Upcoming deployment

Joined
Aug 14, 2003
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65
Hey guys, I need some input. I am deploying soon to Iraq & would like some input on a good knife to bring. I have many & I am considering a new purchase to take with me. I have a s2k, but the lock seems to slip & that bothers me. I have a BM 710, but the recurve blade I don't care for too much. Of course I have emersons, cqc7 & mach 1, the mach 1 lock is slipping like the s2k. I like the 806 and I am considering it as well as the AFO & mini relfex & the 5000. An auto is not necessary. I also like the 551 from BM. BM is not a requirement. Anyone have some other ideas?
 
CJ, be careful over there! We need all the knife knuts we can get -- come back soon.

I would suggest you pick up at least one good, cheap, tough little lockback. You already know even an expensive knife's lock can fail, and sandboxes are known to jam even the best locks. But at least with a lockback, it's easy to see the dirt, and it's simpler inside to keep clean than all the others with their tiny moving parts.

Bring along something like a Spyderco Native. I especially like the Native III. There is also the justly famed Endura.

A framelock would also be that little bit more reliable. Most framelocks can be expensive, though.
 
Spyderco Paramilitary. For about $100 you get a full flat grind that will be very easily sharpened in the field (with diamonds that is), a solid lock, G10 scales, and an S30V blade. Don't let the size fool you either; the handle is a bit oversized for the blade and is very comfortable, and the blade is plenty big enough for any task that a folder would be asked to perform. I'm in the Army as well and this would be my first choice for deployment among the blades I own. The Spyderco ATR is great for a bit more cash as well, but they seem to be out of stock most everywhere. You may be able to find one on the forums here if you look though. If money were no object I would probably get a Sebenza, since you can take it apart to clean and it has an easy-to-sharpen blade shape. Personally I would not recommend an auto because there's just more to go wrong. I can easily see sand getting into the mechanism and wearing it out prematurely. YMMV. Don't forget to take along some sort of compact sharpening system, like a DMT Duofold, and a good multi-tool and fixed blade (if that's an option). And of course, most of all, take care of yourself over there and come back safe.
 
A suggestion to bring something good, yet replaceable.

As much as I would like to bring the best that I've got, I've been hearing that Customs has been confiscating stuff that's not "military issue". You've got to take your chances.

As an MP myself, I'd let it slide, but some of the guys are (in my opinion) looking for stuff for their own pockets. I've seen it before. Hope it's not the case.

Again, something good, but replaceable. No expensive customs here. Keep to the tried and true.

Ed,

SSG, USA
 
Sounds like a job for the venerable Buck 110. It's tough, cheap and reliable. They'll take a razor edge and hold it for a while. Add in a Becker or Swamp Rat fixed blade, a Leatherman WAVE and you should be good to go.

John
 
bring two.

take an "abuse" knife that is cheap that can be use for prying, digging, jamming, breaking etc. a fixed blade like a becker 5 or 7.

then bring another back-up, fully serrated endura. put it on you all the time.

good luck. stay safe.
 
God bless you! Be carefull there.
Back 110 very good tough knife.

Buck880SP_01.jpg


Also M95 SissiPukko.

jppeltonensissipuukko.jpg


This two - what came to my mind first.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
I agree with the Buck 110 suggestion. It is relatively cheap ($30 @Walmart), very reliable, and replaceable. If you are looking for a one-handed opener, the Benchmade Griptillian is good. My only problem with it is that the lock is prone to dirt clogging. I had mine out in the river the other night and had to give it a thorough cleaning afterwards.

CRKT makes some good one-handed, locking liner folders. My favorite of theirs is the M1, which can be acquired for around $40. CRKT uses a liner-lock, backed with the LAWKS system, which really helps secure the blade in place. You can see this knife here:
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd/...gid=&mscssid=UJ9K9MKNX1638NGT92CW7JEAKJSUAMH1 I have never ordered from this site, but I've read they are reliable.

Framelocks are nice, due to their simplicity and strength. Most are expensive; however, John Greco is selling off his stock and may have some left. I personally own two and really like their simple, rugged construction. His site is: http://www.grecoknives.com Go to the "knives for $75" tab and you will find his folders there. The handles are steel and the blade is a thick carbon steel blade. For $9.00, you can also get a repair kit, which includes every piece that may need replaced in the folder (save a blade and handle, of course).

For overall cutlery/tool kit, I second what jmxcpter said - take a good folder, carried on your person at all times, take a very sturdy fixed blade, something with a carbon blade at least 3/16" thick and, preferably, Micarta handle scales, and a full-size, locking Leatherman tool. I like the Supertool 200, many others like the Wave. Good luck on your choices (you're doing well by asking advice before going) and hope you stay safe while over there.

Trout
 
Buck 110 is great and I agreed with everybody here (I have custon from BG42). Hovewer CJ1999 does not asking for cheap and replacable, as I understand his post. He is looking for something CQC7. So toughest production knife I know - Buck 880 for 108$ from bestknives
http://www.bestknives.com/buck880strider.html
Thanks, Vassili.
 
I suggest afixed blade, sand wont get into locks, and no locks can slip.


Also, its not toooo humid over there, so a blade that usually rusts is ok, becker? chris reeve? busse? strider? custom maker?
 
i soent 11 months over there id suggest small or large green beret fixed blade from chris reeves,or something from bark river knife and tool,randall model 16 , or anything from tops
 
There's a Chris Reeve Green Beret 5.5 at a nice price in th Exchange right now that would make a tough and reliable companion.

John
 
Get a Cold Steel SRK...It's a good fixed-blade knife, and not too expensive should you lose it or damage it.
 
For what it's worth, my best friend has already done 9 months there and left July 8th for 12 more. His experience was that the best combo for all around use was some form of multi-tool like a leatherman and a 3-4 inch TOUGH folder.

I will second a Buck 110, 29.95 at most retail stores, built like a tank and won't fail you.
 
I hear a lot of front line guys keep something like a leatherman on a neck chain so it's easy to get to for clearing jams in the middle of a fire fight (hopefully your buddies can cover you while you clear your weapon).

John
 
Get Kalashnikov if possible - should not be so hard there. Will not jam until you make it jam intentionaly.
Thanks, Vassili.
 
As long as everyone else is throwing in fixed blade company suggestions, I figure I'll throw out some names, too :D These are some great picks for fixed-blade companies:

Busse - great knives, but definitely expensive
Fehrman - similar in style to Busse, but less expensive
TOPS - lots osf styles to choose from, with decent prices
Chris Reeve - everyone loves his stuff
Bark River Knife and Tool - very high quality, from what I've heard
Strider - tough as heck, but pricey. For a more affordable alternative, look at:
Buck/Strider - the Buck/Strider Solution is well spoken of and reasonably priced

Secondary considerations:
Cold Steel - the Carbon V is a great steel, but I would personally opt for a non-rubber handle
Swamp Rat - great knives, but rubber handles; if a rubber-based handle is what you like, get one of these!

Hope this helps, let us know what you go with.
 
Striders may not cut all that well, but they're nuke proof (well, it's nuke proof, but not smack against concrete proof)
 
Striders cut very well, and the ones I've handled would damage concrete, too.

Swamp Rat's "rubber" handles are a lot more stable than Cold Steel's kraton.

I just got a Bark River (Highland) and it is exceptional. Great micarta handle, incredibly sharp A2 convex edge, thick, tight leather sheath.
 
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