What fixed blade for Marine Infantryman heading to Afghanistan under $200

R

rob_engineer

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Jun 11, 2008
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My son is finishing infantry training next week and has learned he will be among the last troops deployed to Afghanistan in the Fall. He job is a Mortarman (0341). I already bought him an auto-opener S&W tanto blade in S30V steel for everyday carry in his pocket. I want to now get him a fixed blade knife he can carry attached to his vest. I think he prefers something on the small side, maybe 5"-6" blade due to the other heavy stuff he has to carry, such as his mortar tube. I am particular that it must be a great type of steel. I also prefer flat grind and no serrations. I used to be incredibly active on here and was very knowledgeable about knives but other pursuits have kept me away for about 5 years so I am not up to speed on what is available these days. I like the design of the Esee 5" knives, though would like to know what everyone on here would recommend. I would like to keep the price under $150, but would be willing to go up to $200.
 
The Becker bk-2 is a very strong knife 1/4" 1095 I don't have 1 so take my recommendation with a grain of salt but they are very popular on the forum. Another fixed blade that looks good is the Grayman MEGA POUNDER 6 DB also a 1/4" thick so it might be to heavy but grayman knives are very popular with american soldiers I have heard. I don't have the grayman ever.
 
The ESEE is a great line. I just bought a ESEE 3mil which used to be available only to the military and law enforcement.
Make sure that your son is allowed to bring his own knife with him. There may be regs against it in his unit.
Thank your son, for us, for his service to our country.
 
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Fallkniven S1. Compact 5" blade, good steel, don't have to worry about corrosion.
 
Ka-Bar makes a 5" and Marines have used it since WWII. I bought one since i want to be a marine and love everything about Marine Corps history
 
Ka bar becker bk9 and a sog multi tool. I have both they both work awesome. They take hard use no problem and will not fail. Plus they are made in they USA.
 
If you don't mind differentially hardened 1084, I can give you this one at a third of your budget. I can also gun blue the blade for you. I was an infantryman too 10 years ago. God, that makes me feel old.

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lukeeson111 said:
ESEE 3, and a Leatherman Tool of his choice will suit him well and be under budget.
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Best advice.

Anything bigger than that and he'll be the butt of endless jokes during his deployment.

Rule of thumb here....bigger blade=bigger fobbit.
 
lukeeson111 said:
ESEE 3, and a Leatherman Tool of his choice will suit him well and be under budget.
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ron finkbeiner jr said:
Words of wisdom there sir.
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Grease said:
/thread.
That's the best answer you can get, I think.
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Sonnydaze said:
The ESEE is a great line. I just bought a ESEE 3mil which used to be available only to the military and law enforcement.
Make sure that your son is allowed to bring his own knife with him. There may be regs against it in his unit.
Thank your son, for us, for his service to our country.
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tobii3 said:
Best advice.
Anything bigger than that and he'll be the butt of endless jokes during his deployment.1
Rule of thumb here....bigger blade=bigger fobbit.
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Very good advice, small fixed blade, good multitool. (Gerber has one with a cork screw if he likes wine). Save money where you can (no need for a custom that can get lost or stolen or abused.), surprise him with extra goodies, like Ricolah Cough Drops, Candy, Baby Wipes (Seriously it's the small stuff that makes life great).

Charlie Mike said:
I was an infantryman too 10 years ago. God, that makes me feel old.
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CM You are old :) (Thanks for your service)

Oh, please give your Son thanks, from me, for his service.
 
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I second the ESEE 3. Get the mil while you're at it. I had an ESEE 5 which is what I took with me overseas and like many of us know, you could destroy a tank with that knife but I can tell you that a 3 will be better since it's smaller and lighter. I just sold the 5 and got a 6. I'm in love. I just bought an Izula II and my next purchase will be a 3. Yes, I'm addicted.
 
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