.
All the best,
Duane Dwyer
 
Ryan carries knives? I thought he had a 7.62 chainsaw with a convenient Blackhawk carrying system.

Ditto the above - Leatherman (the Gerber EOD wasn't out then), 7-9" fixed blade, medium folder. Sometimes I ditched the folder and just used the knife on the multitool to open the MRE's, cut C4, etc. Oh yeah, and dummy cords everywhere. Weight considerations are important when you already have to jump with over 100 pounds of LBE, ruck, SINGARs radio, and M203. Besides, why carry more than 2 personal knives if you have to carry a bayonet as well? Find a good field tool in each size, and minimize excess redundancy.

Kevin
 
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