Knife for Contractor in Afghanistan

C

CubistHamster

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Feb 25, 2008
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So I'm getting ready to start a contracting job in Afghanistan, and I'm at an impasse over what knives to bring as my primary folder. Baggage is limited to 2 military duffels (one of which is mostly taken up by body armor, helmet, and pro-mask) and a standard carry-on, so I'm limiting myself to 2 folders, 2 multi-tools, and a small fixed blade. Here's my list so far:

Multi-tool
Primary: Gerber 600 EOD
Backup: Gerber 400 Compact Sport

Folder
Primary: Spyderco Military or Benchmade Griptilian 550?
Backup: Cold Steel American Lawman

Fixed Blade
Mora Clipper or ESEE Izula?

Mostly looking for advice on the primary folder, and fixed blade choices. That being said, this is my first time going over as a civilian, so if anybody has advice pertaining to that, I'd be grateful as well.

Edit: I own all the knives listed, so cost is not an issue.

Thanks in advance.
 
Dude there are so many questions related to what you will actually be doing and how you'll be doing it that need to be answered in order for random people to advise on this. Can you ramble a bit as to your expected use? Seems like you've got some well-respected tools on that list.
 
I would recommend a Becker BK14 for the small fixed blade. Gives you just a bit more blade to work with in a very similary sized shape and package. Mora is a great knife, but something more solid would be a bit more durable.
 
I'd vote for the Military over the Grip, since the liner lock is just as secure as the axis lock, and has fewer delicate moving parts to jam up or break.
Multi-tools are not my thing, so I don't really have much to say on that.
As far as the fixed blade... Either of those should do fine. I've heard stories of how durable the Mora knives are, but I have to say I'd have more faith in the ESEE's durability since it's a single piece/full-tang knife.
Personally, I'd rather my fixed blade be a little larger than the Izula, and my personal taste would dictate that my FB be even larger than my folder. I'd bring a Buck 119 or something comparable, with a 5-inch blade. Yes, I know, the 119 is not a full-tang like the Izula, but it's VERY strong and I've carried & used mine hard for years with no problems.
My choices would be:
Multitool, Leatherman or Gerber, I've tried and enjoyed both of those.
Folder, something in the 3.5 - 4" blade range, with a reliable lock and good one-handed opening (your Military fits this category well).
Fixed blade, something with around a 5-6" blade, and at least a full length tang, if not a true full tang. I would think the Izula would be too small, and would fill the exact same niche as a folder with a comparable blade length.
 
Here's my opinion on the matter so take it for what it's worth.

Folding knives IMO should just cut. They shouldn't be used to pry or baton. The lock is there to protect your fingers through sane use. If you need the batoning or prying functionality then you move to a fixed blade. That being said the military out performs the grip through better steel and better blade geometry. So my vote is the military.

For fixed blades I think the mora is redundent. You already have a slicer in the military and a backup on the multitool so all out cutting isn't necessary which is really what the mora is good at. I'd go with the esee for more heavy use like prying and batoning. The mora can do it but I have a lot more faith in the Izzy.

I've owned all the blades I've commented on except the grip but I had a ritter grip which was an excellent slicer but still not as good as the military. I can't see a standard grip being any better but I could be wrong.
 
A little clarification:

Without getting into to too much detail, I'll be working as an instructor for the ANA and ANP (Afghani Army and Police.) There will be some field training, but most of my time will be spent inside the wire on larger bases (BAF, Kabul, Kandahar, etc...)
I have three prior military deployments (1 year in Afghanistan, 6 months each in Kuwait and Iraq) so I've got a pretty good idea of what I need; which is why I'm asking for advice specifically on deciding between the knives I listed. While I appreciate the reply, I have no interest in taking my Hinderer, or any of my Striders, ZTs, or CRKs.

Why not?
a) Last time through Kuwait, I learned a hard lesson about taking expensive stuff through customs (lost a custom-reground ZT 0200 to a Navy clown who claimed it was an auto.)
b) My Spydercos and Benchmades cut better anyway.
 
Spyderco Para 2 (only for cutting), ESEE RC-4 or alike (for cutting, chopping, beating, prying and batoning), a Leatherman Wave multitool and you're good to go. You can always throw in a bunch of Moras as reserve knives to have at the barracks. If you lose any of your finer tools in field, you'll still have a knife "over there".
 
My honest opinion is bring which ever youll have most fun fiddleing with. You know that there is going to be plenty of down time, and since your not really going outside the wire you might as well bring which ever one will give you the most pleasure from use. For me it would be the military.

Im suprised your not going to have a full sized fb but do what works for you, i personally wouldnt feel properly exuiped without a 4-7 inch knife on my iba just imho, contracting jobs are very competitive right now so im sure you know your stuff.
have fun herding cats and stay safe.
 
CubistHamster said:
Multi-tool
Primary: Gerber 600 EOD (Leatherman MUT EOD or Charge)
Backup: Gerber 400 Compact Sport

Folder
Primary: Spyderco Military or ZT0350/0300
Backup: Cold Steel Voyager or Recon 1 Clip Point
Victorinox something would not hurt either. Cadet, farmer, electrician, etc.

Fixed Blade
Mora Clipper or Anything made by Becker (Becker ips the way to go)
Click to expand...
I edited your post and inserted my suggestions. Best of luck and stay safe.
 
I'd go with one of the Leatherman or Victorinox multitools for sure. Gerber isn't even a proper contender, just my opinion, but some people do like flicking out their pliers.

I think the Military and Paramilitary tips are too fragile for hard use, I use them for back ups even in EDC gear. It's a bit more rare to need such a fine tip and edge which the Military/Paramilitary excel at.

Even with weight/size restrictions, I think a more robust fixed blade would do you well - something at least the size of ESEE-4. In that case I think carrying a Military as your main folder would be fine.

Just my opinion and suggestions, great suggestions from others as well.
 
CubistHamster said:
which is why I'm asking for advice specifically on deciding between the knives I listed.
Click to expand...

Honestly, it does not make a darn bit of difference. :) Any of those knives will cut stuff. Beyond that, its purely subjective. Consider which knife you think you would miss the most if you left it behind, and take that one.

:thumbup:

If you want to be cool, and not be able to find your knife if you drop it in the sand, get that Griptilian duracoated. :)

IMG_2095.jpg
 
I would carry a good old American Kbar as primary. Leave the frilly/expensive stuff at home. I would also bring 3- Rat 1 s' for back-up and routine cutting. They will also make excellent trading items and or inexpensive parting gifts for a few of the locals that that you befriend while you are in country.
 
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My suggestions, for what they are worth.

Folding would be my Spyderco Paramilitary (cutting done best)

Fixed, I'd snag a BK14 or an Izula.

Good luck, brother, be cool and be careful.

Moose
 
Folder---Tops/Buck CSAR-T LinerLock w/Rocky Mountain Tread G-10 handles.

Fixed---BK14 w/complete handles or BK11 w/micarta handles.

If you need a large fixed blade---BK7 w/custom kydex sheath.
 
Well, since everyone else is giving you advice that goes against your questions.... I might as well say Smatchet! :p

I would go Military and izula, but it really is all personal preference. I feel the mora would be redundant with the Millie, whereas I'd feel slightly more comfortable abusing an izula if I had to.
 
My vote is for the Millie and the Bk-7, maybe I'd bring a Rat-1 and BK11. Some more info on exactly what your doing would help but you can't go wrong with those.
 
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