Infantry knife

Irish_Iron_Spring

Irish_Iron_Spring

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2019
Messages
142
Hello all,

I've looked through the page and reviewed a number of old threads and posts on the topic near as I can find it. They are all a bit dated and a bit off in what I'm personally circling around looking for.

I'm in the Army National Guard, 11B. Looking for something to work into my kit and get familiar with pre any deployment during weekend drills and annuals.

Criteria:
-$150 or under, although price isn't a major factor I want a beater workhorse, not something I have to worry about growing legs, and not things I have to struggle to replace if lost.

- 5-6 inches blade length, straight edge. Don't need a rambo knife, have a folder already that I am very happy with (Gerber 06 auto)

- More of a utility than combat focus, but not a wood processing/survival focus, if that makes sense.

- +solid durability and serviceability (i.e. not looking for a super steel, something that's easy to maintain in filed and bring back to sharp).

Contenders I've got thus far: Becker BK17 if I can find one, Esee 5/6 mil version, Esee 3 Mil (but its a little smaller than I'd prefer), CS recon scout, CS SRK, Gerber strong-arm.

I already have a multi tool I like as well, so although a great suggestion and tool, I've got that covered.

What am I missing, anything else I should take a look at?

Thanks in advance!
 
Irish_Iron_Spring said:
I'm in the Army National Guard, 11B. Looking for something to work into my kit and get familiar with pre any deployment during weekend drills and annuals.

-$150 or under, although price isn't a major factor I want a beater workhorse, not something I have to worry about growing legs, and not things I have to struggle to replace if lost.
Click to expand...

Not gonna lie, I stopped carrying fixed blades primarily because I lost probably a year's worth of drill pay over six years in stolen knives. Had them walk off my gear. Had them walk off my desk. Had them walk off my bunk. Take your pick.
 
I would just stick with your Gerber that you have. I used a Benchmade AFO2 in the Army and it worked fine. A good pocketknife like you have will do anything you need it to.
But, if you really want a fixed blade how about a Kabar fighting/utility knife, or the small version?
 
Buck 650...

This model has been discontinued by Buck, but it can still be found online for very reasonable prices.

HOOAH!

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How do you plan on carrying it?
On your person, belt/molle, or in/on your ruck?

A couple fine options already, but just to through a few more into the hat, almost all molle compatible;

KaBar Turok or Ontario Ranger, both a bit on the heavier side
Condor Skirmish or Kizer GTI Bush, both lightweight
Buck Nighthawk
Tops Ranger Bootlegger boot knife. Can't comment how comfortable it would actually be as a bootknife though. As a former 11b, not sure I'd want a bootknife on my ankle for any extended period anyways, but the blade size, weight, & shape are all pretty user friendly. (I'm thinking about picking one up myself to check out for casual carry)...
Ontario 490 m-9, heavy, but it's a bayonet for your m-4 "just in case", and a fine 420 stainless knife non-the-less. Soft steel by comparrison, but the pro's are pretty tough and pretty stainless...
Steel Will Darkangel
 
No in the service or anything {big respect on my end} but I do have alot of outdoor experience. The Gerber strongarm would probably be the way to go. That was my first fixed blade before I really got into knives but was still camping and hiking alot. Their easily replaced (carried by Wally world for $55-$60). Great beater knife, their easy to sharpen (I touched mine up on a upside down coffee mug). And the sheath is pretty damn good for what it is. It has great retention and can be mounted upside down with no worries. Seeing the comments people are making about the reoccurring problem of knives growing legs this would be your best bet. You won't cry to hard if/when it walks and instead of waiting for another to ship just run to your local Wally world. Hope this helps.
 
Velitrius said:
I didn't know about the SRK Compact... I'm totally getting one of these. An inch shorter but a full 3 ounces lighter.

Always liked the SRK, and this makes it even better, in my book anyways.
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New to me too...idk if it comes in 3v but that would be sweet!

To the OP...could always go cheaper for drill weekends in the field and have something a bit better if a deployment comes your way. An ESEE izula II can do a lot when you're kicking it on the weekends.

I'm a 73A and rarely need a fixed blade..even in the field. If I'm really going somewhere my Swamp Rat Bandicoot is coming. Emerson kwaiken neck knife too...maybe a Winkler...lol. Tough being a knife nut in the service...it's always "So what do I want to carry this month?"
 
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Unless you got $$$ to burn , I'd just get the cheapest Cold Steel Recon Scout or Tanto . No tears ! Will do the job just fine .

Edit : Forgot the most classic all-purpose field knife : Cold Steel SRK and the newest compact version . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
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https://www.google.com/amp/s/ontari...ario-knife-499-air-force-survival-knife-6150/

keep it simple. The Ontario Air Force survival knife is a decent knife that’s stood the test of time. It’s big enough but not too big. The sheath is very functional ambidextrous and safe to use. (10 rivets and a metal guard). Has a small sharpening stone. Cheap to replace if it walks away. You should be able to find one for about $35. You could but a new one every month if you had too.
 
these are pretty much quarterly threads and my response doesn't change...

I'm an old (read grey hair OG OEF 1) grunt and I carried an AFO if I were to do it all again I'd carry and AFO. There are a crap ton of great knives both fixed (why) and folders but the very un-sexy 154CM AFO just plods along being a great knife that works no matter, can be sharpened on anything abrasive, and will be replaced no matter.

Just get an AFO they're not expensive, don't get in the way, they're in the supply system, and most important all the "cool kids" have them.
 
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