SHTF - Knife Rig

D

DevilDogEBR

Joined
Nov 7, 2010
Messages
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Another long time lurker, first time post. I am putting together a SHTF ready rig, and I have my basic set up ready to go. The last component I need to consider is the knife(rig) that will be part of this. I'm aware that this question/idea is going to be biased here from the Chris Reeve fans, but you folks are also the ones with the most hands-on time with these knives, which brings me to my selection:

~ CRK Project II
~ Spec Ops Gear "Combat Master" sheath system
~ Leatherman Multi-Tool for the utility pouch with the sheath.

I am a Marine, so I don't have unlimited funds to work with, but I certainly don't mind paying extra for a quality, dependable piece of gear. We are hard on our equipment, but as any other Marine will tell you, we take care of and maintain our gear like no one else. (ie. I'm not planning on beating the CRK with a mallet in the field, but with regular care I expect it to do everything a longer fixed blade would do.) I also need the hollow handle storage for various weapon/tool kits. Weight and space are the devils of the dance.

My question(s) are this:
1) Any faults or recommendations with this rig ?
2) Has anyone actually damaged their CRK Project series knives. (Under real-time use. I know several people carrying them, and never seen so much as a chipped point from excessive field or combat use)

Thanks in Advance
Bill
 
Hi Bill:

I don't have the experience that your question requires, but I wanted to welcome you to the front lines of BF!

WELCOME!
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Hey Bill, THANKS for your Service and Keeping our Great Nation Safe. Welcome to the Forum. God keep you Safe, CR knives are a great choice, CR backs them up
 
Good setup remember to bring a folding red and blue dmt stone I carry one in the pouch to keep her sharp
 
Bill, I think you have a good setup. I have no experience with the Project II, but I carried a Shadow II for several years in the service. The knife performed very well. I think you will be very ahppy with your choice of bladeware. The only difference I would make would be a good locking folder. The reason, I think a utility blade is great for a lot of chores, and I think the blades on a leatherman do not have a lot of belly, IMHO.

Good luck, and thanks for your service, we are indebted to you.
 
Thank you everyone for the feedback. (No need to thank me for doing my job, it's the people that don't get to come home, and their families that need it) I also wanted to point out that this is a SHTF rig, not a traditional bug out/pack out set up. This would be attacked to my LBE, and would be with me from the chow hall to the field.

~ DBH : that is the one thing I was considering. I have been carrying a PX special, Kershaw (Ken Onion) knife for a while, and for the money I can't really fault it. I did
however switch over to using a teflon based weapon lube for my knives, and I'm running
some para cord through the handle to keep it attached to me.

***NOT STARTING A FIGHT - JUST MY OBSERVATIONS*** (as follows)

The reason I starting looking at the CRK One-Piece knives is simply from the feedback and first hand experience I have seen from guys carrying them. One DD was packing a (I think) a mountaineer model OP, and it had seen some serious use and abuse, but it was still razor sharp, and had NO physical damage (chipped points, fractures, broken blades etc.). The hollow handle is ideal for someone packing backup firearm equipment, (firing pins, springs, Hoppes bore snakes, etc). There is no "Rambo-esque" mentality here, having *any* extra space on your main rig is a bonus, and the watertight seal on the handles means I can pack anything I want that fits in there.

~ However, when I started doing my research online, I came across the infamous "knife test" site, and it showed (to destruction) pretty much everything I have seen people carry, or want to carry. I appreciate their point of view, and within the context of the site, I appreciate their "data" ... however, I take exception to their POD (point of destruction) tests simply because I can't think of single field/carry situation that would replicate these "tests". ie - "hey, I need to cut up this cinder-block, let me pull out my knife" For a real-time tactical environment, you are conditioned to use the best tool for the situation(s) at hand. (Not to mention, I have yet to meet the Marine who bugs out with a mallet as part of his gear)
I think a much more realistic testing/protocol would be carrying out basic field tasks that we are trained on. Like I said, not starting a fight, but I don't recall the "primative, home building with a 2x4 and a mallet" phase of my survival training.

Why am I looking at the CRK Project II ? Several reasons, but these are the main ones:
~ One Piece, forged A2 Tool Steel
~ Hollow, watertight handle storage
~ 7"+ blade length is a good balance between utility, fighting, and chopping.
I'm not expecting this to be the 5-iron of knives, ergo the addition of a multi-tool.

Thanks again to everyone, I appreciate the direct interaction of not only Mr. Reeve and Co. but the people here. Trust me, the information and discussions are greatly appreciated.

Bill

~ Just an observation/FYI - Something I do just to see how people buy/sell/trade, I check out the classifieds. Is it me, or you don't see a lot of these popping up for sale ?
I think that says a lot about the knife itself - if people weren't happy, or satisfied with them, you would seem more of the on the market.
 
Bill, I think your choices are good. They should serve you well. Good luck! I think you will find CRK products to fit your needs perfectly.
 
Bill, I usu. don't post a "+2" just to boost the 'ol post count, but here, it's called for. Welcome to the forum and thanks so much for your service.

While in my bias I could never swear that a CRK is your absolute best choice, bar none, for any price, I can tell you you'll never go wrong w/one. You're unlikely to ever have a problem or be dissatisfied for any reason, but if you do, they'll make it right. And they try to take care of folks in the services, too.

God bless, and semper fi.

alsj727 said:
Hey Bill, THANKS for your Service and Keeping our Great Nation Safe. Welcome to the Forum. God keep you Safe, CR knives are a great choice, CR backs them up
Click to expand...
 
Add a great big Busse MOAB! Just piggy back the Project II on there!
Hooya!
Ok, seriously, besides the fact that I now want to see an uber rig like that, if your concern with the rig is indeed knife damage as you question, then I think your misgivings would be quickly allayed with a Busse. That said, I've got a Sebenza in my pocket right now.
You're a marine. You've got the skills. If you've got the will you'll rock it one way or another.
(Hmmm.... Now I kind of want a project II)
 
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