Knife for daughter joining the service? (Update She's Enlisted!!)

Great advice as far as waiting until after basic.

Excellent suggestions too!

What do you guys think about the folding Adamas or maybe the Bedlam?

I like the idea of it scaring away some of the guys although on second thought that may just attract the boys... dang it.

Edit- and a multi... yes, good idea. I'll buy her a SOG powerlock eod just like mine. Excellent tool.
 
the knife you choose to get really depends on her chosen MOS. don't get her something that she is never going to use.
 
botdcypher said:
the knife you choose to get really depends on her chosen MOS. don't get her something that she is never going to use.
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Pretty much. At most she may need/ want to carry a small folder or multitool.

Waiting post basic may be a good idea. Then again, some of the soft MOS basic/AIT even allow them phones and varying sorts of freedom... individual experiences may vary :)
 
That's great! I'm sure you are very proud of your daughter! What she will end up using most is a good multi-tool like a Leatherman Charge or whatever she'd like in that arena. It also keeps the cost down in case the item gets lost or stolen while on duty. After she leaves the service you can get her a more expensive, commemorative knife -- maybe something engraved with her service branch and dates of service. Btw, someone had mentioned sharpening and that is a good idea but some folks take a lot of time to get the hang of it & your daughter may not have that kind of time. Just my .02.
 
First off congratulations. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to all who serve. You must be very proud.

Like ofhers have said, wait until she finishes her initial training, then maybe give it to her as a graduation present. Much depends on the MOS, but I would probably go with a leatherman Skeletool or other small multi tool. The other moderate cost option is a small Benchmade Griptilian.

Save the nicer blades for when she makes NCO or graduates OCS. Then CRK Small Sebenza.

Fixed blades are for infantrymen, special forces, or others who live in the woods. Don't go that route. At best it will stay in her locker, where the chances of theft increase. You want something she can keep on her all the time. That's a small multi tool or folder.
 
Ontario XM-1 or 2. Superb knives, damn near indestructible, uncannily smooth, and the blade steel is all-around good (n690). A fixed blade would also be nice, but those aren't my forte.

Edit: I should clarify, the biggest difference between the two is handle thickness. I prefer the XM-2 for the less obese profile. The hardcoat on the handles is wonderful though. It just shrugged off my belt sander (hurray unsteady hands...). I was using my coarse (120) belt when it came in contact each time.
 
Get a good low pro neck knife (shower/late night port-a-potty runs) so she always has it on her. Go for a stainless or titanium so she can wear it in the gym/shower/head. Spyderco has a design called a Swick, and there was talk of them releasing it in H1. Currently the older stock is in S30V. Good luck.
 
Wait until you know the requirements.

Anyone who isn't in the field will be best served with a SAK or multitool. In some cases field personnel are better off with larger fixed blades, but mostly they are ok with a SAK or multitool as well.

If you must have something now one of those Wenger swiss army knives with nail clippers, scissors, small blade, file, toothpick and tweezers would be a good choice.
 
I heavily recommend the Adamas. Fantastic blade to have. It is rather large, but still EDCable with comfort.
 
I have to go with those suggesting a multitool. She'll pull it out ten times more often to use than a single blade, and think of you ten times as often.
 
Just wait until she is out of basic and training schools then if you just have to get a knife make it practical and US made.
 
I looked on benchmades web site and they do offer the mini grip as customized, I'd go with that especially because it is fairly small in a pocket. You can pick the scales, the color of the fittings and the blade steel and have it lazer engraved with whatever you want to add. I love the zt350 and carry one daily but its big in the pocket and for a smaller person like a girl they don't have all that much extra pocket space. I think I'm going to order one for my daughter too.
 
It's a very special occasion so personally I would get her a very special knife. Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw, ZT, Leatherman, ect... these are run of the mill IMO. A fine commemorative gift and an even better folding knife up to any task is a Small Sebenza. After basic I imagine she'll be able to carry it wherever and whenever she wants and you'll both know she has the best at her side.
 
cricketdave said:
for a smaller person like a girl they don't have all that much extra pocket space.
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Haha I'm 6'5" , she's 5'10" she should be able to edc whatever we burly men do. ;)

Thanks for all of the wonderful ideas and comments. I can tell you guys put thought into your answers, and yes, I am very proud! :)
 
Not exactly a warm and fuzzy gift, but if it were my daughter and she was going into the service I'd buy her a stainless steel neck knife to wear when she went to the shower. I've heard enough assault stories from former service members to think it prudent. Whatever other knife you get, (and the multitool to fit her MOS suggestion seems like a good one), I'd seriously consider the small, but serious addition of the neck knife as well.
 
Strigamort said:
Great advice as far as waiting until after basic.

What do you guys think about the folding Adamas or maybe the Bedlam?

I'll buy her a SOG powerlock eod just like mine. Excellent tool.
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To be frank: Much to heavy (my eod wight 250 gramms and the Adamas is a heavy thing too)! Get something lighter. A Swiss tool spirit or a something in the middle class of LM (Wave, Blast, Rebor...) and a BM Grip or Spyderco Endura or Delica, guess a CS large Lawman.

Think, that women have different taste on tools. The KISS (Keep it small and simple)- Idea is strong on them.

May your daughter stay safe.
 
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