military custom knives

G

gpewett

Joined
Dec 5, 2010
Messages
85
I have done some searching around the forums to see who makes the best custom knives and found out that that's a very hard question to answer due to the shear volume of quality knife makers today, I have noticed that most of these makers not only excel in quality but also beauty. Most of these knives that I have looked at are absolutely stunning. I'm looking for a custom knife that is a little more versatile though. When I graduate from college in 2 years I am enlisting in the marines and my father is trying to get a knife made for me as a sort of going away present and who knows maybe even a life saving tool during my service. So I'm wondering what are some quality combat, edc, fixed blade or maybe even folding...I don't know how practical folding would be though, knife manufacturers. I don't need intricate metal work or rare handle materials. I just want the most rugged, and effective combat oriented fixed and folding blade knife manufacturers. Oh yea, I own a benchmade 710 right now as my edc but am not sure if this would be appropriate for the marines. Thanks and sorry for the lengthy question.
 
Well, after 28 years and multiple tours the only true thing I've found is that most young soldiers carry knives that are too big, and soon leave them at the bottom of a foot locker. A good 4"-5" fixed blade is good if you're out in the field. A multi-tool will get lots of use, and the odds are they'll give you one (or more). A folding knife will get lots of use, but you want a cutting edge, not a stabbing one, and no serrations. I keep a small stockman in my pocket all the time, a larger 3.5" - 4" folder most of the time, and a fixed blade on my IBA.

You're right, there are a large number of people who do very good work. Find something that feels good in your hands from a quality maker. Odds are if you like it, you'll use it. and a good knife will be with you for years.
 
Crusader Forge looks really nice. Thank you for all the great info eisman. I have only a few questions would my benchmade 710 work for my larger folder during service? I have sentimental value attached to it and would like to have it on me during deployment( My fiance got it for me and engraved it). I agree with the smaller knife comment I have never seen the need for a blade over 6 in. I dont know how I am going to be able to test the tangible properties of these knifes though so Im going entirely off of recommendations or even better has anyone brought any of these custom fixed blades into service? Thanks again for all the help oh and eisman what do you thing about the parawire (sp?) wrapped handles?
 
gpewett said:
Crusader Forge looks really nice. Thank you for all the great info eisman. I have only a few questions would my benchmade 710 work for my larger folder during service? I have sentimental value attached to it and would like to have it on me during deployment( My fiance got it for me and engraved it). I agree with the smaller knife comment I have never seen the need for a blade over 6 in. I dont know how I am going to be able to test the tangible properties of these knifes though so Im going entirely off of recommendations or even better has anyone brought any of these custom fixed blades into service? Thanks again for all the help oh and eisman what do you thing about the parawire (sp?) wrapped handles?
Click to expand...

I carried my 710 for a year in the norwegian army. Only domestic service, but it served me great. Doing everything from cutting open sandbags to dicing food. The 710 is the perfect size for a "larger" folder. Slim, light weight but with a 4" blade.
 
Some less well-known options you might consider-

Tom Halloran-makes some very nice looking tac./field knives of various sizes.

Coty Handley-also makes some nice pieces that are very size efficient, I have one of his Lt. Tech models and it is a tough little bugger.

Bill Coye

Stephen Janik

John Barker

I should remember more but can't right now

I also have a few offerings that can be seen in the albums on my profile page here.
 
Take a look at Daniel Winkler's, Winkler Knives II, for your fixed blade.
 
I took a Randall #15 to OEF with me, it's a good sized knife, not too huge but big enough. Also, took a Buck 110 which saw far more use though.

Randall will get you one quick with a military ID and orders, contact them once you're in with ID. Great history and knives.

I also like Martin out of Texas.

Really all about choice and what fits you.

I would try to handle the knives first. I really like my Randall #15, don't care for their #1 nearly as much though since the tang is cut down which makes it too light for me. Their #14 is nice but BIG, I have one and wouldn't deploy with it. Again, all personal preference.
 
When I get out of college I'm joining the Marines, too. (I'm a bit obsessed)
Anyways, what do you want it for? I want to buy a really quality knife when I enlist, too, but you are issued a 13 inch Ontario Knife Company 3s. It's a really quality fixed blade so I would recommend a folder. A good company is Strider knives, they specifically do military and law enforcement.
 
TheUSMC2017 said:
you are issued a 13 inch Ontario Knife Company 3s.
Click to expand...

My stepson is serving with 1st Radio Batt., he has not been deployed yet but as far as I know he has not been issued such a knife, or any knife for that matter. Not that he is in need, he has 2 of mine:cool:
I have heard that some guys are issued a multitool and a folder before deploying, but have heard other things to the contrary.
 
We (101st DIV, Army) were issued a Gerber tool and Benchmade belt cutter when we deployed. No other knives. However, that varies by unit also.
 
The only knives I've ever been issued were my mechanics folder (long since gone) and a variety of multi-tools (Gerber being the latest).

I think your BM would be great, but I wouldn't take anything you can't afford to loose, because that can happen.

A couple makers I'd recommend are Matt Bailey and Tim Hartman. They make damn nice knives. I have a Bailey I picked up just for this deployment with me now. They are both on this board, so you'll have no trouble doing a little research.

Last, I never had much use for the cord wrapped grips. They work best if you've got gloves on. And if you rub up aginst something sharp they can wear pretty bad. Of course you can rewrap them, but that's a pain when you've got other stuff to do.
 
I've been known to make a knife for a soldier or Marine now and then. Several went to men in the 10th MTN DIV, a couple to Marine aviators, others as well. As others have noted, don't get something too large. The fixed blades have 5.5" blades. The folder 3 3/8". The folder is a little "dressy" but it flies with an Air Force KC-135 crewman. I've made some with no bolsters and green canvas Micarta for those who play in the dirt.

David
 

Attachments

  • Josh2a.jpg
    Josh2a.jpg
    31.6 KB · Views: 25
  • freedomtac_grn 1.jpg
    freedomtac_grn 1.jpg
    19.5 KB · Views: 59
You should talk to Matt Lamey. His Knives are tools made for hard use. Also If i remember correctly, he made more then one knife that went over seas with US Marines. He is also a nice, honest and reasonable guy.
 
IMG_5104.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top