Trying to choose the right blade

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Paratrooper1989

Joined
Mar 11, 2011
Messages
80
Hey guys,


Im new to this website. Im a U.S. Army Paratrooper, and is deploying to afghanistan soon, and also other missions i cant state. Ive really started gettin into knives and is looking for a great fixed blade that will do everything i need. Some companies ive been looking at are,

Esse Knives
Tops Knives
Spartan Blades
Grayman Knives

Id like the knife to be 4"-6" blade length, i need a full-tang knife so doesnt break or chip. i also need it to be tactical, and need the sheath either to be molle or good kydex. i prefer to carry my blade on my back horizontally with right hand deploy (scout style) Im not sure what is better a thick or thinner knife. If you guys could help me out with some input, id greatly appreciate it.
or if you know of any other type of knife or company.

"AIRBORNE-SKY SOLDIERS"
 
Of those, look more closely at ESEE. You really can't go wrong with that company. You might also want to take a quick look at Becker. The BK7 is a little longer than what you specified but it deserves consideration..


---

Beckerhead #42
 
The ESEE knives are awesome. I would also look at Ranger Knives. They have offerings the will easily meet your requirements and are priced reasonable so the average soldier can afford one without breaking the bank.
 
ya the BK7 is too big, for what i want with it. I want a short combat blade but also survival type. I would just carry my kabar around but its to long to deploy fast enough, and i dont like the tang on the kabar
 
Paratrooper1989 said:
ya the BK7 is too big, for what i want with it. I want a short combat blade but also survival type. I would just carry my kabar around but its to long to deploy fast enough, and i dont like the tang on the kabar
Click to expand...

An ESEE RC-4 with molle/jump sheath set-up sounds like you, my high flying man! :thumbup:
 
Check swamp rat -I think they may have some Ratmandus in stock-great knife!
Or check out the Howling Rat model on the second hand market.
Good luck and thanks for your service
 
Paratrooper1989 said:
...Im a U.S. Army Paratrooper...
... looking for a great fixed blade that will do everything i need...

Id like the knife to be 4"-6" blade length ... full-tang ... tactical ... molle or good kydex. i prefer to carry my blade on my back horizontally with right hand deploy (scout style) Im not sure what is better a thick or thinner knife.
Click to expand...

For tactical applications, 3/16" is probably the thinnest you should go if you expect to do a lot of prying with the knife.

You might want to get a knife with serrations if you expect to be cutting a lot of rope / webbing and aren't too skilled at keeping a razor edge - serrations are generally more durable, keep cutting longer before requiring sharpening, and are great for materials like that.

Any knife you get can be rigged with a kydex or canvas sheath for horizontal carry (especially kydex and a tek-lok), but are you sure that's how you want to carry it? On your vest, belt, or thigh would keep it more easily accessible and out of the way of packs, etc. and also harder for someone behind you to get at it.

Are you alright with non-stainless steel (generally tougher but can corrode without protection) or have a preference in that regard?

Non-stainless:
KaBar, Becker, Ontario, ESEE, Busse, Swamp Rat, Scrapyard, Fehrman, Cold Steel, Grayman, Relentless, Martin, Randall, etc.

Stainless:
Gerber, SOG, Fallkniven, Strider, Spartan, Relentless, Martin, Randall, etc.

All of these companies have multiple offerings to meet your specifications (including doing everything that you need). Look into them, find a design that you like for a price that you like. Also check out what your mates will be carrying.

And thank you for your service. :thumbup:
 
I'd recommend either an ESEE4, ESEE 5, or ESEE 6 depending on your preferences.

The 4 is nice and light, but may be a bit small for your needs. The 5 is a tank (1/4" thick) but will be a bit heavy as well. The 6 may be the way to go if you want something with more blade length and don't need a 1/4" thick blade. They all have good sheaths and molle accessories available.

Stay safe out there. :thumbup:
 
Bark River Bravo I. They said it was designed for the Marines.
 
HOOAH! guys thanx for all your comments. I appreciate all the support for me and all my battle buddies. Keep the comments coming because i need to order one fast and dont even know if i have enough time, At the moment im packing for a mission.

AIRBORNE!
 
Paratrooper1989 said:
...Keep the comments coming because i need to order one fast and dont even know if i have enough time, At the moment im packing for a mission.
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Do you need it to get to you in Germany fast? Again, what's your budget?
Try Eickhorn (German), Wild Tactic (France), Muela (Spain), or Fox (Italy).

They're all probably pricier than US knives, but they're close by?

Otherwise, what've they got at the PX? That'll be in your hand today ;)
 
You wouldn't go wrong with any of the choices I've seen mentioned here, and I'm sure you are aware of the secondary retention required for your chosen line of work. I would add to this list the "hide fighter" or "hide hunter" which can be ordered directly from rock river ironworks (that is the maker), or Mil-tac (only retailer of these knives I have seen other than maker). You might also check out the bushcraft, bushmaster, or EDC knives from Koster which you can view on this forum and get right now from knivesshipfree dot com.
 
I would really suggest the extrema ratio col moschin..It's was designed with fighting and combat in mind. It's heavy duty and It also can be used for utility. The main reason I'm suggesting it though is because it has the best molle compatible sheath I have ever seen.It's the highest quality sheath I ever seen on a knife. It's a solid kydex/nylon combo that's friction molded with Multiple ways to carry,snaps and buckles to your hearts desires.

http://www.pastorcuchilleria.com/ecomerce/imagenes/COL MOSCHIN_01.jpg

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=EX125

It's pricey but I do think it's worth it because of the whole package.
 
ya the PX here sux its tiny, this place has been the same since WWI. so all the buildings are old and used to be nazi barracks lol. im trying not to spend over $250
 
I would recommend a ESEE 5 or Swamprat knife for this deployment.When you get back look at the custom makers here Scott Gossman , Jeremey Horton and Bill Siegle make very hardcore tools you can bet your life on.


Mike
 
Some friends of mine that have been deployed ended up needing to do alot of prying and digging with thier knives, they're mostly EOD. I would think the ESEE 5 would be a good choice since it's 1/4" thick and is made to take all kinds of knife abuse. Also the handle is really comfortable.

How easy is it to carry a knife scout style with all that other stuff on your IBA? Or while carrying a pack?
 
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