Knives in the field - scenes from Afghanistan

[RH]

Just saw a news spot about land mines and unexploded ordnance lying around. In the background were 3 EOD guys obviously explaining to another reporter how they use knives to probe for mines. Knives spotted:

Ka-Bar (black coated)
SOG SEAL
Buck 110

 

[martensite]

I must have seen the other reporters work, because I saw three Marines explaining how they probe for mines, and talking about how they cleared the way to that injured Marine.

One explained that you don't want to probe too shallow, because you want to find the body of the mine, not the fuse. He then explained the technique. {very roughly quoted here} You hold the knife so that when it hits the body of the mine, it can slide back into your hand a little. If you hold the knife too firmly, when it hits the mine, it will jar it. {end very rough quote}

Excellent knife insight. I didn't recognize the knives they were using, but they weren't short ones.


Another exhibited what I suppose is some EOD humor. He said the wounded Marine was concerned for their safety as they cleared a path to him. He told him something like "Hey, we get an extra $150 a month for doing this, so don't worry about it."

 

[wolfmann601]

And I stand TALL, straight and at attention, as I SNAP my right hand and SALUTE our TROOPS keeping US all safe!!!!!
Knife Content: I am proud that MANY are carrying knives DONATED by many here on BF........
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS, and GOD BLESS AMERICA..........wolf