Looking for a good carry knife

M

Mnorton_0317

Joined
Dec 5, 2018
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Hey guys. I'm about to graduate high school and enlist in the marines as 0311. I know I shouldn't even be thinking about this until I've become a marine but I kind of need to plan ahead to manage my finances. I thank you guys for your input.
 
We actually have a similar thread currently going on about someone else being deployed to Afghanistan. So you may get some good ideas from there before others chime in.

Most time you get recommended a Leatherman by most who have served it seems. I won't bother making a recommendation as I've never served.

Thanks you for your service.

(For those not familiar with 0311 it basically means he's enlisting as a Rifleman if I'm not mistaken.)
 
Folder, I would recommend a RAT-1. Other than that, some kind of multi tool like others have suggested.
 
I'd suggest any of the Cold Steel large folders ie: Voyager, Recon 1, or some sort. Also Spyderco Endura, Manix or something similar should work well. Remember....your gonna be a grunt. Humping all over the place. Something light, slim, strong, and not that expensive is what I'd roll with. When I was in the Corps I carried a first Gen Endura everywhere and it never let me down. Plus its so light and slim I never felt it in the pocket. Good luck son. :thumbsup:
 
Mnorton_0317 said:
Hey guys. I'm about to graduate high school and enlist in the marines as 0311. I know I shouldn't even be thinking about this until I've become a marine but I kind of need to plan ahead to manage my finances. I thank you guys for your input.
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Sorry but this won't be the answer you want.
If you take a knife with you to baisic training, the marines will take it. Wait until you finish your AIT training. That will give you time to know your needs and save a little money.
 
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Dean51 said:
Sorry but this won't be the answer you want.
If you take a knifewith you to baisic training, the marines will take it. Wait until you finish your AIT training. That will give ypu time to know your needs and save a little money.
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I “Gave” the Army my pocket knife I took with me to basic training back in 1976. I had carried a knife since I was 10 and didn’t even think about not being able to have one.
 
Pilsner said:
Are you a medic, or do you find other uses for the Raptor? I found it a great bit of kit as a paramedic.
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Once upon a time I was a Navy Corpsman assigned to the Marines. I use the Raptor for opening seals on trailers at delivery and cutting open strapping and have even used the seat belt and ring cutter too.
 
ron finkbeiner jr said:
Once upon a time I was a Navy Corpsman assigned to the Marines. I use the Raptor for opening seals on trailers at delivery and cutting open strapping and have even used the seat belt and ring cutter too.
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Gotcha. Good to know it comes in handy across the board.
 
I agree that you should wait until you’re out of training and assigned to a unit.

There is probably no need to carry more than something like a K-bar or ESEE 4/6 as a belt knife, but if were me, I’d wait until I got to my unit, see what others have, and ask my squad leader for advice.

My one reccomendation would be to get a medium sized SAK (with scissors) post graduation.
 
I have no idea what might be allowed for carry by the Corp but during my years in the Navy I saw an awful lot of Buck 110s carried by my fellow sailors. At least onboard ship in our working dungarees.
 
I'd wait until you're with your permanent unit & see what the old salts, with some experience carry & go from there. Basically, what you're looking for is something that's relatively inexpensive, rugged, easy to maintain & have good edge holding ability.

I'm an old Marine, so I can say this: If you put a Marine private in a windowless, locked room for an hour with three anvils; when you come back an hour later, you'll find one anvil missing without a trace, one broken beyond repair & the other one pregnant.
 
Mnorton_0317 said:
Hey guys. I'm about to graduate high school and enlist in the marines as 0311. I know I shouldn't even be thinking about this until I've become a marine but I kind of need to plan ahead to manage my finances. I thank you guys for your input.
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Don't get anything yet. Once you are through basic you will have a much better idea of what you need (as opposed to want) and can probably get a deal on it at the base PX. Lots of places will give you a 10% discount if you are military. Some like the serrated Spyderedge type because it can quickly cut through webbing etc. if needed in an emergency. I EDC a Spyderco Gayle Bradley which is a great cutter but I would not recommend it since I don't know what the big cheese in your unit has to say about your KNIFE needs. The DI should have some idea and I would consult with him.
 
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Thanks for the advice guys. I might just see what the guys in my unit carry after AIT. Thread is still open to any and all suggestions though.
 
Mnorton_0317 said:
Thanks for the advice guys. I might just see what the guys in my unit carry after AIT. Thread is still open to any and all suggestions though.
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Once you get to that point, come back and ask again. Chances are a lot of the others will have cheap knives that can't hold an edge or break easily. Give us your basic requirements and price range, and you will get a lot of suggestions. Of course, a good Leatherman or Victorinox is always a great starting point.
 
TrainedBullets said:
I agree that you should wait until you’re out of training and assigned to a unit.

There is probably no need to carry more than something like a K-bar or ESEE 4/6 as a belt knife, but if were me, I’d wait until I got to my unit, see what others have, and ask my squad leader for advice.

My one reccomendation would be to get a medium sized SAK (with scissors) post graduation.
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This fits my general feelings. Wait until you need the knife. Budget about $100 for the knife. Something like a RAT-1 would work well. I have no objection to the SAK suggestion, but wait until you get through basic.
 
For most guys, the Kabar and a Leatherman will take care of 95% of your needs. What you WANT, tho, is probably a whole other wad of earwax
 
Dean51 said:
Sorry but this won't be the answer you want.
If you take a knife with you to baisic training, the marines will take it. Wait until you finish your AIT training. That will give you time to know your needs and save a little money.
Click to expand...

YES...
 
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