U.S. Soldiers in Iraq: Do They Need Fixed Blades?

C

Confederate

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I've understood that soldiers very much need and want folding and locking knives, but do they need fixed blades at all? Are they even allowed to carry them? I've heard that military commanders don't want them carrying Ka-Bars and other fixed blades because they might intimidate the Iraqi civilians. What's going on?
 
I am 100% in favor of issueing our troops a good fixed blade be it the traditional Kabar or something of equal or greater quality.
 
i made a fixed blade knife that my friend took to afghanistan with him, he is a rigger and left the knife he was issued behind. they are allowed to take any knife with them that they wish from what i have been told.
 
Leathermans would be the best for utility. I can't see how a knife would intimidate more than a carbine or SMG.
 
spyken said:
Leathermans would be the best for utility. I can't see how a knife would intimidate more than a carbine or SMG.
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Exactly! How the hell is a knife, especially sheathed, going to be more intimidating than a fully equipped AR-15? In my opinion our troops deserve to be issued the best. Perhaps a Strider Model Mark-1?
 
I would definitely go with a small fixed blade. My RAT-3 was constantly used while deployed. That and my SOG powerlock. I never had anyone tell us we cant carry fixed blades.
 
Busse has a lot of knives over there as do Strider and Ka-Bar you got to feel sad for the smuck who uses an issued knife.
 
Confederate said:
I've understood that soldiers very much need and want folding and locking knives, but do they need fixed blades at all? Are they even allowed to carry them? I've heard that military commanders don't want them carrying Ka-Bars and other fixed blades because they might intimidate the Iraqi civilians. What's going on?
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There are many different soldiers in Iraq with different jobs to do, different needs, and different commanders with different opinions.
 
yes I think it depends on the job. There have been many posts about this in the past, and the majority of servicemen in those have posted that the most important tool is a multi-tool, after that a small or medium folder. On the other hand I have a friend in the reserves who was told that since he'll be following the door-busters, he should have a good knife for CQB near at hand because a knife is often the best and fastest option when surprised in confined spaces. Then there are the guys/gals who will need to be cutting a lot of bands from crates, & similar tasks at which a small fixed blade excels.
 
Cougar Allen said:
There are many different soldiers in Iraq with different jobs to do, different needs, and different commanders with different opinions.
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This is quite true (unfortunately), however the "warrior" mindset is picking up momentum in the Army...more than I've seen in my past 19 years of service. It's not uncommon to see Soldiers (and I'll include Marines from what I've seen), carrying fixed blades over here in Iraq. Another thing to consider is that some in the Iraqi culture view the knife as more significant than the AK or M4. It's similar to how we view the Native Americans with tomahawks after they were introduced, or the Gurkha with their Kukri.

Knives are tools from my perspective. Getting poked with a barrel or bayonet would be much more devastating in hand-to-hand if the opponent just had a knife in hand...much more reach and leverage.

I much prefer a utility knife that has a blade less than 5-6". It's easier to access when wearing your IBA, in/out of helo's, fixed wing or vehicles. They are also easier to wear and are more comfortable with you IBA. Large blades just don't work well on the IBA and the only way to feasibly wear them is via a drop leg sheath...this just adds more crap on your lower body which can affect your maneuverability when moving in and out of vehicles and helo/fixed wing aircraft. Fixed blades are still a necessity even though folders and multi-tools are more common. But as Cougar mentioned, there are several different jobs performed by several different Soldiers/Marines. Not all require a large knife, however, most would agree that a fixed blade is inherently more safer than a folder.

So, do the majority of Soldiers over here need fixed blades? Absolutely, but do they need a 10” chopper? No. Take a look at Bark River’s Bravo-1. A simple, 4+inch-blade, stout fixed; deal for the majority of daily cutting chores for most Soldiers/Marines. Just my view as a deployed Soldier and a few deployments already under the belt.

ROCK6
 
i was a medic attached to an infantry company, i have to say that i used my gerber multi more than any other knife, BUT .... i did cary a fixed blade as well and it did come in handy.. a fixed blade is a lot like a grenade... you dont need them often but when you do nothing else will do :)
peace guys
doc silas
 
I carry a Spyderco Forager on my vest behing my magazine pouches. The only part that stick out is the handle, and it sits high enough for me to get a comfortable grip on it standing or sitting, with my rifle slung or without. I chose the Forager because it is the same blade length as a KaBar (so I can't get harassed over it too much). You would be surprised how much guff some guys (mostly fobbits) will give you for carrying a fixed blade. Having been a platoon leder over here and going outside the wire a lot, I have seen the value of a decent-sized fixed blade.

And, yes, the locals do respect a knife.
 
fishface5 said:
There have been many posts about this in the past, and the majority of servicemen in those have posted that the most important tool is a multi-tool, after that a small or medium folder.
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I read all these threads and the guys in uniform say this over and over and over again. Not "sexy," I guess ...... but as true an endorsement as you're going to get.
 
A drawn knife, I believe, sends a wonderful message that a gun might not.

More of a "let's go" than a "you'd better stay away".

A lot more intimidating in a scenario in which soldiers will be held VERY accountable in a shooting incident.

I am a civillian, and appreciate all serving our fine country.

thank you
 
In my very limited experience brandishing a knife recieves a lot more respect from the less civilised types. Laotians at the university of Ark garner a good eal of respect from the more violent types, as they are known for their affinity for knives.
 
My son, a US Marine, will be taking a Waved, Emerson CQC-7 (Tanto, combination blade), and a Leatherman Charge Xti. I offered to get him a fixed blade, such as a Bark River Bravo-1, but he didn't think he would need it, and didn't want any extra gear to carry or keep up with. They are issued bayonets, and also, can usually borrow a knife from someone if they need it.
 
Stiletto Raggio said:
You would be surprised how much guff some guys (mostly fobbits) will give you for carrying a fixed blade.
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Man, I have to admit I got a big chuckle out of FOBBIT. That's even better than REMF! :D

That's just weird to think that fixed blades might not be PC enough, but M16s and M4s are. Some suits are just messed up whether they wear civilian suits, or military uniforms.

Go figure. :confused:
 
Absolutly!! I carry a Benchmade Nimivarus here in the great crap hole they call Afghanistan. nice and light (when your carrying an extra 50 pounds on your body a few onces does matter) and doesnt get in the way of my M-4. I dont know about Iraq but in Afghanistan the locals arent scared of an M-4 like a good fixed blade. But like Stilleto said you do seem to get looked a little funny by the guys who only saw over the wire once while landing into BAF or KIA.
 
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