My son's going to be a Marine... knife suggestions

Redsnake1997

Redsnake1997

Joined
May 26, 2005
Messages
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I needed to get some suggestions for a gift I'd like to get for my son. He just signed up for the Marine Corps early enlistment program. Will graduate next January and be shipped off to CA for boot-camp. He's only 17 but wanted to be a Marine since he was a toddler.

Anyway... on to my question and any suggestions.

I'd like to get a custom knife made for him to present to him for Graduation. I don't have a lot of extra $$ to spend, but also don't want something cheap. Any makers you can suggest that would put together something tough, durable and that can take a beating. I'm thinking along the lines of a 5-1/2" blade, w/a nice grip. The way things are these days this could be used as a last ditch life saver... or simply something that will look good on his vest. I have several Busse knives and several customs... however the Busse's I have are bigger than I think he'd actually be able to carry and use if he gets shipped to the sand box. Also, I'd like his initials and perhaps USMC or something w/a little significance for him.

Ideas?? Let me know what you all think.

His mom wants to get him his Dress Blues... I want to get him a nice knife. :D
 
depends on what job he is going to be doing, if hes going into maintenance or something like that, i would get him a good multi-tool.

otherwise a nice folder would be the trick.....and im thinking a nice folder like spyderco, benchmade, etc...... it dont have to be custom or semi-custom to be appreciated.....
 
hmmm... good point about what job..

He wants to be in Recon, but we won't know the details until he gets thru boot camp.

I was thinking custom because I know it'd mean more to me if I were recieving the knife myself. Plus I'd like to get him something that he can't get himself at the PX.

Keep the suggestions coming.
 
Red,
Congratulations ...and the BEST to your son.
I was a Captain in Force Recon in the late 60's ...two tours in country.
Our oldest son is a Lt Col in my old regiment.
All he really carries besides issue ... is a Black Leatherman xTi ...it comes in the black nylon pouch, and a Surefire 2ED Exec Defender flashlite.
But hold off, see what his MOS will be. The equipment will be readily available.
Just my opinion.
 
Check out DJ Urbanovsky's website at:

http://www.americankami.com/fixed.html

He makes very solid and well-built knives that are, in my opinion, very under-priced. I have one of his knives myself and would not hesitate to give someone a knife like it if they were going over to the sand box.

Moms always give their sons the practical stuff. But, dads always give them the really cool stuff!!!!! :D
 
When I was in a similar position I got a Randall #14, which is still a great option. I believe they'll speed up their turn-around time for active duty military. But the other great option, since you mention Busse, is Busse's current offering. Busse itself is taking orders for the Badger Attack, which is a five inch blade that would be ideal for military utility use. You can get a variety of blade coatings and handle colors. Best of all, at $227 it is very reasonable (for a Busse anyway:) ).
 
I may have to order a BA f/ Busse... didn't realize they were offering anything right now... thanks.

Heck, I may have to order two... one for my boy, and one for me. :)
 
Congrats to him and you. He'll be fine. Those Hollywood Marine are ok but only those of us from PI are true Marines!!! Just Kidding! I'd say a multitool and a small fixed blade. The Razel sounds like a fine idea.
 
Redsnake1997 said:
I may have to order a BA f/ Busse... didn't realize they were offering anything right now... thanks.

Heck, I may have to order two... one for my boy, and one for me. :)
Click to expand...

Sure :) I have one on order, but I'm tempted to order a second one myself. I only have a daughter though, and I don't think my wife will buy it I say I ordered a second one so she could have one.

Congrats on having a son to be proud of.
 
Grampa said:
Check this one out:

Bravo-1

They just came out and are going fast!
Click to expand...

Grampa has it right.:thumbup: A Bravo-1 and a good Leatherman would be a pair that would be hard to beat.
Actually most of the BRKT's smaller blades would be good choices.
I love the Foxriver or Northstar as good choices, combined with a firesteel and a Leatherman and you are all set to go! Bigger knives are sometimes in the way and viewed poorly by higher ups.
Semper Fi to your son from an old Marine!:D
 
OORah to you and your son. When my son graduated from P.l. I gave him a Leatherman Wave multi-tool. and a waved Emerson CQC-7, engraved with his name and the USMC Eagle, Globe and Anchor. I chose the Tanto blade because I thought it would be tougher for prying, and opening tough things in the field. He LOVES the Emerson, and carries it with him ALL the time.
Know that it is very unlikely that he will use a blade for combat because "every Marine is a RIFLEMAN first", and there are usually plenty of more efficient deadly weapons close at hand. Now, if he becomes a sniper or Force Recon guy, then they will supply him with whatever deadly, stealthy tools he will need, or he will better know at that time what he really likes or needs.
There are SO many good knives to choose from... enjoy the search. He will treasure what ever you give him.

Dean
 
The D2 extreme is a great knife made by Ka-Bar.Tough and sharp.Fallkniven A1 is nice and Fallkniven's are tough,well made knives.
Best of luck to your son.
 
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