Question for military or ex military personnel (soldiers)

[caldwelr]

I just carry a 940, and it's perfect. Good blade length, lightweight, easy to keep sharp. Good lock. Most people carry a cheap knife. Of the nicer knives, benchmades are relatively popular. Haven't really seen any nice knives besides benchmades.

 

[The cow]

1) Generally one and/or a multitool.
2) Things have a tendency to "disappear" in the military which is why many don't invest in nice things. Besides, alcohol and other frivolous expenses are a drain on the wallet.
3) Leatherman Surge is a godsend
4) Assuming they don't lose it, a ESEE 4 or 6 is a great knife. Especially since the warranty is bombproof. While it'll rust easily, 1095 is a steel that is very easy to maintain.
5) Oiley rag, a leather strop and a 1x4 stone.

The biggest problem you'll find is that many will not properly maintain their knife and will used it well-beyond what a knife is intended for. So getting a real nice knife for somebody who won't respect/appreciate it is kind of a waste.
Then you have to consider weight. Soldiers already carry a lot of weight, so carrying a 8 ounce knife is a lot more appealing than a 16 ounce knife.

 

[GREENJACKET]

The Classic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mur-c5IiWJI

 

[rustyrazor]

OP one last thing...Read Col. David Hackworth's book,About Face, and you will see where alot of us are coming from. There is a Big difference between Professional soldiers and folks that were "there". A Pro learns his trade the rest do their part and get the "F" out.
Stop the debate and Read what the Pro's have to say...if you need a list, speak up.



2 Panther

apparently i for one need a list... this is the second post you have stated the rest of us don't know anything and the "real soldiers" are gonna tell it like it really is, so how about making at least one single point in one of your posts that actually adds to this conversation or stop posting nonsense in it. The Op didn't ask for trolls, he asked a pretty straight forward set of questions, so why the negativity? oh, and one last thing; if you actually have a simple point that pertains to this thread from col. Hackworth's book, why not a quote or some stats instead of just telling us that this book has all the answers?

p.s. you wouldn't happen to be retired military by any chance?

 

[Seriousbladeno1]

I was debating over whether I wanted to join this conversation, as these threads routinely devolve into useless arguments. But all these claims that those who carry more than a nail file into combat are living in a fantasy world are getting under my skin.

This is going to seem incredibly self-serving, but it proves a point so I'm going to put it out there. I started a thread in the Cold Steel subforum about carry in combat. If you want to see examples of soldiers carrying knives into harm's way, you can see them in that thread. Pay particular attention to Mike Sastre's post #5.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1365808-Cold-Steel-Knives-In-Combat


Need more proof? Dietmar Pohl wrote a whole book on the subject several years ago.

More proof still? Here are just a few of the photos I've dug up (there are plenty more). A fixed-blade is in evidence in every one of these pictures. None of these guys looks like a rear echelon type to me.

Seriousbladeno1, you are correct about fixed blades. They are faster to draw, more intuitive to manipulate, and safer to use than folders. If I were to enter a combat zone now, I'd strap one of these to my vest.

If I was cramped for space or in and out of vehicles a lot, I'd opt for one of these two.

You and Royce are also right about refusing to allow the undue influence of others to dictate your actions and determine (and potentially seal) your fate. I hope that there are at least some reading these forums who heed your words.

-Steve

P.S. - This is one beautiful knife!

P.P.S. - leghog, I recognize those modifications to your Ka-Bar. Did you happen to get your copy of Don Paul's book at the Ranger Joe's located outside of Ft. Benning? That's where I bought mine in August of 1989. What a great, fun, outside-of-the-box-thinking book that is! This world needs more Don Pauls!

Dear brother from across the Atlantic ocean, Whip

First of all, I am more than delighted to read your addition and many thanks for effort you made to uncover successfully other side of what escalated into the uneven debate over here....thanks for great photography collection, from variety of soldiers, because these guys and their knives are centre of this particular discussion.

I am very sure, there are a LOT of guys out there (not necessary getting involved in conversation) who would agree with what you, Royce and for example me stood our ground for.....their opinions and views however could be formed over period of time from numerous reasons,such as their proffesion, training,education,live combat experience or just random combination of these attributes and so on... Anyone who feel that he/she have something relevant to say,or offer some usefull advice to others in this matter, shall be free to raise their findings, issues, questions or answers.I am very glad, this thread and debate steered back towards informative and civilised way of comfortable reading and responses.

Thank you



I

 

[Spectre]

That was certainly a lot of pics to quote.

 

[Danke42]

That was certainly a lot of pics to quote.

Without quoting a stack of pics; is that a Ronin 2 in your quiver? How is it (and if it's not what is it)?

 

[rustyrazor]

less photos to scan from me, but here's one of some handsome bugger getting ready to head out to play... the knife handle is visible behind the pistol grip. fixed yes, and a pink handled dozier lockblade in the mix too.

p.s. yes, i did always have a gerber multitool as well.

 

[Seriousbladeno1]

apparently i for one need a list... this is the second post you have stated the rest of us don't know anything and the "real soldiers" are gonna tell it like it really is, so how about making at least one single point in one of your posts that actually adds to this conversation or stop posting nonsense in it. The Op didn't ask for trolls, he asked a pretty straight forward set of questions, so why the negativity? oh, and one last thing; if you actually have a simple point that pertains to this thread from col. Hackworth's book, why not a quote or some stats instead of just telling us that this book has all the answers?

p.s. you wouldn't happen to be retired military by any chance?

Rustyrazor,I hope when Airborne 1 will have a bit of spare time, he will pop in here and post his list for us.

I don't see reason to stop this debate, as per request of Airborne, but I am keen and looking forward to read - about "what Pro's have to say"

 

[sodak]

OP one last thing...Read Col. David Hackworth's book,About Face, and you will see where alot of us are coming from. There is a Big difference between Professional soldiers and folks that were "there". A Pro learns his trade the rest do their part and get the "F" out.
Stop the debate and Read what the Pro's have to say...if you need a list, speak up.

Just an FYI, Hackworth left the Army one step ahead of a court martial for all the illegal things that he instigated, primarily in Vietnam. He was given the choice of "resign or be prosecuted". I would be very careful to give much credence to someone like him. The JAG officer who gave him the choice was a seasoned combat vet also (Omaha Beach in WW2 for one).

 

[rustyrazor]

...but what did he have to say about fixed blades? that's what's gonna keep me up at nights

 

[Seriousbladeno1]

Agree with your first and last point. And although a folder can be deployed just as fast as a fixed blade in civilian clothes, ever try to take something out of your pocket wearing 100 lbs or armor and gear? It's a pain in the ass, and not fast at all. Fixed blade strapped to the chest is much much faster. Also far more convenient, which is probably one of the reasons I used mine so much even though a folder would have worked.

Mobster1983, what you mentioned here quoting BladeScout is absolutely correct and valid remark

 

[Jens Schuetz]

I would also wear either a Shirley-Owens Daily Kiri or a Spyderco ARK.


After a firefight in early 2007. I'd used/abused my knife to pry frozen 120mm mortar rounds out of their carriers.

Wow.
I'm liking my ARK which slipped through every mall security in India hidden between my thigh and my cellphone.
And 120mm mortars were my thing too in the German a few years ago. I heard they scrapped them these days and never thought they'd be used in a modern war anymore. Without upgraded self guiding ammo they are the dictionary definition of collateral damage.

 

[Airborne 1]

apparently i for one need a list... this is the second post you have stated the rest of us don't know anything and the "real soldiers" are gonna tell it like it really is, so how about making at least one single point in one of your posts that actually adds to this conversation or stop posting nonsense in it. The Op didn't ask for trolls, he asked a pretty straight forward set of questions, so why the negativity? oh, and one last thing; if you actually have a simple point that pertains to this thread from col. Hackworth's book, why not a quote or some stats instead of just telling us that this book has all the answers?

p.s. you wouldn't happen to be retired military by any chance?

The point that the good Col. makes is every time we get our selves in a "conflict' we must relearn how to out G the G...
As far as the wise crack about trolling...People that have survived "Where the Metal Meets the Meat " Care very little about trading "War stories" with the Condo Commandos and REMFs


Yes I am Retired Army


2 Panther

 

[Airborne 1]

Just an FYI, Hackworth left the Army one step ahead of a court martial for all the illegal things that he instigated, primarily in Vietnam. He was given the choice of "resign or be prosecuted". I would be very careful to give much credence to someone like him. The JAG officer who gave him the choice was a seasoned combat vet also (Omaha Beach in WW2 for one).

Ya the Army takes offense when you tell them their full of Crap and then prove it to them...the Col.'s C/M was trumped and all of Us that severed under him know it. The Military hates to be proven Wrong.


2 Panther

 

[Airborne 1]

...but what did he have to say about fixed blades? that's what's gonna keep me up at nights

This conversation has gone from fixed blades to what a soldier carrys...The Col. talked about how we forget what works in battle and start getting people killed,listening to people that think they know what works.


2 Panther

 

[The Whip]

Dear brother from across the Atlantic ocean, Whip

First of all, I am more than delighted to read your addition and many thanks for effort you made to uncover successfully other side of what escalated into the uneven debate over here....thanks for great photography collection, from variety of soldiers, because these guys and their knives are centre of this particular discussion.

Thank you

My pleasure, sir! I, too, am glad to see that the conversation is returning to civility. It seems that some people aren't able to distinguish between fact and opinion, or to respect opinions and experiences that differ from their own.

less photos to scan from me, but here's one of some handsome bugger getting ready to head out to play... the knife handle is visible behind the pistol grip. fixed yes, and a pink handled dozier lockblade in the mix too.

p.s. yes, i did always have a gerber multitool as well.

Nice pic, Royce! Is that fixed-blade one of your own?

Oh, and I'm guessing you didn't get the memo, but modern soldiers don't need pencils on the battlefield. They have computers and GPS and drones and cellular and satellite communications; pencils are obsolete now. At most, all you really need is a stylus....


Here are some more photos of soldiers who didn't get the memo about their knives.

-Steve

 

[Airborne 1]

I believe the Whip has shone the Fixed blade is alive and well. I mean really...a folding knife is already in 2 (or more)pieces. Folding knife = Broken knife...Its really not hard to figure out !


2 Panther

 

[leghog]

So, to be sure I understand your point, you think a shorter weapon with much less leverage is somehow more effective? What does WWI have to do with your fallacious point?

When and where do you think it became a common practice (with the Germans anyway)?

The German and Russian etools make good weapons. The American etool, with its handle, not so much.

 

[Herlock]

Hi! Opinels and SAKs were the most common, both at the Alpine Military School in Aosta and at the Regiment during the years I have served (1991-1992 Italian Alpine Troops). No fixed blades were supplied by the Army, besides very dull bayonets. I remember very few fixed blades, more on the hunting knife types rather than tactical/military knives.