Knives for New Recon Marine

ROCK6 said:
The Bark River Bravo-1 is an excellent choice; also the one specifically designed by members of Force Recon:

Wet Enviro RECON

I too agree that large blades are not practical, plus with the IBA and any additional load carrying gear, it's just too hazardous to have a large blade; also why most just stick with a multi-tool or folder...I've seen Joe's get snagged on vehicle/aircraft doors and even a plastic chair in a DFAC:D Fixed blades have their place and uses...much less motor-skill required to quickly access and use. I found anything with a blade over 6" is just too long to use if you're in and out of 1114's or helos.

ROCK6
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Thanks Rock. Bravo 1s and multi-tools are the winners so far.
 
J_Curd said:
A Busse is too heavy for Recon, and its not a very good combat weapon. It's neither fast nor easy to insert past a rib cage.

If he will be doing tactical entry and/or extraction, consider a CRKT Hissatsu for utility work on biological targets. It's not a utility weapon, purely for martial blade craft.
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The Hissatsu definitely looks like its designed to do one job well. I'll add it to the list.
 
You should take a look at RAT Cutlery, they make some good blades and cover them with a great warranty and they have their own forum here that you can check out.
 
El Chupacabra said:
You should take a look at RAT Cutlery, they make some good blades and cover them with a great warranty and they have their own forum here that you can check out.
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Thank El Chupacabra. I've taken a look at their knives and will add thm to the list, too.
 
BARK RIVER IS THE WAY TO GO...you should head over to Knifeforums.com, there is a forum for Bark River and Mike Stewart (owner of B.R) is always on the forum
 
jetsrb32 said:
BARK RIVER IS THE WAY TO GO...you should head over to Knifeforums.com, there is a forum for Bark River and Mike Stewart (owner of B.R) is always on the forum
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Thanks jetsrb32. I visit Knifeforums and Jerzeedevil where Mike is a regular. He seems like a practical, no nonsense guy.
 
PG5768 said:
Thanks jetsrb32. I visit Knifeforums and Jerzeedevil where Mike is a regular. He seems like a practical, no nonsense guy.
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Yup he is a stand-up guy. If you decide to go with the Bravo, I would suggest you get a kydex sheath with it. It will hold up much better in extreme environments. I think you should have the blade engraved of whatever knife you decide to go with.
 
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If you are looking for more of a PDW than a utility, I have a SOG Daggert 1 and feel is is a very capable, well balanced knive. I also second the recommendation of RAT cutlery. Very fair priced, very high quality knives.
 
I would have to say something more tactical and reliable for a fixed blade i would suggest the zt (Zero Tolerance) 0100 great knife and for a folder i would say the zt 0500 mudd it has sealed liners so its maintenance free just what they need one thing less they have to worry about jamming the fixed is about 200 and the folder is around 160 very affordable and great quality
 
PG5768 said:
The son of a friend at work left for Okinawa yesterday for his first duty assignment after completing his Recon training with the USMC. Does anyone know what fixed and folding blade knives are most popular with Recon Marines?
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Fixed blade:

Bark River Bravo-1 or the Zero Tolerance 0210, both are under 200 bucks and real performers. The Rat Cutlery RC-4 is also an excellent choice in case in case you'd like to spend less.

Folders:

Zero Tolerance 0300, 0200. Benchmade Rukus or the Spyderco Military.

cheers
 
I know I'm probably gonna get flamed for this, but. One more advantage for the Bravo-1 is that it's convexed. When you have the oppurtunity you can sharpen them with a piece of cardboard, with a film of lip balm or greasy sweat you get from around the ears sides of nose so on. Then rub on a thin layer of that fine Iraqi abrasive, (sand). Then strop away.
This, of coarse, won't work if you let your knife get too dull. you'll have to use an abrasive. This one comes in handy, http://theconsumerlink.com/product_detail.asp?BID=DiamondMachiningTechnology&T1=TCL+D3F&navStart=0&.
As far as folders are concerned, I was issued a benchmade 5500. But the tool that came in the most useful was the leatherman Multi-tool.
 
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Thanks for all of the suggestions. It looks like the Bravo-1 and a multi-tool are the overall top picks so far.
 
AR fan said:
I know I'm probably gonna get flamed for this, but. One more advantage for the Bravo-1 is that it's convexed. When you have the oppurtunity you can sharpen them with a piece of cardboard, with a film of lip balm or greasy sweat you get from around the ears sides of nose so on. Then rub on a thin layer of that fine Iraqi abrasive, (sand). Then strop away.
This, of coarse, won't work if you let your knife get too dull. you'll have to use an abrasive. This one comes in handy, http://theconsumerlink.com/product_detail.asp?BID=DiamondMachiningTechnology&T1=TCL+D3F&navStart=0&.
As far as folders are concerned, I was issued a benchmade 5500. But the tool that came in the most useful was the leatherman Multi-tool.
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Thanks for the info AR. I've been thinking about a sharpener, too. That DMT looks compact and handy.
 
He is going to want a no nonsense tool. A spyderco Salt would be a good idea, the Recon folks spend a lot of time in the water. My brother states that folders/multi tools get more traction in the community than anything else. Fixed blades are a fascination of some Marines and Sailors, but are by no means the norm. Some of them figure they can get what they need from supply, others will often buy their own based in part on need and in part on interest. I would say a solid folder and or multitool would suffice as an excellent gift that will see use. A fixed blade stands at least a fair chance of being confiscated depending on his unit's situation.
 
Mission MPT Titanium. These knives will not break or rust. They are light and very sharp. If you can afford one, it could be your last fixed blade. Good luck.
 
Smash05 said:
He is going to want a no nonsense tool. A spyderco Salt would be a good idea, the Recon folks spend a lot of time in the water. My brother states that folders/multi tools get more traction in the community than anything else. Fixed blades are a fascination of some Marines and Sailors, but are by no means the norm. Some of them figure they can get what they need from supply, others will often buy their own based in part on need and in part on interest. I would say a solid folder and or multitool would suffice as an excellent gift that will see use. A fixed blade stands at least a fair chance of being confiscated depending on his unit's situation.
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Thanks Smash05. I think the multi-tool idea makes the most sense for a gift. His nice folder is a Spyderco Military according to his dad. Between that and the BMs that sound like they're available, his folding needs should be covered. I think his dad might get him a Bravo 1.

Lycosa said:
Mission MPT Titanium. These knives will not break or rust. They are light and very sharp. If you can afford one, it could be your last fixed blade. Good luck.
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Lycosa, thanks for the info. I'm not sure an expensive knife is in the cards from either his dad or me.

bitter1 said:
Randall Model 1, classic.
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bitter1, that would be a very nice gift. I'm guessing he'll have to pick that up for himself. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

scouter27 said:
he'll be retired before he gets a new randall
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scouter27, he's got at least 3 more years and if he found a used one he wouldn't have to wait.

So far it looks like a multi-tool (Leatherman) as a gift from me and maybe a Bravo 1 from dad. Thanks all for your input and advice. This is a great community for helping each other with questions like this.
 
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