Well lets see, Jackboots can quote from an article as long as he doesnt quote things that disprove his point eh?
The full text of his small quote:
There is no "official Force Recon Knife" (or watch or booties or anything else for that matter dont bother searching out the wanna be catalogs, there wont be any in there).
The standard issue knife is the MK 2 "Ka-Bar", though it is now a contract knife made by Ontario and others. Having been in the system since 1943, it is a sturdy and inexpensive knife, 12" overall, with a 7" blade. It is exactly the same knife that is issued to every Marine not armed with a rifle.
The issue dive knife is the Ontario made Mk3 Mod 0, with the attached MK13 MOD 0, Signal, Smoke and Illumination, Marine. The stainless blade is 6", and overall length is 11".
Knives are an emotional issue for most people, but in the Company the knife is a tool, just as a Leatherman, IFAV, or MC5 Free Fall Parachute are tools. Many of the operators have spent their hard earned dollars to purchase tools that may one day be the difference between surviving or dying. It is therefore not unusual to see Gerbers, SOGs, Randalls, Mission MPK and other privately purchased knives on the trouser belts of these operators.
One extremely good knife maker is located close by Camp Pendelton. Strider Knives is run by former military guys who know what is needed and more importantly, know how to do it. While their knives are made one at a time, you will find no flash, no fantasy items, just solid, strong and very useful tools.
I have one of their SA model knives. A small knife, with a blade of 2.75" and an overall length of 7.25", this knife is attached to the leg shroud of my 6004 holster. It is a strong knife, and very handy for those million and one things that you need a knife for. It is the best knife that I have ever owned.
Strider Knives has a strong connection to the military community. If you are active duty enlisted, they will knock 20% off the cost of the knife.
Perhaps a better indicator of their integrity is this. Each year the Company has recognized a Team Leader who has performed far and above what is usual not an easy feat in a testosterone-laden world of hairy chested steel-bellied commandos. With the loss of five of our brothers, it was decided that this honor would be expanded to include an Assistant Team Leader, Radio Operator, Scout and Corpsmen of the year.
For 1999, the awards went to SSgt Vincent Sabasteanski, SSgt David Galloway, SSgt Jeffery Starling, Cpl Mark Baca, and HMI Jay Asis. They were honored not because they were killed, but rather for what they accomplished in the Company.
Strider Knives asked if they could donate a knife to each of the families, a very generous offer that was readily accepted. In July, each family received an engraved BG knife, mounted in a beautiful presentation case.
Mick Strider and Duane Dwyer wanted no public acknowledgement of this. In fact, they threatened me with severe bodily harm if I ever said anything about this in print.
The Marines in the Company believe otherwise. GySgt Terry Wyrick and others made the point that what Strider Knives wanted had nothing to do with what would eventually occur. They wanted others to know of their thoughtfulness and generosity.
So Duane, Mick, here it is. They are a lot tougher than you guys are. Thank You!
Hopefully, that will get rid of the Socialist element in Canada !!
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