Need help picking out a sak

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pyro777

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Sep 15, 2008
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My friend is getting married and joining the marines. As a wedding present I wanted to get him a knife of some sort that would hopefully be useful. Ive read around a lot and figured that a swiss army knife of some sort would be about the most useful type. I figured a OHT would be pretty good, since its the soldiers knife. I have one and its a great knife and its in my edc rotation. My only hangup is whether to get him the standard one with forward serrations or to get him the plain edge version. What do you guys think?
 
Since he is in the military, a multi tool might be a better route to go. Victorinox and Leatherman are good ones paired up with a dedicated folder.

If you are set on getting him a SAK, a one handed opening would be good.
 
In my opinion, if you want to get him a folding knife, a one handed forward serrated model with a saw, screwdrivers and maybe an awl would be a good choice. If you want to get him a multi tool (which seem to be pretty popular with the military) I'd take a look at the basic leatherman models. I also hear good things about the Vic Swiss Spirit.
Do you know what his job will be in the marines? I'm guessing a radio operator needs different tools than a guy kicking down doors and such.
 
I would personally opt for the plain edged blade because it is easier to sharpen. While a serrated blade usually takes longer to dull,it is considerably more difficult to sharpen. If your friend is not likely to attempt to sharpen and maintain the knifes edge,then get him the serrated knife. Otherwise, go plain. And,as has been suggested, there are also numerous good multitools available that have both plain and serrated knife blades. That is another possibility. Good luck
 
I think the OHT with plain edge would be great. If he already carries a folding knife as his main blade, you could also consider a smaller SAK like the Farmer.
 
ac1d0v3r1d3 said:
In my opinion, if you want to get him a folding knife, a one handed forward serrated model with a saw, screwdrivers and maybe an awl would be a good choice. If you want to get him a multi tool (which seem to be pretty popular with the military) I'd take a look at the basic leatherman models. I also hear good things about the Vic Swiss Spirit.
Do you know what his job will be in the marines? I'm guessing a radio operator needs different tools than a guy kicking down doors and such.
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Good comment about your friend's MOS. Unless you know exactly what he wants, it might be better to get him something else, especially a small, lightweight gift item. Troops have to hump a lot of weight, and ounces count(ses.) My multi-tool back in the day was a Kamp King, basically a Scout knife, and it was enough. Everything on the KK came in handy, but the most used implement was the can opener for C-rations (this was a long time ago :eek: :) .) It was much better than the P38, which I think has an outsized reputation, and besides, I couldn't seem to hang on to them. The Army was kind enough to provide every other necessity. A Leatherman might have interested me, but they hadn't been invented yet (this was a long time ago :eek: :) .)
 
All very good stuff, thankyou all. Im still trying to decide what to get him and I do have some time because he doesn't leave for basic for a few months. Im still considering a OHT plain or serrated, and a Leatherman MUTE or one of their other tools. My problem is that I don't know what he is doing so it makes it harder. Hes going into the Marines and is pretty likely to be deployed so Im not sure if hell be kicking in doors or sitting on base. Also I dont know what if anything hes allowed to use during training, I know that they pretty much supply you with whatever you need but if I could get him anything that would also help or supplement Id like to. Any current or former Marines or other military guys or gals know what would help him along his way ?
 
My friend was deployed, and he told me he saw a lot of Leathermans. Now, this was back around the 1990's, so many had either the Super Tool, Wave, or PST. I, would get him the MUT, just becuase of the great things I have heard, and Leatherman's reputation. I would also purchase him a sharpening rod/stone. The knife blade mine as well be a rock when it is dull.
 
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