New member writing from the frontlines

M

Mithra

Joined
Oct 2, 2005
Messages
2
Well, actually we are in the rear (Kuwait). I fix radios in a shelter van. Lately I find myself using my Victorinox Swisstool a lot instead of my specialized tools (pliers, needlenose, phillips, blade, files, etc..) in my large Army TK-105 toolbox. It saves a lot of time and I don't make a mess on the workbench. It is an excellent tool and very versatile. I also carry a Schrade Old Timer 340T Middleman, (hey, only $7.00 at the PX!) in my pocket when I am in civilian clothes or PT uniform, or a Cold Steel Voyager when in Desert Camouflage.

I was wondering about Case (XX and Circle C) and Boker knives. Are they much better than my 340T old timer to make it worth 4-5 times as much?

Thanks

Mithra
 
Welcome Mithra! Thank you for your service, and we are looking forward to your input from those in the action. We are curious to the variety of knives and multi-tools in use and how they are holding up.
 
Welcome, no, your Schrade should be good enough for small tasks. While on base, I'm guessing you wouldn't want to have too much bulk, on the battlefield, I'm sure you would only want the bare essentials knife wise. I too would like to hear about what types of knives and multitools are used on the frontlines. What was your basic issue knife when you went into combat?
 
Yes, your Old Timer will last as long as you want it to, and it won't let you down. Case and Boker are nice knives, but their hiked-up prices are due more to their potential collectors' value. They're all three fine working knives, and in your situation (even though I like Case knives quite a bit -- I have several, and appreciate them for their traditional bone handles, etc.) I'd spend less money on a Schrade too (I also have several of them, and they're every bit as high-quality as a Case or Boker, just maybe not as pretty ;)).

Good luck, stay safe, and welcome to the forums!

Peace.
 
Mithra said:
Well, actually we are in the rear (Kuwait). I fix radios in a shelter van. Lately I find myself using my Victorinox Swisstool a lot instead of my specialized tools (pliers, needlenose, phillips, blade, files, etc..) in my large Army TK-105 toolbox. It saves a lot of time and I don't make a mess on the workbench. It is an excellent tool and very versatile. I also carry a Schrade Old Timer 340T Middleman, (hey, only $7.00 at the PX!) in my pocket when I am in civilian clothes or PT uniform, or a Cold Steel Voyager when in Desert Camouflage.

I was wondering about Case (XX and Circle C) and Boker knives. Are they much better than my 340T old timer to make it worth 4-5 times as much?

Thanks

Mithra
Click to expand...

Glad you joined the party, welcome!

I think your old timer is a good knife. A few million of folks would agree with your choice. I use a Browning 3-blade stockman, rosewood scales. It is very handy.

http://cutlerscove.com/multi-blades/browning-stockman-german.htm

I also have one of these on my keyring. I never intend to use it but do all the time.

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=69

Is it cooling down over there? I understand it get to 130-140 degrees in the summer with blowing sand storms. Sounds cheery! See any camel spiders
yet?

http://www.gophergas.com/funstuff/camelspider.htm
 
It is much cooler than in July/August. The night's cool breeze is back. As far as combat. othing ever happens here in Kuwait, but we do get a lot of maintenance work for the frontline troops. We fix their tanks, their Hummvees, weapons, night vision goggles and radios (what I do). I don't claim to be a combat soldier, that honor is not for me. But I do my job as a radio repairman fairly well for the troops in Iraq.

As far as knives, unfortunately we don't have a lot of choices at the PX, of course we can go online, but it is not the same. I like to handle the blade, feel its balance and weight and the handle material. The PX sells mainly Gerber, Buck, Cold Steel, Victorinox, Leatherman, and the Shrade Old Timer, which was my choice because I really like small, traditional pocket knives, although I am not so crazy about the delrin (give me a jigged bone slipjoint anytime!), I find it an excellent work knife, very easy to sharpen and feels great (read: does not feel at all) in my pocket.
 
Mithra,

Hats off to all my fellow 35 series personel, especially 35F. :D
TK-105 toolbox sucked. I always used my Leatherman tool unless I needed to solder or something my Leatherman couldn't handle.
 
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