Knife For Afganistan???

BARBARIAN-X

BARBARIAN-X

Joined
Mar 4, 2006
Messages
366
My brother is going to Afganistan so I wanted to buy him a good knife. I'm looking for suggestions on a fixed blade. Thanks.
 
A search of BladeForums under "Iraq" or "Afghanistan" will return loads of reading.

My suggestion is always to buy a soldier a good Swiss Army Knife and/or a multitool of the Leatherman/Gerber type. Choose the model dependent on his assignment.

Big, macho fixed blades are pointless and too heavy. They'll end up being dumped or kept in a footlocker. A SAK will be used every day.

maximus otter
 
He already has a multi-tool. He will be spending long periods of time in the mountains with 7 other guys so I'm looking for a durable knife that can serve as a camp knife and back up weapon.
 
How much are you looking to spend? 20-60 bucks? Or do you want to go really high-end?

If you are on a budget, there is no shame in trying to stay under, say, 60 bucks. There are a lot of great fixed blades in that price range. But if you can afford a Busse or a Chris Reeve, go for it.
 
BARBARIAN-X said:
I'm looking for a durable knife that can serve as a camp knife and back up weapon.
Click to expand...

I have never been a soldier, but I've hiked carrying heavy loads on multi-day trips.

If your brother needs a camp knife, buy a stout, light folder. I'd suggest a robust Spyderco such as the Paramilitary or Native. It will be used to open mail, open MREs, cut cord etc. He doesn't need an 8" "Sasquatch slayer".

As to using a knife as a weapon, I am interested in modern warfare and the Gulf War. I am aware of two (2) instances in Iraq where a knife has been used as a weapon:

1. A South American soldier used a Buck 110 copy to kill a jihadi.

2. Yesterday I saw a History Channel programme called Shootout. It depicted a US soldier using a ~6" fixed blade knife to kill a jihadi in chest-deep water.

That's two instances in a two-year deployment of ~ 175,000 troops, or 350,000 "man/years."

maximus otter
 
You should take a look at the becker knives or SOG. either company has great fixed blades.
 
Either the Becker or CS SRK would be good choices. Not too expensive, sturdy, and hold a good edge. It depends upon how he is deployed as to how he will use these knives. I used a fixed blade quite a bit when I was in the Army, and others are also, from the feedback that I'm getting from my friends who are still in.

Please thank your brother for all of us for his service.
 
Hair said:
How much are you looking to spend? 20-60 bucks? Or do you want to go really high-end?
Click to expand...

$100-$200 should get a nice knife. What knife would you give your bro if he was going to a hostile place? He's a RECCE Sgt with 17 years in so he's got all the basics which is why I'd like to get him something nice. Thanks.
 
How about Al Mar Sere Operator or Fallkniven S1? Both not too heavy not too small... S1 significantly stronger, Sere more 'tactical'. Another one - Extrema Ratio Shrapnel - not very huge but tough as nails.
 
try looking into ranger knives , i think the rd6 model is exactly what you are looking for . not too big or small and plenty durable. justin gingrich who makes them is a retired army ranger that makes knives for a reasonable price for the average or not so average soldier. rd6 runs 89.99 on his website and all his knives are made soley by himself . hell make knives to suit also doing custom work for a really good price. ranger knives . com check it out and you or your freind wont be disapointed i promise.
 
Another vote for the Ranger RD6. G10 Handles, 5160 steel, 6" Blade, approx 16oz.. If you are looking for something a little smaller and lighter I like the Benchmade Model 140HS Nimravus, G10 Handles, M2 steel, 4.50" Blade, 6.20oz.
 
I saw on the ranger knives forum a custom rd6 fighter. It was 3/16 inches thick, 1.5 inches wide and could still be used for some light duty prying, light chopping, fighting, and it looked real good too. Justin can hook you up with just about anything you want.
 
I know you said he has a multi-tool but when I deployed (Bosnia and Kosovo), I had two. While I didn't often use both at once on occasion I did. Also consider to robustness of what he currently has. If it is questionable that it will withstand hard use / abuse, a backup will be appreciated.
 
I recently sent a Cold Steel SRK to a soldier in Iraq. This knife is in Carbon V which I understand is plenty tough.
 
I would suggest either Ontario Rat 1 Folder or Rat 3 fixed blade, neither is too heavy and about the right size in my opinion. Both are quality knives.
 
The ontario RAT 7 and TAK would also fit the bill. Get something with a 4.5- 7" blade. You have a lot to choose from, ontario, kabar, becker, swamp rat, ranger, busse, sog..

I have carried a Ontario TAK in 1095 on my webbing for about two years and it has served me well.
 
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