Question for military or ex military personnel (soldiers)

[GermanyChris]

I carried an AFO. A fixed blade would have been to much work and too much weight for opening MRE's and cutting ratchet straps, hoses, sandbags and the like. I have three tours in Afghanistan and never felt the need to carry fixed it would have been just another thing that needed maintenance.

I sharpened whatever means I had and that generally meant no means until my parents sent a care package.

GermanyChris 11B 2000-2005

 

[jackknife]

It seems that all the old schoolers really needed was this....

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Yup, it's surprising how much you can do with the right couple of small items that weigh almost nothing!

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[cricketdave]

It seems that all the old schoolers really needed was this....

Yep mines still hanging on my dog tags in the closet. I'd did carry a gerber mk2 in the field a few times, worked great for prying open ammo crates and as a hammer on occasion. Used it to clear some brush ever so often. I also had the old issue folder in my pocket and i used a small stone to sharpen when I absolutely had to..which means not often.

 

[Mobster1983]

Maybe I'm different, since I am a bit of a knife nut, but I always carried a fixed blade with me when I was deployed. First deployment to Iraq I was a Recon Platoon Leader and so we did a lot of stuff in and around Sadr City in 2007-2008 in which the fixed blade came in handy. Yes, a my folder or multi-tool was used far more often, but there were many times when a larger fixed-blade was needed.

My primary fixed-blade carry was a SOG Seal Pup Elite, which I always kept on the front of my armor. I also carried either a SOG Trident or Benchmade 580 folder. The only "knife" we were issued was a Gerber multitool, which generally stayed in my vehicle. I have had several Gerbers break, but never had any issues with the other knives.

For a fixed-blade knife for Soldiers, it needs to be a very strong knife, but lightweight (two things which are generally in contrast). Expensive knives are also pretty much out. I wouldn't spend more than $100 for a knife I was using downrange because when you need it you don't want to worry about replacing it if it breaks. The Kabar is a great knife, but I have never really enjoyed the round grip and prefer grips that fit better with the hand. Although this is less of an issue when wearing gloves.

For sharpening I just used a small stone that I carried in the pouch. Always brings me a bit of peace to just sit back sharpening a knife.

 

[Frailer]

For my first year or so (way back in the middle of the Reagan administration) I carried a fixed blade on my pistol belt and a SAK in my pocket. I soon realized that while the big knife *looked* cool, I rarely *used* it. For the following 20-odd years--even during combat deployments--I only carried an SAK, with a Leatherman stowed somewhere in my gear.

My son-in-law is currently a light infantry squad leader, and he carries a Buck 110.

One thing I *did* carry on deployments was an ASP baton (stowed in my vest)--a lesson I learned during one of my Balkans tours. A guy will get in your face when he knows you won't shoot him, but he'll back off quickly when he thinks he's about to take an @$$-whooping.

 

[BladeScout]

It seems that all the old schoolers really needed was this....

Indeed.

Back then; carry issued P38 - win a world war.

Today; stroke your overpriced tacticlol burger knife from the safety of your couch or gaming console and fantasize about things, thatll never be.

 

[orca8589]

Here's a bit of a different perspective; I was on a navy aircraft carrier from 1985-89, and I knew several different groups of people who carried knives.

Marines in our Marine Security Detail (MARDET) on board: most carried Victorinox SAK's, some with ALOX handles scales, sometimes the red plastic scales. Occasionally I'd see a folder like a Buck 110 in a belt sheath, the sheath blacked out or wrapped in some kind of black cloth tape. Other than standard issue M7 bayonets, I don't think I saw Marine with a Kabar C/U or the Camillus equivalent, or any other fixed blade for that matter, the entire time I was in the navy.

Our pilots: if I remember right, a pilot told me they all carried some kind of folder, something smaller that could be absolutely, positively secured to their personal gear - the last thing you need is something flying around the cockpit while you're practicing ACM (Air Combat Maneuvering.) Another aircrewmen in our helicopter squadron told me that many aircrewmen and pilots had the old Air Force Pilot's Survival Knife - and didn't like them at all. About the only way to carry one was under your arm on your gear harness, and they're not flat knives. (I was told later after I got out that the Cold Steel SRK had become very popular among aircrewmen.)

Sailors: many carried Victorinox SAK's, available in our ship's store, or at the base PX.
---> Boatswain's Mates: Usually a Buck 110, Case #6165 Folding hunter or similar type. Some of the old school Bos'n's carried a Camillus Rigger's knife.

Civilian yard workers: Usually folders - anything & everything - around the size of a Buck 110 and its clones. Some electricians carried old Camillus cable sheathing cutters; their folders were usually TL-29 types or old Demo knives; many would carry any slipjoint traditional with a sheepsfoot blade. The only fixed blades I ever saw were the nasty, gummed up rubber-handled knives used the guys installing lagging (insulation) around steam lines.

Almost everybody had the old P38 can openers, and what we did to those poor things was inhuman. I never saw one break though. Most days back then, the only thing I had on me was a little keyring knife with TRIM stamped on the side. I used the bottle opener on it occasionally.

~Chris

 

[scottyj]

From what I have seen countless times on this forum, knives in the military see the most use in opening food and as something to pass the time with, and that what is most often used is a good multitool.

This idea that people who serve run around with big heavy Bowies and Rambo knives is a romanticized myth.

Maybe, but when I shipped out as a 21 year old U.S. Marine in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm I carried a Gerber BMF on my web gear every day. Never took it off. The officers were always talking about trench warfare with the Iraqi's, so I wanted the biggest meanest knife I could find. The BMF was it. The BMF being big and heavy was of little concern. Actually many guys admired it, and wished they had one. I never got to use it as a weapon, but it sure gave me a secure feeling knowing that I had that blade by my side. I still have the BMF, and one day it will get passed down to my daughter. Looking back if I had to do it all over again I would look to something in the 7-8 inch blade range of the dagger variety.

 

[Seriousbladeno1]

I wish to thank you all guys, so far it's very interesting reading that allow little inside into military world vs knives for those, who never served or civilian background public.Most of military personnel that responded here, for obvious reasons understand fixed blades,as unnecessary burden and more obstructive than usefull, however also as we can see, toughts are here also somewhat different and there are guys, who find them still usefull to some extend. Altough, military consist of great number of various units covering very different activities on land,air and sea,included many spec.ops teams and therefore nothing can be generalised too much or having one sided view. There are still even in this age of technology army issue fixed blades arround the world within each army and they are there for good reason I believe.Despite in most cases fixed blades can be found obtrusive, in some others- they might be an absolute must....

Please, keep comments coming, to see most as possible from you guys.

Thank you

 

[Seriousbladeno1]

Maybe, but when I shipped out as a 21 year old U.S. Marine in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm I carried a Gerber BMF on my web gear every day. Never took it off. The officers were always talking about trench warfare with the Iraqi's, so I wanted the biggest meanest knife I could find. The BMF was it. The BMF being big and heavy was of little concern. Actually many guys admired it, and wished they had one. I never got to use it as a weapon, but it sure gave me a secure feeling knowing that I had that blade by my side. I still have the BMF, and one day it will get passed down to my daughter. Looking back if I had to do it all over again I would look to something in the 7-8 inch blade range of the dagger variety.

Thank you too for your insight Scottyj. GERBER BMF is still in great demand,I don't understand why did Gerber discontinued such a fantastic knife. One of the best, if not the best that Gerber ever made. Pricey these days on secondary market.

 

[grogimus]

I carried a dummy corded folder or strapped down FB for jumps. Probably more for a false sense of security than anything. Kinda like having a reserve chute on a low drop. Probably wouldn't have time to use either but they'd give a person something to do on the way in. I remember most if not all jumpmasters had a fixed blade on them, seems like they usually had the Air Force knife or a KaBar.

Other than airborne stuff though it was a multitool, jealously guarded and usually swiped quickly anyways.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[GREENJACKET]

Some Cold War soldiers, like myself, did carry a combat utility knife, because few handguns were issued. As a tool, and back up to our assault rifle. But todays soldiers are often issued handguns, or acquire their own. Heavy body armour, high use of vehicles and the demand to maintain ever increasing sophisticated equipment means the multitool is king. Even battle webbing order has changed from waist belt pouches to to chest webbing. Contact ranges have increased and there is a heavy reliance on vehicles of all types. Vehicles have harnesses for the occupants and there is a huge effort to individual protection. All this changes the infantry role. Drones. helicopters and ground radar means infantry rarely sweeps large areas. The modern front line soldier has never had so much back up in resources of every kind. Patrols are localised and ground is held. Its a very different battlefield now.

However, some armies do still fight the older methods due to lack of resources. Less resources means individuals have to rely more on their own efforts. Here then a good combat utility blade might be of some use. Having said that the main factor remains: its weight better be useful enough to be worth carrying. A big heavy knife frankly isn't. Note the old Kar Bar isn't that heavy and about as big as worth the effort, which is why the style has lasted so long.

I know you wanted to hear something different being a knife enthusiast, but the reality isn't very exciting.

I did occasionally carry a Martindale golock; I would now carry the Skrama now which is my new found tool for golock type work.

Lastly, for Frailer. Think it was Bosnia, or Croatia, I wasn't there. The story goes the Gurkhas were having a bit of trouble with a bridge and locals rioting to get across. The Gurkhas didn't have any riot gear, ASP batons, so they drew their Kukris. The officer marched up to the rioting crowd and apologised that his men had no riot gear and had no riot training. He told them that his next order would be to tell the Gurkhas to advance but if he did then every Kukri would have to be blooded before being put back in the sheath as that was the tradition in an attack. Funny, the rioting ceased.
True or not it makes a great story. Kukris are best left with Gurkhas as they know how to use them.

 

[Velitrius]

It seems that all the old schoolers really needed was this....

Damn Straight, Marci. Only "Chairborne Rangers" recommend a big ass fixed blade.

I got my first Leatherman after I was out of the military. My first thought was "Man, I would've used the hell out of this in the military."

Green Beret Buddy carries a Benchmade AFO. Buttload of time in Iraq and Afghanistan. Was issued a CR Yarborough, but won't carry it.

What fixed blade would we recommend? None.

 

[sodak]

Damn Straight, Marci. Only "Chairborne Rangers" recommend a big ass fixed blade.

That's an unnecessary generalization. And you are wrong.

I certainly didn't need a fixed blade, but there are certain special operations units that would. I personally knew one such person who specialized in quiet takedowns of sentries/guards, and they generally recommended a fixed blade of 6 inches. It was thought that 6 inches would ensure hitting a vital organ no matter what the angle of attack was. Of course, this was highly specialized work, but this person was NOT a "Chairborne Ranger". Neither are the Ghurkas.

 

[Velitrius]

That's an unnecessary generalization. And you are wrong.

I certainly didn't need a fixed blade, but there are certain special operations units that would. I personally knew one such person who specialized in quiet takedowns of sentries/guards, and they generally recommended a fixed blade of 6 inches. It was thought that 6 inches would ensure hitting a vital organ no matter what the angle of attack was. Of course, this was highly specialized work, but this person was NOT a "Chairborne Ranger". Neither are the Ghurkas.

Good for you, sodak. You know "one such person" who recommends one.

An "unnecessary generalization"? I don't think you'd characterize a major sentiment as such.

And I meant that only a Chairborne Ranger would recommend a big-ass fixed blade to everybody in the military.

Your one-such-person's mileage may vary, of course.

 

[Fletcher.357]

I prefer smaller fixed blades. The ESEE 4 has seen a ton of carry time with me as has the RAT3/ESEE 3. Now in the Guard I use a Dawson pocket model fixed blade with a pry end on the back. Always a multi tool, I am partial to the older SOG powerlocks. I have tried a few folders, Emerson CQC7, full SE Endura and a benchmade 710. Im looking at a Sebenza or XM 18 Bowie, but I havent decided yet and it may very well see little field time. I agree that large fixed blades are largely not needed. I just prefer fixed blades to folders especially while wearing gloves. I sharpen mine with the arkansas stone and small bottle of oil I keep in my shaving kit which probably explains my preference for carbon steel. I have a buddy that swears by the cold steel srk, a little bigger that I care for, but he has been carrying the same one for a decade.

 

[Seriousbladeno1]

That's an unnecessary generalization. And you are wrong.

I certainly didn't need a fixed blade, but there are certain special operations units that would. I personally knew one such person who specialized in quiet takedowns of sentries/guards, and they generally recommended a fixed blade of 6 inches. It was thought that 6 inches would ensure hitting a vital organ no matter what the angle of attack was. Of course, this was highly specialized work, but this person was NOT a "Chairborne Ranger". Neither are the Ghurkas.

IMO
Of course Gurkha regiments are closely tied to their large khukuries that can chop the heads off the enemy when out of ammo.Surprisingly, these small stature guys never complaint about big o hefty blades they carry without problems in the conditions , where many other soldiers complaint about extra weight of pocket knife , but this is the way tough Gurkhas are...,khukuries are league on their own, as well as their honourable masters within military.

Speaking of spec ops, or "black ops" as many may refer to, yes, members of some units within them guys, would have very different point on fixed blades and may find them necessary tools for certain assignments, there is no doubt about that, however last thing anybody may wish for is close quarter combat within reach of arm in this century, but hey, depend on tasks given, this surelly happens too...

Point most of guys made here clear, size and weight of the knife is an issue to the general military personnel,therefore most of them opt for smaller blade, often only pocket folder, even excluding fixed blade out completely,according to replies here.

when it comes to "Chairborne" rangers they also do exist,but sadly within higher ranks more likely

 

[DudeoftheDesert]

The knife I used the most in the Delta (VN, 1966-67) was the knife from my military tool box, a TL 29. Used it almost every day. Also it was the only knife I drew blood with when I was over there. From my best friend. Seven stitches on his right hand. York, do you ever think of me when you see the scar? Oh, the memories of living a year in a hooch.
The Dude abides.

 

[jwill05]

I always carried a Benchmade Stryker that was my edc. I had a Gerber multi tool, but I never carried it, I consider myself a Leatherman guy they just seem better made.

 

[Airborne 1]

The closer you get to the flag pole, the bigger the blades got !...REMF 's are the Bad asses of bad asses.



2 Panther
RVN 68-71
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