Sandbox folder recommendations?

C

CITYREPO61

Joined
Nov 1, 2005
Messages
1
I know this has been done over and over again but I couldn't find anything when I searched through the 13 pages in the GD forum.

I have a partner going to the sandbox in June. I was wondering which folder you guys/gals in the know would recommend. He would like a one handed opener, preferrably with assisted opening.


Thanks
Steve
 
CITYREPO61 said:
I know this has been done over and over again but I couldn't find anything when I searched through the 13 pages in the GD forum.

I have a partner going to the sandbox in June. I was wondering which folder you guys/gals in the know would recommend. He would like a one handed opener, preferrably with assisted opening.


Thanks
Steve
Click to expand...

It is always great to hear about someone wanting to help those going into harm's way.

Here is a link to the the Microtech Mini-SOCOM knife that I sent to both my son and daughter who were stationed in beautiful Baghdad for 18 months. His group used their knife-bayonet for fixed blade carry and some carried folders also. He liked this one because it had a built-in web cutting notch, a window breaking button, and was light and easy to carry. I would have sent them anything they asked for irregardless of cost.

http://www.1sks.com/store/microtech-mini-socom-elite-automatic-seatbelt-cutter.html

I also like the Spyderco Rescue model that was recommended by some guys I know in the fire department.
 
I'm just guessing here, But I would think that the less moving parts the better under such conditions. Fixedf better than folder, manual better than assisted. I would think the springs in an assisted movement wuld be more part to get gritty, and I don't think you can dissasemble them to clean. I would say framelock for ease of cleaning and fewer moving parts.
 
Yes, manual over assisted or auto any day for reliability.

How about the Benchmade Skirmish, or if your partner's hands are small, the mini-Skirmish? Very tough knife, excellent slicer, great ergonomic grip, even looks good! :)
 
Spyderco Manix - Hard to beat for the price.
 
I do remember the first discussions about how bad that dusty sand may be and really was surprised to read, more than a year later, after first experiences, that folders are the way to go and that fixed blades are wasted money.

I have not read about a folder that cannot work over there but would take one wich fullfills two properties:

Leight (130 to 160 gramms max.)

Cheap ($100,00 max.)

and would leave the rest to personal preference.

As a personal preference i would take a simple construktion over a more detailed, a backlock or framelock over an axis or assisted.

I would take a flat or sabre groundedc blade over a hollow grounded, even though a have seen hollow grounded blades with thicker edges than the worst flat ground Benchmade (just to support the prejudje:D ).

I would take a less contoured handle over a strong contoured one because less contióurs allow more grip position.

So, there are a lot, that come into play.
 
I think that about any folder will do.
I've been to Saudi and Iraq in the 1st Gulf War and I have never seen any folder or multi-tool fail to work because of the sand.

Yes, the sand does get in to everything and every tiny crevice, but you just wipe it off or shake it out.

Now the easiest folder to clean would no doubt be a Benchmade Bali-Song since every part of the knife is 100% accessable.
And since Bali-Songs are so cool, the other Soldiers will be jealous!

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Balisongs are probably not a good idea, depending on commander/MOS.

I'd reccomend the BM AFCK - it is very resistant to grit. I'd avoid assisted opening - in a crunch it can really jack up opening of the knife, even if it works properly. Autos work well - many soldiers use BM autos (it may just have been what was in the PX this summer).

Depending on MOS, a multitool with good pliers is crucial - can't operate a SAW w/o one. Of course, if its necessary he almost certainly already has one.
 
Whole time I was in I relied on only a few things in cutlery out of all my knives.

Gerber Multi-tool/SOG Paratool (usually liked the Gerber more) on my belt

Spyderco Remote Release - located on my Right LBV strap for quick access in case I needed to cut myself out of a harness etc.

Emerson CQC-7 (Tough no-nonsense folder) in my right pocket

If I took a fixed blade it was usually a inexpensive knife like a Ontario Spec-Ops Air-Crew knife with the 5" or so blade.

A Strider, while a great heavy duty folder, is quite costly for most. The money used towards a Strider could buy a Spyderco Manix, or Military, a Multi-tool and other useful gear.
 
Well Kevin is going over in a few months. He'll have a Leatherman Wave and The Black Knife by Ox Forge.
Charlie Ochs....Ox Forge is goin over to show the Special Forces how to Forge blades so he'll be gone in a couiple of weeks.
Give him a call if you're Military. 727-536-3827
OX Forge Website

Here's the Black Knife automatic.
gear005.jpg
 
In a folder I'd go with either a Chinook II or Manix, and the ATR is awesome also OR a BM 710HS. If I were to buy a linerlock it's be an Al Mar SERE 2000. If you're on a budget go with a Spyderco Endura.
 
TOB9595 said:
Well Kevin is going over in a few months. He'll have a Leatherman Wave and The Black Knife by Ox Forge.
Charlie Ochs....Ox Forge is goin over to show the Special Forces how to Forge blades so he'll be gone in a couiple of weeks.
Give him a call if you're Military. 727-536-3827
OX Forge Website

Here's the Black Knife automatic.
gear005.jpg
Click to expand...

That is a gorgeous knife!! And an amazing price too for it!!
 
I would take a Spyderco Manix, it's an excellent, very tough, knife from a very reputable company. For around $100 it is a great buy.

The Al Mar SERE 200 is another good option, costs around the same as the Manix (maybe a bit more) and is built like a tank.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top