JYD for USN Pilot

EvanWilliams

EvanWilliams

Joined
Jan 10, 2009
Messages
153
I found out today that one of the ladies I work with has a brother who is a USN F-18 pilot. So, I got to work thinking what would be an appropriate knife as a gift. Just to say thanks for doing all the shiite that our service members do to protect us.
So, I thought I was really smart. I thought a Junk Yard Dog would be perfect as it has the Aviation theme. The guy is already with the fleet so he has been through pilot training and SERE so I assume he has a survival knife. He may not have an EDC however.
I may not have been smart enough. I read somewhere that the markings on the JYD are USAF and that USN are different.

Oh, well. 32 bucks at Knife Outlet.com (never used em before) plus 8 bucks UPS ground = 40.

Next time it comes up, which knife would you have chosen?
 
Neither, he's an officer on flight pay. Give a knife to some kid E-3 that doesn't make any $$$. Not trying to be a dick, but that pilot is set financially.
 
he wasnt giving him the knife because he cant afford it, he was giving it to him just as a gift of thanks, but i can understand what you mean beerswimmer.

i've head a lot of people in the armed forces find multitools the most useful. just a thought to keep in mind.
 
Get him a Spyderco Mariner. :p

beerswimmer, that pilot isn't getting to be a millionaire risking his life in Naval aviation.
EvanWilliams is trying to show his respect for a servicemember. Rank is beside the point.

Whoop! sweet_hitch-hiker beat me to it!
 
EW: very nice gesture on your part - I'm sure the pilot will appreciate it.

EvanWilliams said:
I read somewhere that the markings on the JYD are USAF and that USN are different.
Click to expand...

Any good machine shop on base or on board a carrier can remove any 'offensive' (ie: USAF ;) ) markings and personalize it for him. There's a pretty strong - but usually respectful - rivalry between USN & USAF pilots.

thx - cpr
 
I might have considered the Ti JYD2 blem with SG2 supersteel - priced well under $100, titanium framelock and the blade was the sharpest I've ever had.

Still has the fuselage theme.

The steel holds a razors edge - so much so that it is almost scary.

I may have also considered the Ritter Grip in M4 - apparently even though it is a limited run there are still some available. I never used M4, but from what I have read and seen it is some hard use stuff.

Kudos for making the effort to help out our military.
 
EvanWilliams said:
Next time it comes up, which knife would you have chosen?
Click to expand...


I'd say any decent multitool or quality folding knife would be a safe bet. Everybody has a use for something like a SwissTool/Leatherman tool or a medium sized folding knife like a Delica, Griptilian, SAK or something like that.

Since he's at sea, then maybe a Spyderco in H1 would be good, no rust to worry about. A Salt 1 or Pacific, depending on the size.

I wouldn't go with a fixed blade because I feel those need to be a bit more specific and I don't have the information or knowledge about what a pilot is allowed to carry, or what he'll find useful.
 
My dad is retired Army and I was in the USAR so I know that enlisted guys get the shaft. A few weeks ago I bought a Kershaw Skyline for a Marine PFC who has all ready to be shipped for Afghanistan (he is in Ca now training before going over and I had to find something fast). I got that for him as EDC for home. I am waiting for his dad to give me his APO address in Asscrapistan so I can send a Gerber LMF II. I found one for 59 bucks once at LAPG and bought it for my buddy who is awaiting paperwork for commissioning in the Medical corps. That doesn't count as he is my buddy. But He loved it. So, I figure that this kid who don't know (my wife works with his dad) might like one as well. However, LAPG is out of them.

I work alot of OT. I try and do something nice with some of the dough. I posted here not for kudos but to make my future purchases more informed as really I am a gun guy and my knife knowledge is weak.
 
Well, STILL waiting for Knife Outlet to deliver. Ordered on 7APR and as of today knife is in Illinois (final destination, California).

No more knife outlet for me, unless the price is strong. Way too slow. I'll pay a few bucks more and order from New Graham or AAFES.

That is just me. I am impatient. And they made no promises about delivery time.

Knife Outlet's price was the best I found.

SO, once again....You can have fast, cheap or good ...pick any three!!!!
 
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Opened the mail today. Beautiful photo of F18 from VFA-18 signed by what looks like all of the pilots in the squadron with their call signs. Some patches and insignia as well as other unit items as well and a nice thank you card. I will admit to being a little choked up.

Only one thing, The pilot told me he is gonna put the knife in his survival pouch.
Uhhmmm.. sent him an email that JYD might be better for EDC. Maybe my assumption that he had a good survival knife was wrong.
I guess the hunt begins anew!!!!

Gerber LMF II ASEK vs Fallkniven A1 vs ____________

My wife and I have decided to adopt this guy along with the marine grunt we got a knife and stuff for. We will limit it to these two guys and get em whatever they need along with care packages etc. (we've been doing the care package think along time but the knives and bags etc. gifting is new).
 
Mr Williams Your support and respect for our men in uniform is admirable and appreciated.
 
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