Looking for recommendations

R

ReconDoc242

Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
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Hey guys, I was recommended to check out these forums by a friend. I am a former marine recon/NSW member and current private military contractor. I am getting ready to go back overseas for work doing PSD and as the team medic. I am looking for a larger knife that will have superior edge retention and strength. I prefer a bulkier knife that will work well in the field.
I will not pretend to be an expert in blades, so I am asking you guys for your input and recommendations. I have carried striders,kbars, and SOGs(all issued) in the past and have managed to ruin all of them(except the strider, but edge retention wasn't the greatest).
 
Hi welcome to the forum

Thanks for your service

Will this be a defensive piece or a more utilitarian type piece

What is your price range
 
I would love to say it would be an exclusive defensive piece, but I have only used a knife twice for defensive purposes the past 4 tours, so it would be a utility knife. As far as price range, under $300 if possible. My two requirements are edge holding ability and penetration capability(mostly thru thin metal).
 
How important is corrosion resistance..?

What's your timetable..?

There is alot of combines experience here......more than a few Vets
with the background you're looking for.
 
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Thanks for your service. Not sure if you've checked out Mercworx, but their Sniper model in S30V did all I asked of it over there. Thick blade, no prob piercing 55 gal drums, doors, thin metal like you asked no prob. They are made by guys who are experienced in the field.

Current mates in NSW favor Emersons for folders, mine handled everything with no issues. But all carry fixed blades as well. A recon-type favors the new Zero Tolerance all black fixed blade. Loves it, says it goes from liver to lung perfect.

These are all utility blades that I know have worked firsthand. But if you need something more specialized for your medic duties, I'm not too sure, but I do know some medics carried tantos for piercing and a web cutter. Only one I know by name was an Emerson fixed blade tanto, but that's more than $300.

Anyways my two cents. Be safe
 
Russ Andrews said:
How important is corrosion resistance..?

What's your timetable..?

There is alot of combines experience here......more than a few Vets
with the background you're looking for.
Click to expand...
corrosion resistance is important to a degree, but performance is the most important thing to me. The last thing I want to do is fidget around with a knife trying to open pressure bandages or what have you, while someone is shooting at me and my boys.
I deploy aug.
 
No worries Doc. If you decide to get a Mercworx, I think you can find them cheaper than the website, but if you order from them direct--tell them your situation and they should give you priority cuz of your fun n the sun that's coming up. One thing tho-some don't like a shiny blade, but if you get one, just spray paint the thing if it's an issue. It won't be pretty, but there won't be any issues with glare. Depends on your situation, shiny blade can come in handy tho in the off chance you need to signal.

Be safe.
 
Semper Fi!

Check out Ferhmanknives.com. I don't have any of their blades but have just read several reviews of their knives in #G steel which have exhibited great strength and stupendous edge holding ability.

Swamprat knifeworks also has a model available at this time called the Ratmandu which is well within your price range which takes a fantastic edge, is very strong, hods an edge well and is easy to sharpen in the field. I do have one of those and it is an excellent knife.

The exchange here on the forum has many folks selling knives as well. The Busse/swamrat and Scrapyard knives for sale forum (over the exchange section)Has a bunch of folks selling Swamprat knives on the aftermarket there are a few of the 9" bladed M9's for sale there.

ESEE knives are available from several dealers (knivesshipfree.com being one).They are made of 1095 steel {same as the Ka-Bar) with a better heat treat. They have one of the best warranties going and really support our troops. I have used several of their blades and they have all far exceeded my high expectations. Their ESEE 5 was designed specificaly as a SERE blade.

Hope this helps
 
Check Dozier Knives (just Google it, he has a web site.) I think you can hardly do much better than that. They are pretty easy to find too. Fair winds and following seas.
 
Great recommendation. I agree, check Dozier he makes excellent stuff. I can't believe I forgot to mention him! I don't have any of his "tactical" models, but do have a few of his fixed blade hunters and they are great. I'm sure they would handle the chores ahead. Gotta love combat corpsman! Be safe.
 
Thanks guys, I ended upp going with a spartan knife after the recommendation of a former teammate from force recon.
 
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