My brother's heading off to the military

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Boscov

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Aug 27, 2011
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So my brother's heading off to the military (who woulda guessed :rolleyes:) in February, and I really want to get him a hard use folder that he can appreciate. He has a recon one, but I'd love for him to have a nicer hard use folder. I was thinking of a zt 0560, since the flipper is awesome, and it's Hinderer design, so it has to be tough, right?

I guess the question boils down to, "what knife would you get your brother heading off into the military?"

He's not a huge fan of spyderco, and generally doesn't care for super expensive knives (CRK, Strider, etc) but I definitely want to get him something that will last for a long time, but also ooze quality.

Thanks
Marcus
 
ZT0560 would be a great choice! Contact KershawGuy and tell him what your buying it for and I'm sure he'll hook you up right!
 
If you want to save some cash and still have that durability and strength that the 0560 provides, I'd take a look at the ZT0550.

At 200$ or less its an incredible deal. The s35vn isn't as good as Elmax that the 0560 come with, but it's plenty for most tasks. Definitely a solid blade and the new version is suppose to be pretty damned nice.
 
I agree with all of the above, Elmax would be a great choice.

And as Zookie said, for about 60 bux less you could go with the 550 if he doesn't want a flipper.

Both are great solid knives and handle well since they are a Hinderer design.
 
If your brother has just enlisted, I'd hold off on buying him a nice folder. Years ago, I served in the Canadian Armed Forces and they strongly discouraged anything that wasn't issued--especially during basic training. However, I think that a good folder would make a nice 'graduation' gift once he's through boot camp and may have more freedom to personalise his kit. Or maybe the military is different nowadays (or in your region.) Just something to think about...

Anyhoo, best of luck to you and your brother! :)
 
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Thanks for all the advice guys. It seems like a 560 would be the best gift, but timberweasel does make a good point. You think I should hold out till after he finishes basic? Would he still be able to use it in basic?
 
Boscov said:
Thanks for all the advice guys. It seems like a 560 would be the best gift, but timberweasel does make a good point. You think I should hold out till after he finishes basic? Would he still be able to use it in basic?
Click to expand...

Don't know about the other branches, but I'm DEP'ed into the USMC going off in February and know for the Marines you can't even bring knives to boot, nevermind use one.
 
NO, he most certainly would not be allowed to have it in basic training. It would be confiscated immediately. He wont be allowed to have anything other than letters during basic. Personally if I were you I would send him about 20 separate letters with a stick of contraband (in this case chewing gum) in each one. he' will have to do push-ups for each letter, and even more for contraband. Eventually it will just be a bunch of drill sergeants standing around chewing gum while he does push-ups until he collapses... so if he's ever irritated you, now is your chance to get him back.
 
I'd wait to get him something until you find out where he ends up. Most places he'll be allowed little more than a small pocket knife.
 
The only real question i have is which branch of the military is he going into? The word military can spread pretty broad, but the fact of the matter is the needs of a guy working in a warehouse or office are going to be a little different than the needs of an infantry soldier or SF guy. if it's the latter, you have chosen wisely... that being the case you may want to consider a good quality bushcraft/utility fixed blade in lieu of your folder. just my two cents.

P.S.+1 for waiting till grad
 
My dad and brother never carried a folder that cost more than 50 dollars because things tend to walk, sad reality. If you want a "nice" folder i would honestly say get him a large stockman in SS or CV,or a Grip,. If it were me (I have considered a military career but some health concerns with my fiance keep me at home) I would want either one of those and if they walk, not to expensive to replace.
PS. I am thankful for his service.
 
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Best advice is to wait till he's gone through basic, and found out where he's going. A Swiss Army Knife or multitool is always useful. Tactical gear may not even be allowed.
 
I recommend the Benchmade Adamas. It's half the price of the ZT 0560, comes with a MOLLE sheath, and has a militaristic look to it. IMO, the 0560 is more of a nice knife than a hard use folder. I feel that the Axis lock can take much more of a beating than a frame lock. Nothing against the 0560, but I think it is more of an EDC knife than a hard-use utility knife like the Adamas.

Whatever you get, I'd get his name laser etched on engraved into the blade from knifeworks or something, that way no one can steal it from him and claim that it's theirs. Just my 2 cents.
 
An Emerson Commander or journeyman and a Leathermen Multi tool. More so the leathermen than anything. The last time I sent knives off was for a friend of mine was with a emerson cqc-7 , and Becker necker after he was complaining about the shity Gerber's that they would give him when he he was lucky enuff to get one. I know he came home with the CqC-7 and is still using it as a MP state side, but he passed on the Becker necker to a fellow solider that could use it on the way out of the big sandbox of hate.
 
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