Thanks for the replies so far. I'm not really sure what I'll be doing over there yet, to be honest. I'm a Cav Scout, so I'll probably do a lot of patrolling or convoy security.
Well xanderom, good luck...I'm finishing up and it's been the extended tour (14+ months). I'm a knife collector-user, so I won't go down the road of recommending some $300+ knives unless you're willing to spend that much.
I will say that given your MOS and pending duty, look for a mid-sized blade. You're probably well aware of the whole IBA and associated equipment you'll be wearing, plus the multitude of getting in and out of up-armored vehicles, helo's and fixed wing aircraft. You're not going to want a large knife that extends too far below your waist as it gets in the way and will get hung up. Hell, I saw a poor young Joe hook his chair in the DFAC and carried it about 3 feet before he turned around and it fell off. I've also seen another individual that had is drop-leg mounted KaBar get snagged exiting a Blackhawk...luckily it was more embarrassing than dangerous. Anything over 6" is going to be too cumbersome to carry in my opinion.
I've been using several knives over here...part of my own T&E. Some of the the ones I would recommend would be Ontario's RAT-5 or TAK; Mission's MPK-10A2; Ranger's RD6; Blackjack's Grunt is a very underrated blade and even though it's AUS8, it's a very well done convex grind. The MPK-10A2 is a great blade with a non-conductive handle...blade design is very good IMHO (you can get a great Mil discount from Brigade Quartermasters).
The mid-sized blades give you a decent size for both small and big tasks, but more importantly, it gives you a good size that you can wear on your IBA or even on your rigger's belt with easy access (and resheathing) without having to do yoga. If you need a bigger blade, keep it in your assault pack or in the vehicle until you need it.
Biggest issue with most of these knives is that they don't all come with a decent sheath. Normark (here on the forums) makes a great utility Kydex sheath (and even a "pair" where one can be attached to your MOLLE webbing). Kydex makes access and re-sheathing much easier, plus the inherent retention and safety makes them my top pick for this AO. Do make sure you keep them clean as dust can accumulate and scratch the hell out of the blade...not a big concern, but it's just good equipment maintenance.
My door kicking days are over, but we've supported several MiTT, MP, PSYOP, ODA's, Aviation, ENG, INF/MECH and other teams that cleared routes, patrolled, trained IP/IA's, etc. Very few carried a large blade, and most of those were the younger kids. My recommendation for blades/tools, would be
1. A good multi-tool (which looks like you have it covered)
2. A good pocket folder (probably will get the most use)
3. A mid-sized fixed blade
If you can't carry your fixed blade daily, it's probably too big. My EDC is a Mad Dog Pygmy ATAK...it's been a part of my uniform for the past 10 years. I've also carried Striders, Fehrman (the Last Chance is another top pic for high end), Busse (Natural Outlaw), Becker BK10, Chris Reeve's....bottom line, find a decent blade that's comfortable, sound design and decent steel; get a good sheath (preferably Kydex) for a complete system. Don't forget a sharpener...that's another topic for discussion, but "field" sharpening can be very simple or a little more involved. You can email me off line (AKO) if you have any other questions,
ROCK6
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