have been there and done that. REMFs need not reply. I might be doing some long term traveling to places in the news and am looking for recommendations for blades. Since I'm a DOD civilian this/these is/are the only "tool/s" I will have so I need suggestions to cover the gamut of situations. Conditions will be semi-austere and weather widely variable. Thanks in advance.
-
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Need advice from vets who...
- Thread starter ravenQ8
- Start date
Which part do you want translated?
REMF= Rear Echelon Mother F'er, meaning in succinct terms, a planner or comander in the safety of the rear, as opposed to an operator on the front lines.
DOD= Dept. of Defense
As to the rest, this person is either a wannabe who's trying to make it sound like he's going on some covert ops in some godforsaken place...or he really is a "civilian" (aka intel) going on some covert ops in some godforsaken place
. Either way, by putting this in General Forum and asking only for combat vets to answere, he has insulted the rest of us, and will possibly miss some very good input to his question. Since I haven't been anywhere or done anything I won't answer the question. Oh well.
REMF= Rear Echelon Mother F'er, meaning in succinct terms, a planner or comander in the safety of the rear, as opposed to an operator on the front lines.
DOD= Dept. of Defense
As to the rest, this person is either a wannabe who's trying to make it sound like he's going on some covert ops in some godforsaken place...or he really is a "civilian" (aka intel) going on some covert ops in some godforsaken place
. Either way, by putting this in General Forum and asking only for combat vets to answere, he has insulted the rest of us, and will possibly miss some very good input to his question. Since I haven't been anywhere or done anything I won't answer the question. Oh well.Oh well, not the first time I bruised some feelings. I am not a spook but the DOD employs civilians all over the world in many dangerous or austere places. I am stationed in Kuwait presently and am sick to death of REMFs sucking up the gravy while those of us in the field get the crumbs. If I want to know how to chop down a tree I'd ask for lumberjacks to reply. In this case I would like info from people who have carved a basecamp out of a piece of rock and lived there for an extended time. The only sense in which I am a wannabe is that I wannabe alive when I get back and effective and reasonably comfortable while I'm there. Where "there" is is not important and anyone should be able appreciate operation security. Sorry to have wasted anyone's time or bruised any feelings.
The Magician
Illusionist
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- Jan 19, 2000
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- 1,580
ravenQ8,
I don't think you bruised RH's feelings.
He's pretty tough..hee. I edited this, because I origionally gave my translation of RH's post. Sometimes I say strange things, so I thought I should remove it. RH can speak for himself. I hope this turns into some kind of big flaming ball of (see?). Sorry.
I don't think you bruised RH's feelings.
He's pretty tough..hee. I edited this, because I origionally gave my translation of RH's post. Sometimes I say strange things, so I thought I should remove it. RH can speak for himself. I hope this turns into some kind of big flaming ball of (see?). Sorry.Magician: You guys really don't understand what your country asks of many of its civilian employees. Yes we are often among the first on the ground after the military has "pacified" the area. Since its so peaceful I have in my closet a helmet, uniforms, and flak jacket. In my car I carry a bullet proof vest, gas mask, and NBC suit. Before I am deployed I will get small arms familiarization training (not needed but I'll take it). This is not because I will be issued a weapon (because I won't) but in case the GI next to me gets greased and I have to pick up his M16. I will be surrounded by GIs who are carrying weapons but I won't need anything because the area has been pacified, right? I wonder why the GIs carry? I guess they'd just feel naked unless they were correctly accessorized. No, I will not be relying on a knife for defense but better to have and not need than to need and not have. Besides, the area has been pacified, right?
I ain't no Rambo, I'm a 44 year old slightly overweight career civil servant who is going to put on a uniform (other than Cub Scouts and camping) for the first time. This isn't KOA I'm going to for the Labor Day weekend. Yes, all I may need is a multi-tool and if that was the correct answer I would have been thrilled. Then again I've never lived in a tent for months so I don't know and thought I would ask those who have.
That having been said I just ordered a Busse Battle Mistress E, BA E, and Mr. Mojo CG. The Mojo is as an investment because I'm told they're going out of production. Oh, and I will have my Leatherman!
I ain't no Rambo, I'm a 44 year old slightly overweight career civil servant who is going to put on a uniform (other than Cub Scouts and camping) for the first time. This isn't KOA I'm going to for the Labor Day weekend. Yes, all I may need is a multi-tool and if that was the correct answer I would have been thrilled. Then again I've never lived in a tent for months so I don't know and thought I would ask those who have.
That having been said I just ordered a Busse Battle Mistress E, BA E, and Mr. Mojo CG. The Mojo is as an investment because I'm told they're going out of production. Oh, and I will have my Leatherman!
The Magician
Illusionist
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2000
- Messages
- 1,580
Okay. If you REALLY need some REAL advice. Hop on over to the link in my sig and look for "Sirius of BF" I think he moderates a forum there. He does what you are wanting to know about. Different country though. I hope I didn't bruise your feelings. 
Edited for bad typing. I may have missed some...
Edited for bad typing. I may have missed some...
"I wannabe alive"
amen to that! I love it!
I'm not hurt at all, and I'm not casting dispersions on raven's character at all, he's an anonymous poster to me. Someone asked for a translation, and since we've had our share of Mall Ninja's here (that may be an obscure reference, but some folks will get it), I figured it could go either way.
The only thing more dangerous than being a soldier in combat is being a non-soldier in combat.
And I was speaking literally - I really haven't been anywhere or done anything, so I can't answer this question with any authority. My info would be second hand, gleaned from wiser members here.
FWIW, you may get some specific info in the Wilderness Survival forum or CJ Carracci's forum, both in the Tactics & Training section.
I'd tell you to keep your powder dry, but since they won't be giving you any - keep your knives sharp and your head down!
amen to that! I love it!
I'm not hurt at all, and I'm not casting dispersions on raven's character at all, he's an anonymous poster to me. Someone asked for a translation, and since we've had our share of Mall Ninja's here (that may be an obscure reference, but some folks will get it), I figured it could go either way.
The only thing more dangerous than being a soldier in combat is being a non-soldier in combat.
And I was speaking literally - I really haven't been anywhere or done anything, so I can't answer this question with any authority. My info would be second hand, gleaned from wiser members here.
FWIW, you may get some specific info in the Wilderness Survival forum or CJ Carracci's forum, both in the Tactics & Training section.
I'd tell you to keep your powder dry, but since they won't be giving you any - keep your knives sharp and your head down!
- Joined
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- 1,670
Haven't seen too much 'combat' (yet), but I have served over in SE Asia and Eastern Europe as a USMC field MP (so Im going to answer anyway). Then I was very happy carrying a BM910HS. It's tanto point will punch through just about anything, the BT coating protects the M2 steel very well, Ti liner-lock is very secure, G-10 scales give good grip, and the M2 at RC 62 rarely needs sharpening. The only 'problem' I have with this blade is that it gets less practical use than my other folders (then a Spydie Military, now a CRK Sebenza) due to its flat edge profile. I am currently looking to trade it in towards an Emerson Mini-Comm. since its recurved blade will give me better rope/webbing cutting ability - even at the expense of its blade being potentially less tough and able to keep an edge (154 CM vs. M2) - though I don't expect any problems...
In general, I would opt for an up-scale liner-locking blade. Chris Reeve, Emerson, Spyderco, and Benchmade are my favorite production makers. If I had to choose only one...it would be a large Chris Reeve Sebenza.
BTW, if you decide on a BM 910HS...drop me an email...I may still have it.
In general, I would opt for an up-scale liner-locking blade. Chris Reeve, Emerson, Spyderco, and Benchmade are my favorite production makers. If I had to choose only one...it would be a large Chris Reeve Sebenza.
BTW, if you decide on a BM 910HS...drop me an email...I may still have it.
Raven, The best weapon and or Tool you will have with you is your Brain.. so always be thinking and paying attention to your surroundings.. No such thing as being Paranoid when your not in your home court... so.. that said... Be aware... Use common sense.... Read up on survival techniques for the Type of Terrian you will be in. The Knives you mentioned should be good. Good luck no matter what you may or may not be doing...
Sorry if I caused a stir. I am a bit nervous yet at the same time I look forward to the experience. My biggest worry is letting someone down. That and working 12 hours a day 7 days a week for a couple months.
Rigor: I love Benchmade and I've always liked tanto but I also like the axis lock. I'll drop you an email and we can discuss the advantages of liner locks since I'm sure its been done to death here.
BTW: good thing you didn't bet on the Packers.
Rigor: I love Benchmade and I've always liked tanto but I also like the axis lock. I'll drop you an email and we can discuss the advantages of liner locks since I'm sure its been done to death here.
BTW: good thing you didn't bet on the Packers.
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2001
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- 1,670
Go ahead...kick a man when he's down...
Just kidding...we really did get buried
A word of caution. I had a buddy in Nam. He thought he was one of the safest people on the planet. He was in communications. He was constantly with 2 armed Marines who went everywhere with him while on duty. He felt very safe.
Then, one day an unidentified jeep drove onto the tarmac while he was working on some com gear in a plane. Both Marines drew their sidearms and held them to his head. Suddenly, the purpose of the 2 armed guards became very clear to him. He was very difficult to keep up with after that afternoon. He was hard to find. He even refused to sleep in the compound any more. He took his chances sleeping in the jungle. He claimed he had a mamason in a village. I would not be surprised to learn he was sleeping in a private little foxhole well hidden somewhere.
Constantly surrounded by armed troops? Does your job require a security clearance?
Then, one day an unidentified jeep drove onto the tarmac while he was working on some com gear in a plane. Both Marines drew their sidearms and held them to his head. Suddenly, the purpose of the 2 armed guards became very clear to him. He was very difficult to keep up with after that afternoon. He was hard to find. He even refused to sleep in the compound any more. He took his chances sleeping in the jungle. He claimed he had a mamason in a village. I would not be surprised to learn he was sleeping in a private little foxhole well hidden somewhere.
Constantly surrounded by armed troops? Does your job require a security clearance?
- Joined
- Sep 23, 1999
- Messages
- 3,831
I am a UC: an Urban Commando!
But, I just finished Greg Walker's "Battle Blades" book. You can look on the General forum for my review, which I did 4 or 5 days ago. If you don't know, Greg was in SF for something like 12 years, so he has had a lot of time to evaluate what a guy needs in the field.
As a Civillian, I don't know what you are doing, exactly. If youa re in the field (the boonies), Greg has 2 recommendations in his book: carry a fighting bowie, or carry a combat blade and a fighter. A Battle Bowie might be something like a Fisk bowie (custom) or a large SOG bowie (production) or Cold Steel Trailmaster (production.) A Combat blade/fighter combo would be something like an Aplegate/Fairbairn for the fighter and a Randall 14 as the field blade. The firld blade is used for all if your ammo crate poppin', shelter makin' fire wook preparin' work, and the fighter gets pulled out for the nasty stuff.
If you are not doing much field work, a fighter might be a good carry. SOG makes some inexpensive blades such as the Pentagon dagger. Cold Steel is a great place to stop and get good bang for the buck. They carry daggers (Peace keepers I think?), push daggers, the Kobun in carbon steel would be a nice small fixed blade, etc.
You should definitely carry a 'tac' folder: you can't beat their utility and concealment advantages.
www.striderknives.com is very popular with military folks. They have a concealment series of smaller blades you could look into. The blades are 1/4" thick ATS-34, so you don't have to worry about rust much or breakage. You will pay a lot, but you get alot for your money.
I hope this helps some. I know you prefer military advice, but there are a lot of knifenuts here who can help. Any REMFs here are knifenuts too! Also, if you are working int he urban jungle more than the 'field', you can get a lot of advice from us who contend with the urban jungle.
Good luck, and thanks for the work you do.
But, I just finished Greg Walker's "Battle Blades" book. You can look on the General forum for my review, which I did 4 or 5 days ago. If you don't know, Greg was in SF for something like 12 years, so he has had a lot of time to evaluate what a guy needs in the field.
As a Civillian, I don't know what you are doing, exactly. If youa re in the field (the boonies), Greg has 2 recommendations in his book: carry a fighting bowie, or carry a combat blade and a fighter. A Battle Bowie might be something like a Fisk bowie (custom) or a large SOG bowie (production) or Cold Steel Trailmaster (production.) A Combat blade/fighter combo would be something like an Aplegate/Fairbairn for the fighter and a Randall 14 as the field blade. The firld blade is used for all if your ammo crate poppin', shelter makin' fire wook preparin' work, and the fighter gets pulled out for the nasty stuff.
If you are not doing much field work, a fighter might be a good carry. SOG makes some inexpensive blades such as the Pentagon dagger. Cold Steel is a great place to stop and get good bang for the buck. They carry daggers (Peace keepers I think?), push daggers, the Kobun in carbon steel would be a nice small fixed blade, etc.
You should definitely carry a 'tac' folder: you can't beat their utility and concealment advantages.
www.striderknives.com is very popular with military folks. They have a concealment series of smaller blades you could look into. The blades are 1/4" thick ATS-34, so you don't have to worry about rust much or breakage. You will pay a lot, but you get alot for your money.
I hope this helps some. I know you prefer military advice, but there are a lot of knifenuts here who can help. Any REMFs here are knifenuts too! Also, if you are working int he urban jungle more than the 'field', you can get a lot of advice from us who contend with the urban jungle.
Good luck, and thanks for the work you do.
You dont mention how you are traveling. Commercial?
Going thru customs at each stop?
I would think one large folder (a STOUT one like the Strider) and mone medium sized combat/utility fixed with the emphasise on utlitlity for PC purposes. Are you going to be using this knife? Are you going into the jungle/outback in some of these places? All of these situations require different tools. One good thing is that you can acquire a lot of tools in the place where you are, but you will never get the quality that you can in the good ole USA
Going thru customs at each stop?
I would think one large folder (a STOUT one like the Strider) and mone medium sized combat/utility fixed with the emphasise on utlitlity for PC purposes. Are you going to be using this knife? Are you going into the jungle/outback in some of these places? All of these situations require different tools. One good thing is that you can acquire a lot of tools in the place where you are, but you will never get the quality that you can in the good ole USA
I thank everyone for their ideas. If I wasn't such a pr!ck I'd feel bad for being such a pr!ck the first time. I don't pretend to be anything I'm not but I am sick of REMF's. Anyone who has wiped their a$$ with their fingers because there's nothing else to use while the "support staff" sits on gold plated crappers will relate.
I'm no bullet tosser, I'm a paper pusher. I hope to do nothing more dangerous than making sure the food and water are safe to consume for the people who protect me. In real life I am in the desert by myself while the guys with guns are behind walls, barbed wire, and sensors. As for self defense I always think of Sonny Corlene's words when they were getting Michael ready to pop two guys in a restaraunt. "I don't want him walking outta that john with just his d!ck in his hands." I hope to be able to open a box, cut a hot dog, turn a screw, drive a nail, gut a fish, save my ass, knifesturbate to kill time, kill bin Laden, butter my bread, cut canvas, cut rope, trim my nails, gee...sounds like I should just take my Leatherman Wave and quit bothering everyone.
I'm no bullet tosser, I'm a paper pusher. I hope to do nothing more dangerous than making sure the food and water are safe to consume for the people who protect me. In real life I am in the desert by myself while the guys with guns are behind walls, barbed wire, and sensors. As for self defense I always think of Sonny Corlene's words when they were getting Michael ready to pop two guys in a restaraunt. "I don't want him walking outta that john with just his d!ck in his hands." I hope to be able to open a box, cut a hot dog, turn a screw, drive a nail, gut a fish, save my ass, knifesturbate to kill time, kill bin Laden, butter my bread, cut canvas, cut rope, trim my nails, gee...sounds like I should just take my Leatherman Wave and quit bothering everyone.
The Magician
Illusionist
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2000
- Messages
- 1,580
Raven,
Sorry I jumped your case. I searched your posts and you seem okay. We do get the "mall ninja" type pretty often. Just type "troll" into the search engine and see what happens.
I wish you well and hope your God(s) keeps you Safe. For actual input the new Becker 7" utility looks perfect to compliment the wave. Sorry, I can't adjust my own meds. I will bring this up with Dr. Brennan, but my next appointment is not until April 3. Come on over to The Redoubt. I moderate a survival forum there. Link in my sig.
Sorry I jumped your case. I searched your posts and you seem okay. We do get the "mall ninja" type pretty often. Just type "troll" into the search engine and see what happens.
I wish you well and hope your God(s) keeps you Safe. For actual input the new Becker 7" utility looks perfect to compliment the wave. Sorry, I can't adjust my own meds. I will bring this up with Dr. Brennan, but my next appointment is not until April 3. Come on over to The Redoubt. I moderate a survival forum there. Link in my sig.
Climber
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2001
- Messages
- 545
Greetings, Raven!
Ah, Found your "pissy post" here. (Raven knows what i mean!)
You now have on order what you will need: i speak not from overseas combat/near-combat experience, but from others: MANY gone to the hot-spots with Busse knives, they don't complain, they exclaim!
The Badger Attack will do your main tasks; many LEO's have that as their back-up, & i'm talking more than tools, but weapons in close-quarters; the Battle Mistress can do all your "carving home out of a rock" & of course, can be an effective weapon. The Mr. MoJo, designed for weaponry, plus utility, is your "investment" in this purchase, but if it's the Combat Grade, don't be afraid to use it: they can always recoat the blade, & the steel won't be damaged by much of anything. (Or just send that to me for safekeeping in my knifedrawer
Ha! Ha! i'd send it back after the danger's over...)
Seriously, tho, if you already have a Leatherman for the diddly stuf, the Busse line-up you have is the ticket to contentment in your circumstances, without moving into firearms, which you already explained... Get a ceramic rod or two (order from a garden supply house, it's cheaper there than a knife specialty house; unless Busse sends ya one for free, which they may, if they have any, for such a "GRAND" purchase) & some "polishing/sharpening" compound for a strop: just a piece of leather dedicated to super-sharpening your blades while fondling them in those off-hours... Besides, where YOU'RE going, those folks RESPECT a man who wields a knife... that's their heritage; (but they ain't met INFI... )
Sit-ups, push-ups, & some light cardio-work might be wise, if you really think that preparing is in order with the tools: no sense not being up to the use of your tools, when you need them: i'll be praying for your safety, alertness, & return, from The Danger Zone.
And:... THANKS, for being there; you're one of the heroes, y'know...
(Just don't let it go to your head! Ha!
)
In Nuclear Tough Prayer Wars,
Climber Clif
Ah, Found your "pissy post" here.
(Raven knows what i mean!)You now have on order what you will need: i speak not from overseas combat/near-combat experience, but from others: MANY gone to the hot-spots with Busse knives, they don't complain, they exclaim!
The Badger Attack will do your main tasks; many LEO's have that as their back-up, & i'm talking more than tools, but weapons in close-quarters; the Battle Mistress can do all your "carving home out of a rock" & of course, can be an effective weapon. The Mr. MoJo, designed for weaponry, plus utility, is your "investment" in this purchase, but if it's the Combat Grade, don't be afraid to use it: they can always recoat the blade, & the steel won't be damaged by much of anything. (Or just send that to me for safekeeping in my knifedrawer
Ha! Ha! i'd send it back after the danger's over...) Seriously, tho, if you already have a Leatherman for the diddly stuf, the Busse line-up you have is the ticket to contentment in your circumstances, without moving into firearms, which you already explained... Get a ceramic rod or two (order from a garden supply house, it's cheaper there than a knife specialty house; unless Busse sends ya one for free, which they may, if they have any, for such a "GRAND" purchase) & some "polishing/sharpening" compound for a strop: just a piece of leather dedicated to super-sharpening your blades while fondling them in those off-hours... Besides, where YOU'RE going, those folks RESPECT a man who wields a knife... that's their heritage; (but they ain't met INFI...
)Sit-ups, push-ups, & some light cardio-work might be wise, if you really think that preparing is in order with the tools: no sense not being up to the use of your tools, when you need them: i'll be praying for your safety, alertness, & return, from The Danger Zone.
And:... THANKS, for being there; you're one of the heroes, y'know...
(Just don't let it go to your head! Ha!
)In Nuclear Tough Prayer Wars,
Climber Clif