Need advice from vets who...

go to www.bladeart.com, and CALL them. Larry had a shpment of Strider GB folders in. You might be able to pick one up ASAP. You will pay something like $350, but it would be WORTH it.

Good luck.
 
As my filipina friends here in Kuwait would say: "Ouch!" You've given me so many good answers and I already have strained the credit card that I will have to make do with what I have: The Busse knives provided they come through in time (Battle Mistress E and BA E), my Ka-bar NG, my BM 710BT, and others that I have on order but have not received yet. Thanks again for the ideas and good wishes.
 
Hey Raven! I think I'm a REMF but here I am...

Went to Saudi back in '90-'91 with an Army Reserve Escort Guard (EPW transport) unit, the 342d. Actually, it was more "adventures in babysitting," but we didn't know that when we shipped out after three weeks at Ft. Meade boning up on dusty mustard, MOPP fashions, supposed Arab culture, etc.

Yeah, I could say I was in contact "with the enemy," and I went on "missions." Well, I DID! Some missions were practically 24 hour affairs, some in sandstorms, but they were mostly cake walks, and I never went for more than about that 24 hours without a shower.

I took a Gerber Mk. II and my Buck Scoutlite. Had a bayonet too, for my M16.

I wish I'd had my smaller Camillus Pilot Survival knife though. Cut some commo wire one time with that Gerber and dulled it nicely on both sides!

I remember seeing DOD civilians around the port of Dammam. Where you're going, you should have a pistol, but we all know about "regulations." Your life ain't worth s*** to the rulemakers.

Since you don't haul a rifle, you might like a bigger fixed blade, along with a multitool and a nice folder (or two). If capture is a possibility, consider something small and hidden, for E&E purposes, mostly. Maybe even something sewn into your garments? A neck knife, like a La Griffe, perhaps.

The first time I used a phone to call home in Saudi, I was with one other GI, unarmed out of our compound, with only my Bucklite in my pocket and all these strange folks around...sure coulda used a nicer blade, if only to feel a bit "safer."

How's that for REMF advice??:D

BTW, I missed out on all the GRAVY. :p :p But I have BEEN THERE ( shopping at the Al Khobar mall!) and I DONE THAT (took a MOPP 3 dump in a dam squatter :eek: funny how the sounds of unknown explosions and unintelligible radio traffic makes one nervous on the first day of an air war :D ).

Stay safe, dude, and good luck!

Karl
 
Safety Guy: I was kinda hoping this thread would die but your reply is worth an answer. You've been closer to the action than I ever care to get so your reply means a lot. I've already taken care of the hidden type knives, inshallah. I carry a Gerber Guardian on my boot each day and have a La Griffe coming. Along with the SOG Bowie and all the Busse knives I've mentioned. I've spent a buttload on knives in the last month. And books that I have to power read. Thanks again to everyone who had the patience to see this thread through.
 
Originally posted by Larus
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. ...

Constantly surrounded by armed troops? Does your job require a security clearance?
Click to expand...
I get the implication (I'm not that dense), but can't take it to its conclusion. Care to explain? If you don't want to post it, feel free to email me. I'm intrigued.

-- PG
 
Raven:

I was a US Army REMF in SE Asia many years ago. My job was sending people home at the end of their tour of duty (or at the end of their life in some instances.) While a REMF there, I earned two purple hearts-one from artillery frags and another from an AK-47. I went through all the same training any infantryman goes through, and, obviously a few fire fights as well. I was considered an ace with the 4.2" mortar and manned one at every attack. There were plenty of other REMF's just like me. Some even received their purple hearts posthumously. I was a lucky one. I think you may be a little too hard on us. We're not all completely lacking in life experience. Good luck with the new assignment.
 
Originally posted by Knife Outlet
... REMF's ... I think you may be a little too hard on us. We're not all completely lacking in life experience.
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Aw, give him a break. The entire human experience can be summed up into how we join up into groups so we can then exclude others. He's just narrowing his boundries... ;)

-- PG
 
I'm a BFMAMCNTEWNB. That is: Big Fat Middle Aged Middle Class No Tactical Experience Wanna NOT Be:D But I am a moderator on this forum. I appreciate how you guys have kept this thread on the high road when it had all the earmarks of of a potential 3 alarm flamer. I think I speak for all of us when I say thank you to Raven and all who serve our country overseas, DOD or not. Raven, I will close this thread at your request. Just a thought,I KNOW you are planning to take a good sharpening device, right? ;)
David
 
Keep this in mind. Pack a blade that will withstand abuse from tasks they were never intended. Digging, hammering opening metal containers. In the environment you describe an EZ lap like what was once issued with the Randalls and a corrosion inhibitor such as a tough cloth would be advisable. Mad Dog or Strider would be good choices. Strider is my personal choice with blade length options between 6.5 and 7.5 inches. The blade will probable be used for every task except the one you had in mind!
 
Originally posted by Larus
ParaGlock,
What are you asking?
Click to expand...
I was asking you to explain what you meant in your previous post. I got the general idea, but was intrigued about specifics. No names needed, of course. (Why was the guy being "protected" by the guards, who was in the Jeep, etc, etc.)

(I tried to PM you, but I can't do that, and you don't have an email address available...)

-- PG
 
For a fixed blade. . .Mad Dog ATAK 2 (will cover you're large utility blade).

For a folder. . .CRK large Sebenza (will cover you're small utility blade). The Sebbie is also the easiest knife (IMO) to strip down and clean. The sand storms in the Middle East are a MF ! And sand gets everywhere !

If you're looking for a tactical carry folder. . .Go Microtech in a side-opener (but stay away from the LCC DA). Again, Middle East sand and the bolster release just don't friggin' match !

The above three will also do you justice in a tropical, artic and woodland environment. . . But always remember, "routine inspections/maintenance and lubricating is mandatory !" No matter the conditions. . .
 
ParaGlock,
My buddy was a communications specialist. In other words, he had access to confidential and secret communication. He has access to encryption keys. (Yes, we had encryption back then. The old KG bulk encryptors). He was not someone our forces wanted captured alive.

I believe his story because I saw his lifestyle change. And, he was a quiet, unassuming fellow. Not the type to call attention to himself. I do not know how much of this went on. I did not experience this in the military. However, I went into communications as a civilian. I came very close to being shot by a Marine in Key West. I was told the area was clean. My escort took me in. One look at me and there was a sidearm aimed at my chest. I froze, dropped everthing in my arms, and remained motionless until my escort could talk the situation down. The area was either not clean, or the Marine had not been informed. I waited outside until everyone agreed the area was clean.

I believe my friend's story. I am just not sure about the mamason. That part he may have made up.

Oh yeah. The jeep was a friendly. Because it was not immediately identified as a friendly, the Marine guards assumed it was unfriendly until proven otherwise and prepared to fulfill their duties.
 
Originally posted by GigOne
...For a folder. . .CRK large Sebenza (will cover you're small utility blade). The Sebbie is also the easiest knife (IMO) to strip down and clean...
Click to expand...

GigOne's post reminded me that one of the many reasons I love my sebbies is that they are 100% metal...no plastic to avoid when using solvents to flush out debris. I use BC's Gun Scrubber on mine...followed by a re-grease & Marine Tuf-cloth treament. Works great.
 
Raven,
I'm a Gulf War vet from the 101st ABN Div. and spent seven months in the big sandbox (I sure don't miss it either, especially the flies).
I never shot anyone but I called in airstrikes, arty, and medivacs (GO DUSTOFF!!!) so I guess I was a "semi-remf".
My advice is a multi-tool (of course!) and a good strong fixed-blade. It does'nt have to be all that long (no more than 5") and you will not have to worry about sand in a folder's lock.
I know Sebenzas are terrific knives, but I would'nt take anything too expensive because it might get confiscated or lost.

BTW, I also want to say...
THANK YOU for your service to this great nation.
During the Gulf War us Soldiers received tons of support and packages and letters from back home, but the civilians working with us did'nt get diddly.
So, thanks again.

One more thing, even though the Saudis say "no alcohol in the Holy Land", the truckers from the Phillipines can hook you up with some hooch for a modest fee.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I guess you could say I'm a SOG billboard. 3 knives I have currently on my gear here in Kosovo:

SOG Paratool bought when I deployed to Desert Storm because I'd already broken 3 Leathermans 12 years later it doesn't have any rust and everything works fine.

Some SOG bowie..not sure what model, bought at same time on the recommendation from my SGM. Some rust but just shows that it's a tool and not a play pretty. Used to open ammo crates, dig and even hammered in some stakes with it.

Those two tools have been in just about every theater that the Army works except for Africa. I've trusted them for 12 years now.

SOG Pentagon Elite, can't say enough about this folder...Great tool at a great price.

Raven, one thing that noone's mentioned is that you need to check on the regs regarding knife lengths and other various crap. Some AF puke tried to confiscate everything but my Paratool when I went through Ramstein AFB on my way here.

A parting shot on REMFs. I know a cook with a DSC. You'd never know it. Not everyone wears their tabs, wings or other signs we use to make initial judgements.

Good luck, God speed, stay situationally aware.

Will
Legionaire for Pax America
 
Larus,
Do not belive your friend with the two Marine guards with sidearms to his head story. I was in special communications from 1966 to 1970 in the "last real war". If an operator or his equipment was compromised, we immediately changed codes. Possesion of the encryption device was useless without the codes presently up and running. All sensitive equipment had self distruction thermite grenades handy. This is standard procedure world wide for military and government crypto.

My clearances were far above Top Secret level and our Marines protected the communications equipment site only. Our movement was restricted to secure bases and we could fly only in four engine aircraft. Anything else is BS or the Marines were playing with the crypto specialist.

Regards,
FK
 
I thought this thread was closed (and David, feel free to close whenever you want) but I too wanted to thank everyone for their advice, good wishes, and helping contain the flames. If I don't quit cutting myself knifesturbating with new blades I won't be in any shape to deploy anywhere.
 
Good job, Raven, I've never seen a post that insulted veterans so much. REMF is a military term, it's funny hearing a civilian using it - like you would know.

The FEBA and FLOT (look them up) change so drastically in modern warfare, the rear and the front can change in minutes.

As for the knife, well, I'll keep my opinion to myself.
 
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